Reported at www.themandarin.com.au: Australians are experiencing declining trust in government officials, with fewer than one-in-three expressing confidence in their politics, according to a report by Mark Evans from Charles Sturt University.

Key concerns include a lack of transparency, government inefficiency, and disconnection between politicians and the public, particularly regarding pressing issues like the cost of living.

Independent MP Allegra Spender criticised the major parties for failing to represent their communities and emphasized the need for more collaborative and integrity-focused politics.