With economic instability and conflict rippling across the globe, many of Australia’s neighbours have experienced increases in polarisation, even a lack of faith in democratic governance. But those trends haven’t hit Australia in the same way. A new report from The Grattan Institute has found that in an uncertain world, Australians remain largely committed to democracy — but a deeper look reveals a number of challenges that need to be addressed.
Image: Image: Shutterstock – Sangiao Photography
Produced By: Aspen Beilharz
Featured In Story: Matthew Bowes – Senior Associate in The Grattan Institute’s Economic Prosperity and Democracy Program
First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 15 April 2026