An annual ANU poll of 2020 people found that 43 per cent of people believed that the level of corruption in Australia had increased.

The media, trade unions and political parties topped the list of institutions that the public believed were most corrupt.

The federal government came out worst in the poll, with one in three believing it was corrupt and just one in five believing that governments could be trusted to do the right thing.

The study found that over a decade confidence had increased in the public service, police and armed forces and fallen furthest in political parties.

Premier Lara Giddings said it was important that all politicians worked to reward the trust placed in them by the public who elected them.

"The most important thing we can do to build trust with the community is to be upfront and consistent, no matter what the issue," Ms Giddings said.

"I believe in looking people in the eye, telling them what needs to be done and delivering on my word.

"I have always tried to take that approach right through my parliamentary career, from issues like health reform to the current budget challenge."

Greens leader Nick McKim said divisive politics engendered public distrust in politicians.

"I believe that the biggest reason many people distrust politicians is the endless petty squabbling, the negativity and the refusal to co- operate," Mr McKim said.

Opposition Leader Will Hodgman said actions spoke louder than words when it came to public trust.

"And I hope that Tasmanians can see from my actions at the last election and ever since that I am a man of my word, who can be trusted," Mr Hodgman said.