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.
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Giant social media companies are damaging journalism in Australia and local, community newsrooms are the worst hit.
Around 120 newsrooms have closed their doors in the past 5 years alone. This leaves local communities without a reliable, fact-based, flow of independent information.
The News Bargaining Incentive and associated Statutory Payments Scheme have the potential to help to rebuild public interest journalism in Australia – but only if we get them right.
Add your name to the open letter calling on Minister Wells, Senator Henderson, and Senator Hanson-Young to ensure public interest journalism thrives in Australia.
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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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5 June 2026
Democracy advocates welcome the passage of a new law in Victoria that will prevent this year’s election campaign descending into a free-for-all of unregulated and opaque political donations.
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3 June 2026
A bill introduced into the Victorian Parliament today would close a massive loophole threatening democracy in the lead up to the November election, but advocates say there is still work to do.
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24 March 2026
Understanding how Australians think about the threats and opportunities, including common-sense actions to review trust in politics.
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?
Our privacy collection notice and privacy policy provide information about how we collect and use your information and how you can contact us.