New OECD survey shows highest ever levels of trust in Australia’s public institutions

The OECD Survey on Drivers of Trust in Public Institutions 2026 results show the highest ever levels of trust in the Australian public institutions.

Trust in Australia’s public institutions has reached a record high. 51 per cent of Australians report high or moderately high trust in 2025. This is up from 38 per cent in 2021 and well ahead of the OECD average of 40 per cent.

Australia also scores above the OECD average on:

• 13 different service interaction indicators
• 14 of 15 indicators on complex government decision-making
• AI use in government, scoring higher on six measures of confidence in AI

Australia is on track to become a world leader in AI-enhanced public service delivery. The survey shows that Australians have confidence in a public service that is responsive and embracing new technology while keeping people at the centre of government services.

The report is available online: OECD Survey on Drivers of Trust in Public Institutions 2026 Results(link is external)

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Patrick Gorman

“The results are welcomed but the job is not done. The Albanese Government will continue delivering for Australians.

“This is the result of ongoing work to deliver real change for the Australian people by reducing wait times for government services and increase capability and integrity across the Public Service.

“The results show what is possible when people remain at the centre of how government uses AI.

“I was pleased to join the OECD Secretary-General, Mathias Cormann for a high-level online panel to discuss the report findings and congratulate the Australian Public Service on this result.”