In recent years, as chronicled in countless news stories and reports into trust, public integrity, accountability, transparency and corruption, our institutions of government have become widely seen as places of maladministration and misconduct, more concerned with serving self and vested interests ahead of the public interest. Although these concerns are expressed in relation to all levels of government, they are arguably most pronounced in relation to federal government.

In this report, the Australian Leadership Index takes stock of the current state of federal government leadership for the greater good, as perceived by the Australian public. By examining public perceptions of government integrity, competence and contribution to public value, overall and against national benchmarks, the authors reveal the low esteem in which federal government is held and contextualise the results within Australia’s wider institutional landscape.