This report explores how the powerful fossil fuel, gambling and tobacco industries are attempting to take advantage of Australia’s weak integrity laws, thereby distorting the nation's democratic processes, to put profits ahead of society's wellbeing.

This report shows how support for populist politics ‘collapsed’ during the COVID-19 pandemic, but satisfaction with democracy also continued to falter.

Trust between citizens and their governments is crucial for the legitimacy and functioning of democracies. This paper discusses the main determinants of people’s trust in public institutions and their measurement, in times of crisis as well as for a long-term, strong, inclusive and green recovery.

Liberal democracy across the West is under strain. The causes of these democratic challenges are many and complex, but there is a common thread - a decline in political trust. This report outlines four major areas of challenge for policy-makers to focus on to improve political trust.

This report is the first output from Recoded, Next25's ongoing research and engagement program that builds the knowledge and support required to drive action that improves how Australia makes its future.