Local government remains the most trusted level of government in Australia, according to the latest results of a major national survey by Griffith University.

The Constitutional Values Survey, conducted every two years since 2008, found that 58.9 percent of people surveyed had trust and confidence in local government to do a good job.

The survey results show that people rated the job local government does better than state or federal government.

For many, it is evidence that local government is the tier that can actually help people in their everyday lives, but which is often the least funded at worst-equipped well people are in need,

“At a time when public regard for other levels of government seems to be dwindling, it is pleasing to see so many people value the work that their mayors and councils generally do for their communities,” Local Government Association of Queensland President Margaret de Wit said.

The survey found that 63 percent of those surveyed thought Australia's current federal system of government worked well. This was a slight improvement on the previous survey, but still below the 2008 result, which suggested that 67.8 of Australians were satisfied with the federal system of government.

In another endorsement of the role of local councils, the findings of the Constitutional Values Survey also suggest most believe decisions affecting the community should be made by the lowest level of government.