Democracy Scorecard

D+

Overall Democracy Score: D+

Australia's parliament talks a lot but delivers little on the issues that matter most to citizens.

Issue Grades

8 policy areas graded on reform outcomes, speech-vote alignment, and donor influence.

F

Gambling Reform

25 years of debate, $65M in donations, no major reform.

Speeches
1,247
Industry Donations
$65M
Reform Bills Passed
0
D

Housing Affordability

102K speeches, $523M from developers, prices keep rising.

Speeches
102,411
Developer Donations
$523M
Median Price Change
+340%
D+

Climate Action

24K speeches, carbon tax introduced then repealed, fossil fuel money dominates.

Speeches
24,318
Fossil Fuel Donations
$187M
Carbon Tax
Repealed
C-

Political Transparency

Anti-corruption commission finally passed after 1,000+ days, but donation rules still weak.

Speeches
18,942
NACC Delay
1,000+ days
Real-time Disclosure
No
F

Media Diversity

71K speeches, ownership rules abolished in 2017, News Corp dominance unchecked.

Speeches
71,206
Ownership Rules
Abolished
News Corp Market Share
59%
C

Healthcare

Bipartisan rhetoric but inconsistent funding decisions.

Speeches
89,714
Medicare Freeze
6 years
Bipartisan Support
72%
D

Indigenous Affairs

25K speeches, Voice referendum failed, Closing the Gap targets repeatedly missed.

Speeches
25,891
Voice Referendum
Failed
Gap Targets Met
4 of 17
C+

Education

Consistent debate but funding model disputes persist.

Speeches
67,340
Gonski Funding
Partial
OECD Ranking Trend
Declining

Democracy Score Over Time

2012: C- → 2016: D → 2020: D+ → 2024: D

Hold Parliament Accountable

These grades are generated from real parliamentary data. Explore any topic to see the speeches, votes, and donations behind the score.

Worst Grade: GamblingFollow the Money