Democracy Under Threat
Where To From Here?
Disclaimer: the comments and opinions expressed on this page are the personal views of the author, Geoff Nunn, and do not represent professional advice.
The World Has Changed
Geopolitical events continue to re-shape the world order . We’re in a period of great disruption. Some suggest rules based governance is no longer valued as it once was:
“Democracy is under sustained pressure everywhere. Australia is one of the world’s leading democracies, but we cannot – and should not – take ours for granted.
Around the world, democracies are backsliding, and the world order in which Australia has flourished is being seriously tested. These are more turbulent times not just for our economy or sustaining our living standards, but for liberal democracies themselves.”
For the People: Future Proofing Australia’s Democracy, Grattan Institute April 2026
Not only has the threat to the environment increased exponentially, but the very foundations of democracy and the rule of law are being attacked from all directions. Trade wars are underway, institutions are being dismantled, markets are in turmoil, sovereign territory is under threat, entire populations are to be forcibly relocated.
This has significant implications for democracy in Australia in a number of ways and we need to:
Protect Our Institutions
We need to ensure the independence and integrity of the institutions that underpin our democracy. The judiciary, police, defence forces, universities and government organisations are the backbone of our very fortunate society. Free and fair advice to government ministers is essential for effective governance. The corporations, businesses and industries which generate our sovereign wealth are far from perfect. But they do provide employment for millions of Australians and deliver the goods and services we need to survive. We need to support the business sector and call it to account when misconduct occurs. We also need to call it out when it occurs in our government organisations.
Cherish Our Values
Australia is one of the most ethnically diverse countries on earth. We’ve welcomed people from all parts of the globe. We need to cherish the values of equity, and a fair go for everyone, which are part of who we are. Equal opportunity and anti-discrimination legislation is in place in across Australia and underpins policies of diversity and inclusion. This diversity needs to be reflected in our various governments, corporations and community organisations.
Maintain Independence
We need to retain and cultivate a position of autonomy and independence in our foreign policy. This does not mean abandoning existing alliances. Most have been forged by history and shared values. We are a middle player in world events. But generally well respected for our integrity and even-mindedness. The worlds sees us as egalitarian with a sound system of governance. Let’s not blindly follow those who would potentially lead us into a darker place.
The Environment is Non-Negotiable
Our environment is a top priority. In Australia we are uniquely blessed with a diversity of flora and fauna, clean air, a pristine landscape and an amazing coastline. The climate science and our expert authorities tells us various parts of the country are under existential threat. Floods and bushfires are a frequent occurrence. The Great Barrier Reef is being killed by rising water temperatures, invasive species and land based run-off. Sustainable practices need to guide all of our human activities.
Our perspective in independent. The issues speak for themselves.
When it Comes to Democracy Australia is
Going Backward
In a recent report (For the People: Future Proofing Australia’s Democracy, April 2026) researchers from the Grattan Institute highlight a decline in democratic standards in Australia over the last 25 years. See Figure 1.1. We rank 12th out of 31 countries that identify as liberal democracies. The authors point out that there are a number of things we can do to improve our position which are summarised here:
Our federal government can be more representative and better functioning to ensure effective long term decision making and sound government administration.
We can do more to ensure all Australians have a voice in our collective governance and sense of community belonging.
We need to ensure that all Australians have access to accurate and reliable information from both public and other media sources.
Australians need to feel confident that our government agencies and legal systems treat individuals fairly and equitably and do not pander to vested interests.
We need proactive risk management strategies and resource buffers to future proof Australia against unanticipated shocks (as we’re currently experiencing with fuel shortages).
Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, with disruption to the flow of oil, gas and other commodities to the world, is causing significant economic, social and supply chain disruption. There is talk of recession in Australia and escalating cost of living pressures. We are already seeing impacts in transport, tourism, hospitality, agriculture and other sectors as cost and supply issues take hold. Unemployment levels could increase and those on government support or fixed incomes could struggle further. Homelessness could increase as more people are unable to find affordable accommodation.
Right now it’s important for each of us, as we are able, to engage in the political processes nationally, at the state level, and locally. We can write to our local member, vote in council elections, lobby for particular issues, join community based organisations. Some of us have the capacity to do volunteer work in the community and there is an increasing demand occurring right now.
“Right now we need to take stock and not simply follow the lead from other countries who may have a less compassionate ethos than our own. We need to foster education for all, support our institutions to be diverse and inclusive, encourage research and development, and perhaps most of all, put the community at the centre of our focus.”
Geoff Nunn, Governance Update, February 2025