Opportunity to Vote for a Trustworthy Political Candidate

Indicator Rationale

Having a trustworthy political candidate aids communication and exposure of individual and community wide issues at a local government level where decisions relating to the immediate community and locality are made.  When adequately addressed, community members feel that their opinion and ideas are being incorporated into the local area leading to overall improvements for the community on several fronts including social connectedness, transport and infrastructure, and housing and services, all of which affect wellbeing. 

Data Source

Community Indicators Victoria Survey 2007

Measure

People Who Agree that They Are Able to Vote for a Trustworthy Political Candidate: expressed as a percentage of the adult population.

A small number of survey respondents (representing 6.5% of the weighted survey estimates across Victoria) answered that they didn't know, or refused to answer the survey question.  These respondents have been excluded from the data analysis.  Rates of non-response across LGAs ranged from 2.1% to 11.2%.

Survey Question 

QC5. Now I'd like your opinion on some broader social issues. To what extent do you agree or disagree that you are able to vote for a political candidate you can trust? Strongly agree; Agree; Neither agree nor disagree; Disagree; Strongly disagree.

Respondents who indicated that they were not eligible to vote (e.g. because they were not Australian citizens) were coded as a 'don't know' response.

The measure is based on responses of 'Strongly agree' or 'Agree' to this question.

Source of Question

Institute of Community Engagement and Policy Alternatives, Victoria University

Reference

Pew Research Center (1998). How Americans View Government: Deconstructing Distrust