World

Sam Mostyn warns declining civic knowledge threatens Australian democracy

Herz — World Desk · 30 July 2026 at 19:25 · 30s summary · 3 min read

The essentials

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.

Sam Mostyn is calling for stronger civic education in Australia.
Adults understand core democratic principles less well, according to Mostyn.
Institutions and public officials face increasing abuse and threats.
Incivility is making political office less attractive.

What we know

Sam Mostyn has described declining knowledge of Australia’s constitutional foundations as a “growing catastrophe” that could weaken democratic participation. The Guardian reports that she is calling for stronger civic education.

Two years after being appointed to represent King Charles in Canberra, Australia’s governor-general says public understanding of the country’s system of government has been steadily declining.

According to Mostyn, adults have the weakest understanding of democracy’s fundamental principles. Schoolchildren and newly sworn-in Australian citizens understand the workings of government and institutions best.

Some people ask her to take actions beyond her powers, she says, while others criticise her for signing measures that she is constitutionally required to sign.

Institutions and public officials targeted

Parliaments, courts, the Australian Electoral Commission and public officeholders across the country are facing increasing criticism and abuse.

Threats against public officials are also increasing. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, social media and online comments have become a focus for corrosive rhetoric.

Mostyn warns that persistent abuse and threats against elected representatives at every level are changing the profile of people considering standing for political office in Australia.

Local councillors and mayors have told her that incivility is making public life difficult, dangerous and increasingly unattractive.

A 125-year-old Constitution

Australia’s Constitution turns 125 this year. Mostyn says it was designed to bring the states and territories together, create national unity and establish the foundations of the country’s democracy.

Understanding that document is therefore central to the civic education Mostyn is advocating.

She says the absence of a shared foundation of facts, particularly in online exchanges, threatens social cohesion unless respect and mutual understanding are maintained.

Civic education as a priority

A former businesswoman, AFL commissioner, political adviser and community leader, Mostyn has made civic engagement and education priorities of her term as governor-general.

Earlier this month, she hosted a roundtable on social cohesion and civic education at Government House, her official Canberra residence.

The event, held with the Constitution Education Fund, brought together educators, public service leaders and think tanks. The fund is chaired by former High Court chief justice Robert French.

What remains unclear

The available information does not explain how civic knowledge was measured or quantify the scale of its decline.

It also provides no figures for the reported increase in abuse and threats targeting institutions, elected representatives and other public officials.