The Purpose of Government Pulse is an annual snapshot of how Australians think about government, democracy, and the role of public institutions in their lives.
Drawing on long-running national polling by Essential, the Pulse tracks evolving public attitudes over time—revealing what Australians believe government is for, how democracy should function, and whether political leaders are meeting the expectations of the people they serve.
Each edition explores questions at the heart of public life: What should governments prioritise? What do Australians value most in democratic institutions? Are governments focused on long-term wellbeing, fairness and effective service delivery—or stuck in short-term political cycles?
The findings offer a window into both enduring values and shifting concerns. They show how Australians weigh issues like trust, representation, and the role of government in people’s everyday lives—and highlight the capabilities and commitments people want to see from those in power.
Each edition of the Purpose of Government Pulse provides a vital resource for policymakers, researchers, and citizens working to strengthen Australia’s democracy.
Expert insights on the research, and detailed findings on each question unpacked. Read the full report online or download as a pdf.
Explore the data and examine changes over time, and between different demographics, with the Purpose of Government Pulse Data Explorer.
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