The State of Civic Participation in Australia: A Changing Landscape

Social Capital in Australia: A Moderate but Fragile Resource

Social capital—the networks of relationships that enable societies to function effectively—remains a critical measure of community health and engagement. According to the Trust and Transparency Unit of the Australian Public Service Commission, Australia holds moderate levels of social capital. However, the data reveals mixed signals about the vibrancy of social and community participation.

Only 47% of Australians report engaging in social or community activities “often” or “very often,” while 39% admit to participating “sometimes,” and 14% “rarely” or “never” join in such activities. These figures highlight a nation where a significant proportion of individuals may feel disconnected from broader community life.

While participation in civic activities remains a cornerstone of social cohesion, the limited engagement suggests that opportunities for fostering deeper relationships and mutual trust may not be fully realised.

What Does Civic Participation Look Like?

When it comes to specific forms of civic and community engagement, the data highlights clear preferences—and glaring gaps. Australians show the highest levels of participation in sporting or recreational activities (30%) and interest-based groups (29%), followed by local community or neighbourhood organisations (26%). However, participation in events organised by political parties is strikingly low, with only 7% attending such events in the past year.

A broader trend of declining membership in social groups is also evident. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals that nearly two-thirds of Australians were members of social groups in 2006, a figure that has now dropped to around half. As the Sydney Policy Lab notes, individuals who actively connect outside their personal networks—such as young people from non-English-speaking households or parents with children—tend to exhibit higher levels of civic engagement, underlining the value of diverse and inclusive social interactions.

Trust and Social Cohesion: Signs of Strain

Trust is a foundational component of social cohesion, and in Australia, the story is mixed. According to the Ipsos Global Trustworthiness Index, only 40% of Australians regard others as trustworthy—a moderate score that aligns closely with other Anglo-American countries.

Trust levels vary significantly depending on the nature of relationships. Research from the Trust and Transparency Unit shows that Australians express the highest trust in family (81%) and friends (75%), followed by individuals they know personally (66%). Trust diminishes, however, when it extends to neighbours, individuals of different nationalities or ethnicities, and those encountered for the first time.

Social cohesion, which encompasses belonging, participation, social justice, and acceptance, is also under pressure. The Scanlon-Monash Index of Social Cohesion reports a steady decline since 2007, with the sharpest drops occurring after the peak of solidarity observed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite these challenges, local communities offer a bright spot, where Australians report strong neighbourly relations and positive cross-cultural connections.

Civic Knowledge: A Critical Gap

A well-informed citizenry is essential for a robust democracy, yet knowledge of civics and citizenship in Australia leaves much to be desired. The National Assessment Program – Civics and Citizenship (NAP-CC) indicates that only 38% of Year 10 students met the required standard of civic knowledge in 2019.

This knowledge deficit extends beyond the classroom, with many young Australians ill-equipped to fully engage with democratic processes or understand their rights and responsibilities. Without stronger investment in education about civics, the next generation risks being less prepared to participate meaningfully in Australia’s democratic system.

Volunteering and Political Engagement: A Declining Trend

The long-term decline in volunteering represents another concerning trend. Research by Volunteering Australia shows that participation in formal volunteering has decreased significantly over the past 15 to 20 years, particularly among middle-aged Australians, women, and individuals without university degrees.

Political engagement is similarly subdued. While voting remains the most common form of participation—largely due to Australia’s compulsory voting laws—other forms of political expression, such as attending protests or local council meetings, see engagement rates below 10%. Australians tend to prefer simpler, less demanding forms of political voice, such as signing petitions, with a growing shift from traditional written petitions to online formats.

Towards a More Engaged Society

Despite these challenges, there is reason for optimism. Local communities continue to demonstrate resilience and cohesion, offering a foundation upon which broader social and civic engagement can be rebuilt. Initiatives that foster inclusive connections across cultural and generational divides may help address the growing fragmentation in Australian society.

To reverse the trends of declining participation and trust, policymakers and community leaders must prioritise strategies that re-energise civic life. Investing in education, creating accessible pathways for engagement, and fostering trust through transparency and accountability are essential steps in strengthening Australia’s civic fabric.

In a rapidly changing world, the capacity of Australians to come together as engaged and informed citizens will be crucial in navigating future challenges and opportunities.