If you’ve ever found yourself wandering the aisles of Bunnings, snagging a snag at the sausage sizzle, or picking up a new pot plant for the garden, you’re not alone—and you’re in good company.
For the sixth consecutive quarter, Bunnings has been crowned Australia’s most trusted brand, according to the latest Roy Morgan Risk Monitor survey.
But while the hardware giant continues to reign supreme, the landscape of trust in Australian brands is shifting, with some surprising movers and shakers making headlines.
Bunnings: The unbeatable Australian favourite—but for how long?
Bunnings’ grip on the top spot is nothing short of iconic. From DIY enthusiasts to weekend gardeners, Australians have long relied on Bunnings for quality, value, and that unmistakable sense of community.
The brand’s consistency in service, wide product range, and those famous sausage sizzles have made it a household name.
But even the mighty can face headwinds. Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine notes that while Bunnings remains on top, there’s a growing undercurrent of distrust.
Concerns are bubbling up about the company’s size, market dominance, profit motives, and recent price hikes—issues that were thrust into the spotlight by a recent Four Corners program.
It’s a timely reminder that even the most beloved brands need to keep their finger on the pulse of public sentiment.
The trusted top five: Familiar faces and steady performers
Rounding out the top five are some familiar names: ALDI (2nd), Kmart (3rd), Apple (4th), and Toyota (5th).
These brands have held their ground, reflecting Australians’ appreciation for value, reliability, and innovation. Australia Post also remains a stalwart in sixth place, proving that even in a digital age, some traditions endure.
Movers and shakers: Who’s climbing the trust ladder?
While the top five remain unchanged, there’s been plenty of action further down the list.
BIG W has nudged up to seventh, and JB Hi-Fi has cracked the top ten for the first time, showing that Australians still love a good bargain and a tech upgrade.
The Commonwealth Bank (CBA) has made a remarkable leap, jumping four spots to 12th after a period of turbulence.
ING has also edged into the top 20, while Nike and IKEA have each climbed a notch, reflecting renewed confidence in these global giants.
But the real headline-grabbers are NAB and BHP. NAB has soared an astonishing 112 places to 48th, and BHP has surged 93 spots to 66th.
These dramatic improvements suggest that even brands with a chequered past can turn things around with the right moves—be it better customer service, transparency, or simply listening to what Australians want.
Who’s losing our trust? The biggest sliders
Not everyone is enjoying a trust boost. Target has slipped four places to 16th, and the ABC has dropped out of the top 20 for the first time, now sitting at 21st.
Trust in the ABC has plummeted by 66% since the end of the pandemic—a sobering statistic for the national broadcaster.
Other minor drops include Myer (8th), Samsung (11th), and Bendigo Bank (14th), each down a spot. It’s a reminder that trust is hard-won and easily lost, especially in today’s fast-moving world.
The other side of the coin: Australia’s most distrusted brands
While some brands are basking in the glow of public trust, others are struggling to shake off negative perceptions.
Woolworths and Coles, the supermarket giants, remain the most distrusted brands for the second quarter running.
Issues like price hikes, supply chain woes, and public scrutiny have clearly taken their toll.
Telecommunications companies Optus and Telstra, social media behemoth Facebook/Meta, and national airline Qantas round out the top seven most distrusted brands. Chinese online retailer Temu and Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) also feature prominently.
Tesla, in particular, has seen a sharp rise in distrust, now entering the top ten most distrusted brands.
The company’s association with controversial figures and erratic leadership has clearly made an impact on public perception.
Green shoots: Signs of recovery for some brands
It’s not all doom and gloom. Roy Morgan’s research shows that some of the most distrusted brands are starting to claw their way back.
Woolworths and Coles have stabilised, and Qantas is on a slow but steady recovery path after a turbulent period.
Optus, too, is showing signs of regaining lost ground after its data breach scandal.
What does this mean for everyday Australian?
For our YourLifeChoices members, these rankings are more than just numbers—they’re a reflection of where we feel safe to shop, bank, and do business.
Video Credit: Roy Morgan Australia / YouTube
Trust is the bedrock of our daily choices, especially as we navigate a world that’s changing faster than ever.
So, what makes a brand trustworthy? It’s a mix of reliability, transparency, value for money, and a genuine connection with customers.
Your turn: Have your say!
We want to hear from you! Do you agree with Bunnings’ top spot, or do you have another favourite? Have you lost trust in any brands recently—or found a new one you love? What does a brand need to do to earn your trust?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s get the conversation started—after all, your voice matters!
Also read: Bunnings keeps competitors off its turf, but smaller players aren’t so lucky
