Which Trust Crisis?

Abstract

Are concerns about Australian' faith in politics and democracy being exaggerated by poorly presented research? Or are Australian's just as sceptical of our political class than they have always been? This article explores these questions by examining the history of crisis in Australian politics, and the methods modern social scientists use that inflate the "trust crisis" narrative in a way that perpetuates it. I conclude by arguing that pause for thought ought to be considered before "routine surveys" begin if we want to avoid adding fuel to ever growing chorus of, so called, mistrustful citizens.