World
Sam Mostyn warns declining civic knowledge threatens Australian democracy
Australia’s governor-general, Sam Mostyn, says poor understanding of the country’s constitutional foundations could weaken democratic participation. According to The Guardian, she is calling for stronger civic education after observing a steady decline in knowledge of Australia’s system of government. Mostyn says adults understand core democratic principles less well than schoolchildren and newly sworn-in citizens. She also points to increasing criticism, abuse and threats directed at institutions and public officials. Local councillors and mayors have told her that incivility is making public life difficult, dangerous and less attractive.