Trust is the most powerful weapon in the political arsenal.

It can pierce an opponent's armour or deflect the most ferocious attack. It can explain difficult policies, and become a well of goodwill for politicians when they need it most. Yet despite its great value we are resigned to the idea that trust in politics will continue to decline.

Drawing on contemporary political stories and examples, The Trust Deficit shows us how faith in our politicians has been eroded and how it can be rebuilt. Julia Gillard's pledge that there wouldn't be a carbon tax and Tony Abbott's promise of no cuts to health or education saw a collapse in their governments' levels of support.

By breaking trust down to its elements—reliability and competence, openness and honesty—we see how recent leaders like Howard, Rudd, Obama, Baird and Beattie established trust and used it to their political advantage.

About the Author
Sam Crosby is executive director of the McKell Institute. He previously served as corporate and government affairs manager for Johnson & Johnson, senior advisor and chief of staff to a number of cabinet ministers in the NSW state government and advisor to former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.