Central to Australia’s cultural and political identity is the notion of a “fair go”. But recent elections, including in the United States, have highlighted the challenge of maintaining shared norms and support for institutions when many voters don’t believe they’re getting a “fair go”.
Australia has maintained a reasonably high satisfaction with democracy. However, this satisfaction is slipping.
A recent study, published by the Australian National University in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs Strengthening Democracy Taskforce, explored this issue further. It analysed how perceptions of income inequality relate to satisfaction with democracy.
It found concerns about income inequality in Australia are strongly related to dissatisfaction with democracy. This suggests Australia’s satisfaction with democracy is at risk. It may erode further if voters think the major parties aren’t sufficiently responsive to the economic pressures they are under.
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I wonder why they focused on income distribution rather than wealth distribution?
I would have thought that inequality in accumulated wealth is the bigger issue. How many times the median income would one need to earn to “catch up” to some one on median income who inherited their parents property?
IMO our society is stratifying in to those who own vs those who will never own their own home.