Australia

Australia falls into the lower ranks (rank 27) in the area of vertical accountability.

Elections are fundamentally competitive. The political arena is dominated by two major parties/coalitions, Labor and the Liberal-National coalition, which contend on a relatively balanced playing field.

Barriers to effective political competition are low, but political financing practices impose formal and informal disadvantages on minor parties. Political finance disclosure laws are stringent at the federal level. Lower turnout rates in regions with large Indigenous populations are a concern.
A preferential rank-order voting system allows voters to express complex preferences. Party membership levels are low and declining. Party competitiveness hinders cross-party cooperation, but governing parties typically hold majorities.

Well-respected freedom of information (FOI) rules are in place, but the regulations contain significant loopholes. FOI requests are increasingly being rejected, diminishing public confidence in the system.

Australia falls into the bottom ranks (rank 27) with regard to diagonal accountability.

Australia has long had a lively media landscape, with internet platforms and social media greatly expanding the number and range of broadcasters. Private operators are independent of government, while public broadcasters receive state funding but are operationally independent.

Recently passed public security laws impinge on media freedom, but there is no evidence of censorship or self-censorship. Concentration in the broadcast and newspaper markets poses obstacles to representing all political perspectives.

Civil society organizations (CSOs) can form and express opinions freely. Some jurisdictions have begun cracking down on demonstrations that are “disruptive,” especially climate protests. Government attention to CSOs varies depending on the governing party. Labor influence has waned in recent decades.

In the category of horizonal accountability, Australia falls into the sample’s middle ranks (rank 17).

Australia has a well-established and highly effective judicial system, featuring broad independence from the executive. While there is no bill of rights, civil rights are protected by legislation and the constitution. These rights are generally respected, although protest laws have been tightened.

The incidence of explicit corruption is low, although there is a widespread perception of corruption in public life. Political financing practices and government contracts processes raise concerns about favorable treatment. A new anticorruption commission has been created.

Parliamentarians have adequate resources at their disposal to monitor government activity, but parliaments’ capacities have declined relative to the executive.

Australia performs well (rank 5) in the area of coordination.

Significant mechanisms exist for coordination between the center, prime minister and line ministries in Australia. The cabinet is the principal forum for ensuring a whole-of-government approach. Overcentralization is one risk of this system.

Government agencies routinely create working groups to address cross-domain challenges. Informal meetings between agency staffers take place through a variety of forums.

The federal government seeks to provide uniform national service standards, but states retain significant control over public service delivery in many areas. Actors across different levels of government cooperate routinely, though tensions are not uncommon.

In the category of consensus-building, Australia falls into the sample’s middle ranks (rank 15).

Australian governments regularly draw on experts to inform policymaking, but academic influence is limited. Populist pressures have diminished respect for experts in some sectors.

Union and business-sector influence depends on the government’s political complexion, and is not institutionalized. Complex CSO-led commission recommendations are often diluted when translated into party policy proposals. The powerful fossil-fuels lobby undermines environmental-movement influence.

The government has developed and published significant quantities of data about its activities in various sectors. This is available for public scrutiny. Some gaps exist, for example with regard to political donations.

Australia’s score in the category of sensemaking places it within the sample’s middle ranks (rank 14).

Australian governments have shown increasing interest in strategic foresight, but the relevant institutions are not yet major players in policy circles.

Regulatory impact statements are required for significant regulatory proposals. These assess costs and benefits of the proposal and of alternative options. An Office of Impact Analysis provides support in making evidence-based assessments, including when evaluating environmental issues.

Government agencies often use evaluations by internal or external experts to assess existing programs. However, such initiatives vary widely in rigor, and depend on individual agency sponsors.

Australia scores relatively poorly (rank 23) in the area of economic sustainability.

The government has committed to circular-economy policies, but progress is slow. Efforts to improve infrastructure have not filled gaps left by past underinvestment.

Unemployment rates are low, and employment rates high. Labor market institutions have not yet fully aligned with new demands, leaving labor shortages in some sectors. Labor market risk is addressed largely through high employment rates, not state-led protection policies.

Taxes are low as a share of GDP as compared to the OECD average. There is a strong reliance on income taxes, with low consumption taxes and little tax on land or wealth. The government posted a balanced budget in 2023, but warned that deficits would return in future years.

In the category of social sustainability, Australia falls into the sample’s middle ranks (rank 15).

Student performance has declined in recent years. The school system features significant geographical and gender disparities, and teacher pay is low. Public services are generally available with weaknesses in some remote areas. Urban residents are grappling with a severe housing shortage, driving up prices and rental rates.

The healthcare system is among the world’s best for quality and affordability. Numerous programs support gender equality and families, including substantial childcare subsidies. Pensions are viewed as generally adequate and sustainable.

The large migrant population skews toward skilled workers. The country’s integration approach is highly ranked in terms of its ability to secure equal rights, opportunities and security for immigrants.

Australia scores relatively poorly (rank 22) with regard to environmental sustainability.

Australia intends to reach a net zero emissions status by 2050. Critics say government commitments often lack detailed sectoral plans and rely on unpredictable technological innovations. About 61% of energy generation is expected to come from renewables by 2030.

Government rhetoric shows a strong commitment to preserving ecosystems, but economic and population pressures continue to impact biodiversity.

Domestic politics around climate change have been contentious, with environmental issues contributing to the downfall of several prime ministers. Global environmental protection and cooperation strategies have become more credible, but the influence of the resources industry has hindered progress in this area.