2026 Edelman Trust Barometer: Trust Amid Insularity

The latest Edelman Trust Barometer has highlighted that while overall trust in institutions has edged up into neutral territory, the data reveals a fractured society where people are retreating into ideological silos. While Australia is becoming a neutral country on paper, it remains deeply divided in practice. For NGOs, the mission is no longer just “doing good". It’s helping Australians learn how to work with people they don't like.

The most alarming finding is that 73% of Australians now have an "insular mindset". This is defined as a hesitation or outright refusal to trust anyone who sees the world differently, whether because of different core values, political beliefs, or cultural backgrounds. Distrust has moved from a general scepticism of the "system" to a personal scepticism of each other.

The report highlights that Australians are increasingly seeking "same-voice" information:

• Media Trust Paradox: Trust in media rose by 8 points, but largely because people are consuming news that aligns with their existing beliefs.

• Declining Diversity: Only one in three Australians now seek out diverse news sources weekly, a 6% drop from the previous year.

• Workplace Silos: 42% of Australians would rather move departments than report to a manager with different values, and 33% admit they would put less effort into a project if it was led by someone with opposing political views.

The report further highlights that trust isn't being felt equally. There is now a 19-point trust gap between high- and low-income earners, the largest since the pandemic.

• Low-income earners remain deeply sceptical and pessimistic about the future.

• High-income earners drive the statistical "rise" in trust, creating two "opposing institutional realities" within the same country.

The report further notes that while NGOs are often the most trusted sector, they are currently failing to bridge these divides.

• The Uniformity Trap: Traditionally, we try to fix divides by making everyone agree. Edelman CEO Tom Robinson argues this is the wrong approach.

• The New Mandate: Instead of seeking agreement, NGOs need to create the conditions for cooperation.

• Expectation vs. Reality: 72% of people believe leaders have an obligation to bridge divides, but only 36% think they are actually doing it.

Key Takeaways for Community Directors & Leaders:

• Surface Common Interests: Don't wait for political or ideological alignment. Find the shared project or goal that transcends values.

• Model Civility: Leaders must be the "translators" between groups rather than taking sides that alienate half the community.

• Address Economic Anxiety: With 60% of people worried about trade/tariffs and 54% fearing job loss, trust-building must be grounded in economic reality, not just social values.