Our democracy is stronger than most. But the rules around politics have not kept up. Our mission is simple. Common sense reforms that ensure your voice is heard and truth and the public interest win.
Our democracy was built to ensure the Australian people have real power over the decisions that impact our lives. But right now, lies and distortion spread fast. Online, misinformation moves faster than facts, platforms profit from distortion, those with money and power have a louder say, and Australians see campaigns built on attack ads and spin, not real plans and vision.
Together, we can renew Australia’s democracy by updating the rules of politics for the world we are in now, so truth and the public interest win.
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of Australians think politicians are focused on short-term gains and re-election rather than addressing long-term challenges.
of Australians think Australia’s political system needs reform – 53% say it needs some reform but is fundamentally sound, while 34% say it needs fundamental reform.
of Australians think that Australian politicians do not represent the interests of people like them.
We’re calling for simple, common-sense changes that put people first:
Making political parties and politicians outline their plans and policies so that Australians can make up their own minds about how to vote.
Limits on the revolving door from politics to lobbying.
An impartial public service protected from political interference.
Modern civics education including digital and media literacy.
Regulating social media companies and investing in public interest journalism, so Australians have access to reliable information.
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Will get more reliable information, more transparency and clearer choices.
Will benefit from decisions that are made in the public interest – not the interests of the rich and powerful.
Will gain the practical tools, knowledge and confidence to participate in our system, and know they’ll be heard.
Will keep the safeguards that make our democracy work, with common-sense rules that stop us sliding into the dysfunction people see overseas.
Democracy Counts is a growing alliance of organisations and Australians who care about the way democracy functions in Australia.
Partners include the Centre for Public Integrity, Digital Rights Watch, the Local and Independent News Association, Sentiment and the Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom.
The campaign is powered by McKinnon, an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to better governments for a stronger Australia.
Further information about McKinnon is available in the link below.
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A growing number of organisations have come together to protect Australia’s democracy and ensure Australians stay in charge. Together, we are calling for the rules of politics to be updated for the world we are in now, so truth and the public interest win.
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1 October 2026
The warning from the nation's independent electoral body that AI deepfakes pose a "significant threat to electoral integrity" is a wake-up call on the need for governments to implement basic rules on tech platforms – not just for user safety, but also to safeguard democracy.
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23 September 2026
Democracy advocates are calling on parliamentarians to make their plans to renew and protect our democracy public, in the face of the risks presented by AI that have been outlined in Democracy Counts’ submission to the Joint Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence.
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14 September 2026
Along with opportunity, AI presents several known challenges to Australia's democracy and democracy institutions. Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping Australia’s economy, institutions and information environment. While AI offers opportunities to improve democracy participation and public administration, including by making disparate evidence and large data sets easier to interrogate, it is also likely to accelerate many of the challenges Australia’s democracy already faces.
Democracy Counts is a movement for change. Together, we will insist that the voice of every day Australians counts. We’ll organise, share and build visible momentum that decision makers cannot ignore. Are you in?
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