Young Men Back Extreme Measures in Survey

A second McKinnon Index finds trust in politicians and government has fallen compared with last year.

Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Young Men Back Extreme Measures in Survey

Live Poll

Do you think Australia is becoming more politically divided?

McKinnon released its second McKinnon Index on 1 November 2026, surveying more than 4,000 Australians with Roy Morgan in June and July 2026. The survey found over 27 per cent of men aged 18 to 24 say extreme measures can sometimes be justified.

Why it matters

The findings point to declining support for democracy among young men, with support falling to 54 per cent. Trust in politicians and government has also fallen compared with last year.

The McKinnon Index survey of more than 4,000 Australians found about one in 10 of the whole population say extreme measures can sometimes be justified, compared with over 27 per cent of men aged 18 to 24. The source does not establish what drove the shift among young men.

The players

McKinnon

A not-for-profit organisation that leads the McKinnon Index on attitudes toward democracy.

Roy Morgan

A market research company that conducted the survey with McKinnon.

The details

The survey was led by the not-for-profit McKinnon and conducted with Roy Morgan. Those reporting low trust in the federal government cited broken promises, dishonesty and politicians being out of touch.

June and July 2026: survey of more than 4,000 Australians conducted.
1 November 2026: second McKinnon Index released.

Big Picture

The second McKinnon Index updates its earlier edition, showing trust in politicians and government has fallen since last year. The comparison with that first edition is the main way to read the new findings.

The findings reflect attitudes rather than new rules, so no direct change to voting or civic obligations is reported. Readers can compare the survey's measures of trust in the Australian Electoral Commission and federal government with their own views.

The takeaway

Trust and democratic support are measurable, and the survey shows both shifting among younger Australians. Tracking these figures over time will show whether the decline continues.