The New Zealand Herald reports a Readers Digest poll has found (or perhaps re-affirmed) that Australians don't trust their politicians - who rate as a profession below car salesmen but ahead of telemarketers.

Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II rates at number 25 on the most trusted list, with Princess Mary of Denmark rating at number 6 (exactly what the Australian public have to trust either with is not explained), the current Governor-General comes in at number 45, while former Prime Ministers Bob Hawke, John Howard and Paul Keating rate at numbers 85, 88 and 91 respectively. Current Prime Minister Kevin Rudd came in at number 62. Former head of the Australian Republican Movement, and Federal Opposition Treasurer Malcolm Turnbull is number 90.

These results emphasise why it is that monarchists focus on politicians so much: they're not popular. Meanwhile the Queens and Princesses, who have no responsibilities with respect to Australia to actually be trusted with are much more popular.