Compliance with COVID-19 prevention measures during the onset of the pandemic in Australia: investigating the role of trust in federal and state governments and scientists

ABSTRACT Objective The current study explored (1) changes in trust in federal and state governments and scientists across representative Australian national samples from 2003–2020; and (2) the extent to which trust in these sources predicted compliance with COVID-19 prevention measures at the onset of the pandemic. Method Using a nationally representative samples (N = 1000), we asked participants to rate their trust in federal and state government and in scientists, their extent of compliance with COVID-19 prevention measures, and to provide demographic information. Results We found that trust in federal and state governments had significantly increased, while trust in scientists was at a high level matched by only three other time-points. Higher levels of trust in state government and scientists uniquely predicted greater compliance with COVID-19 prevention measures. Women and older respondents also reported greater compliance. Conclusion The current findings reinforce those from Australia and other countries indicating that trust increased during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and those identifying trust in government and in scientists as important predictors of compliance. Importantly, our findings highlight the role of trust in state government, which potentially reflects the role played by Australian state governments in enacting and enforcing COVID-19 prevention measures. Key points What is already known about this topic: Older individuals, women and those who voted for the government in power tended to display greater compliance with COVID-19 measures. Trust in government appears to have generally increased in accordance with governmental actions to address COVID-19. Older individuals, women and those who voted for the government in power tended to display greater compliance with COVID-19 measures. What this topic adds: The current study provides the most comprehensive longitudinal overview of trust in federal and state government and in scientists from 2003 to 2020. Trust in both forms of government increased with the onset of COVID-19, whereas trust in scientists remained steady. In Australia, greater compliance was significantly predicted by increased trust in scientists and state government, but not federal government. Older respondents and women also reported increased compliance. The current findings indicate that scientists and public health experts should play an important role in shaping and delivering policy where public compliance is required.