Freedom of speech is fundamental to a free society. Political communication is obviously an important mode of speech and accordingly, the laws and regulations that seek to restrict it are inherently concerning.

This discussion paper is based upon a national poll, conducted in April and May 2017, to assess levels of direct engagement between Australians and their parliamentarians, and opinions on whether the number of federal parliamentarians should be increased or decreased.

Amid the changing informational landscape, media trust in the U.S. has been eroding, making it harder for the news media to fulfill their democratic responsibilities of informing the public and holding government leaders accountable.

This research paper summarizes differences between the preliminary (election night count) and the final election results, compares the 2017 election result with that of 2014, shows trends in voter turnout, and analyses the demographic makeup of the 52nd Parliament.

This paper draws on a detailed survey of Australian attitudes to democracy and government. It is also informed by input from about thirty eminent Australians from diverse backgrounds, who gathered in Melbourne last month for a special roundtable on democracy.