Stephen Spencer and Eric Gibson represent two individuals navigating a complex relationship with government and law enforcement in Australia, shaped significantly by their personal histories and societal experiences. Yet their journeys are emblematic of the larger question about trust in institutions, especially during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even though he’d built a career on faith in the Australian government, Spencer found that trust “blown apart” during the pandemic. At times he lost patience that the guidance wasn’t firm enough, that there wasn’t more help made available to him at times of greatest need. Spencer described his experience as isolating, stating, “It was so difficult to get any information outside of an automated response or something posted on social media — to actually get any information, clarity or even just words of support from anyone in government.” It’s a view echoed by many Australians. They did not feel supported in their time of crisis where their lives were turned upside down on a daily basis.
Spencer’s feelings were further compounded by an “intergenerational handing down of caution” regarding authority figures within his household. Yet his experiences illustrate a growing frustration that’s bubbling near the surface among many Australians. At the same time, they’re growing increasingly distrustful of government institutions. This isn’t just a semantic difference, according to Professor Andrea Carson, an expert in political communication at La Trobe University. She explained that “mistrust would seem to be … where people are distrusting, but they’re still open to the idea that they might come back.”
Eric Gibson is a Whadjuk Noongar and Meriam Magaram man from Boorloo, Western Australia. He’s using this as a platform to challenge his own fears about trusting law enforcement. The trauma caused by police treatment that led to the death of his great-grandfather in custody profoundly affected his family, friends, and community. Gibson observed that there is a deep-seated mistrust and fear of the police department rooted in history. He stated, “Due to that, there was a flow-on effect through each generation, where there was both conscious and subconscious distrust towards police.”
Whether on social media or in person, Gibson argues authenticity is essential in building trust back between communities and law enforcement. He emphasizes the importance of personal connections, saying, “Trust in its definition is someone being vulnerable. If you respect that vulnerability, it goes a long way.” He strives to remember small details about the people he encounters, whether at work or in his community, fostering a sense of connection and understanding.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought these issues into focus, especially for the people of Western Sydney. There, communities faced the brunt of the disparate impact of overreaching restrictions and growing surveillance. A 2024 submission from Western Sydney University found that children in these communities faced debilitating trauma over this time. Khushaal Vyas was outspoken during the pandemic in calling out the failed institutional choices. He highlighted how these decisions frequently overlooked cultural differences. He stated, “We are now in a scenario where podcasting or independent media is growing and people are losing trust in those mainstream media sources.”
This continued underrepresentation in media deepens the distrust between law enforcement and communities of color and other marginalized groups. Vyas pointed out that “if we think that we can actually do it in a more meaningful capacity and speak towards those sorts of stories, why not?” His comments point to an increasing demand for stories that capture a wider range of experiences and help people make sense of a divided nation.
Most Australians would likely share a desire for more transparency in government procurement processes. Spencer articulated this desire clearly, wishing for “more transparency in government decision-making during the pandemic.” He echoed concerns shared by many who feel that institutions must admit their shortcomings and explain their decisions to rebuild trust.
Carson’s deep understanding of public sentiment certainly points to dangerous repercussions for democracy itself. She also pointed out that increasing distrust is a precursor to what she called “democratic backsliding.” This issue embodies the larger question of how our institutions can better listen and respond to citizens in order to rebuild trust in government.
Australia’s current challenges with trust and authority should not be underestimated. People in Spencer’s and Gibson’s situations remind us how personal histories can deeply affect how we see and interact with these institutions. Their stories paint a powerful picture of the greater empathy and understanding that communities and law enforcement demand going forward.
