A major survey has found a high level of trust in Australian public institutions.

The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) has welcomed the findings of the latest Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Survey on Drivers of Trust in Public Institutions, which show that public institutions in Australia enjoy high levels of trust.

The survey, in which Australia participated for the second consecutive year, provides critical insights into public perceptions of various Australian public institutions. 

According to the findings, Australians exhibit substantial trust in the police, with 68 per cent of respondents expressing confidence. 

The courts and judicial system also enjoy significant trust, with a 59 per cent approval rating.

One of the most notable outcomes is the increased trust in the federal government, which rose from 38 per cent in 2021 to 46 per cent in 2023. 

This places Australia above the OECD average of 39 per cent, ranking it among the top ten of the 30 countries surveyed.

Australia's performance surpassed the OECD average on several key indicators, including the belief that the government makes decisions based on the best available evidence. 

Additionally, Australians reported high satisfaction with their day-to-day interactions with government agencies and expressed optimism that applications for government benefits are treated fairly. 

The education and healthcare systems received favourable reviews, and there is strong confidence that the government is prepared to protect lives during national emergencies.

Despite these positive results, the survey also highlights areas for improvement. 

Notably, there exists a higher-than-average gender gap in trust levels. Additionally, more than one-third of Australians identify housing as a critical issue that requires attention.

The APSC says it is actively collaborating with the OECD on a country study to delve deeper into these findings and address the areas needing improvement.