Democracy is about more than just voting at an election. A political system that is democratic in nature is characterised first and foremost by a commitment to free and fair debate, and government in a democratic
system is responsive to people subject to that system and who participate in that free and fair debate.
The reality is that Australia has an inconsistent commitment to free and fair debate. Fundamentally, Australian politics is not a level playing field.
This research paper examines the extent to which Australian state and federal governments provide funding to non-government organisations that engage in lobbying back to government.
The sample of 100 NGOs across five public policy areas reveals they received $2.2 billion from taxpayers between the 2021 and 2025 financial years to engage in advocacy on progressive or left-leaning policy priorities.
