It’s a survey result that should surprise few: Australians don’t trust what their political leaders say.
Of the 1000 general public and 200 ‘‘informed’’ public who responded to the latest annual Trust Barometer survey, released by public relations firm Edelman, 60 per cent did not trust our pollies.
A similar proportion thought the country was on the wrong track.
‘‘There is a complete misalignment between the public’s expectations of government and what they think is actually being delivered,’’ Edelman chief executive Michelle Hutton said.
Money was also top of mind, with 71 per cent of respondents saying it was important the nation’s financial affairs were managed effectively, but only 18 per cent thought this was happening.
The same proportion believed it was important governments listen and respond to voters, but only 13 per cent thought that was happening.
Business leaders were more trusted than government to tell the truth, but Ms Hutton said Australia’s corporations still had ‘‘some hurdles to clear’’.
Almost three-quarters of respondents said companies should be involved in solving social and environmental problems.
Listening to customer needs ranked highly at 70 per cent, as did having ethical business practices at 69 per cent, along with delivering quality products, also 69 per cent.
As well, 68 per cent of Australians expect businesses to place the customer ahead of profits while 67 per cent expect them to treat employees well.
‘‘The public expects business to do more than just make money and create jobs,’’ Ms Hutton said.
‘‘They expect business to improve the world it operates in.’’
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