New research finds almost six in 10 people believe their elected representatives do not serve their interests, while a separate study found Pauline Hanson was Australia’s most trusted politician.

A report from the Centre for Policy Development comes amid a surge in support for One Nation as voters vent anger at the two major parties.

The research found almost 70 per cent of people surveyed viewed modern politics as far more concerned with short-term political gains than addressing long-term challenges.

The findings come after separate research by insights agency The Lab released this week found Hanson, the One Nation leader, has emerged as both the most trusted political leader and the one Australians believe is having the most positive impact (38 per cent).

The Lab’s 12th annual Australia Project 2026 surveyed 2000 Australians nationally and found that 79 per cent of Australians now believe society is “stacked against ordinary people”, up from 58 per cent last year.

Some 65 per cent, meanwhile, said that no matter how hard they work, they simply can’t get ahead.

Paul Labagnara, director at The Lab, said against the backdrop of One Nation’s growing political prominence, the findings pointed to a nation looking for change and a broader shift towards anti-establishment politics, particularly among Australians aged 45 and over, and those living in regional areas.

The Centre for Policy Development figures found that four in five Australians believe government should deliver social services directly, but a majority no longer think politicians serve their interests.

More than 80 per cent of people surveyed want governments to maintain the capability to deliver social services directly, and believe health, education and child care must be universally affordable.

Centre for Policy Development chief executive Andrew Hudson said Australians were explicitly calling for ambitious policy from their political leaders.

“What this polling shows pretty clearly is that Australians are in favour of those services being delivered, and there is bipartisan agreement on a lot of these issues,” Hudson said.

“Pauline Hanson has called for an overhaul of the tax system,” he added.

“I think actually there are areas where the Greens and One Nation agree, and they’re often in these sorts of areas of big reforms that are going to make a difference in people’s lives.”

The research found 65 per cent of people want ordinary citizens to have a much greater say in setting core policy priorities.

“There is a growing push for politicians who are more deeply connected to their local communities and focused on the issues that matter most to everyday people,” the report reads.

“To restore public confidence, governments and politicians must be seen directly and tangibly delivering what communities need.”

Hudson said the research showed a “populist wave for hands-on government” that could deliver services such as health and education.

“What the public is saying is don’t strip them back – pare them back, invest in them, and deliver them to a standard that is going to improve our quality of life,” he said.

-with AAP