Contemporary Indicators of Political (Dis)engagement in Australia

Abstract

The growing literature dealing with political disengagement and disenchantment is rightly concerned with analysing the indicators of the public's disaffection with the political process. Despite this growing interest, there has been a general reluctance of commentators to see the primary cause of this disaffection residing in the actions of politicians and other political elites. The inclination has been to blame the public for its indifference or apathy. This reluctance to see the actions of political elites as problematic carries dangers for civil society; and it carries risks for elites themselves, particularly when a (temporary) re-engagement occurs, as the events of 2007 and the Australian federal election demonstrate.