Predictors of confidence and trust in government and institutions during the COVID-19 response in Australia

Concern about misinformation and inattention to population health advice has highlighted the need to understand public confidence and trust in government and institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the recent surge of the Omicron variant (BA.1) and its sub-variant (BA.2), primarily affecting younger people in Australia; alongside rapidly changing policies and advice surrounding booster vaccinations, testing, restrictions, isolation, and uncertainties around emerging variants this understanding is now more important than ever. Public confidence and trust in governments and institutions is particularly vital in understanding the persistent issue of vaccine hesitancy. Although Australia has a highly vaccinated population, uptake of boosters (third dose) has been low and immunity to COVID-19 is waning. Previous reports have indicated that a lack of confidence and trust are fundamental drivers of vaccine hesitancy. This analysis explored correlates of confidence and trust in government and institutions during the COVID-19 response in Australia.