December 2024
Community Connections CEO Message Elfa Moraitakis, CEO
Strengthening Social Cohesion Amid Economic and Social Pressures This year’s Scanlon Foundation Research Institute Social Cohesion Report has unfortunately highlighted shifting attitudes toward immigration, multiculturalism, and economic challenges in Australia. The findings highlight the critical need to keep addressing growing concerns while we champion inclusivity and combat discrimination.
The key findings indicate: Rising Concerns About Immigration: Nearly half of Australians (49%) believe immigration levels are too high, a substantial increase from 33% last year. However, this sentiment is largely because of economic pressures like housing affordability and the cost of living, rather than a direct anti-migrant sentiment. Support for Multiculturalism has dropped: While 71% of respondents believe that diversity strengthens our country, support for multiculturalism has slightly declined. Alarmingly, negative attitudes toward specific groups, including Muslims (34%) and Jewish people (13%), have increased, fuelled by global conflicts. Social Cohesion is at Risk: Social cohesion in Australia is at its lowest since the survey began in 2007. Financial stress is a major factor, with those facing economic hardship feeling less connected and less accepting of diversity. Views on migration remain humane: Despite rising concerns about immigration levels, most Australians reject discriminatory immigration policies and welcome refugees and migrants from regions of conflict. These findings paint a picture of a population that struggles with economic and social pressures, where the risk of division always looms. Yet, the enduring
support for multiculturalism and opposition to discrimination still holds strong. What can we do to safeguard our nation’s identity as an inclusive and ethnically vibrant nation? We need to invest more in social cohesion. All levels of government need to prioritise policies that build trust, belonging, and understanding within communities. Keep supporting initiatives that address economic inequities and promote a constructive dialogue. We need to stand strong against discrimination. Strengthen anti-discrimination efforts to counter growing negative attitudes toward specific groups, ensuring that we all feel respected and valued. The ‘Anti Racism Framework: The Experiences and Perspectives of Multicultural Australia’ need to become everyone’s responsibility. We need to foster constructive migration conversations and encourage discussions about migration that are keeping xenophobia separate from economic concerns. Let’s keep emphasising the benefits of diversity, inclusivity and productivity our nation has to showcase. The challenge before us is to keep uniting and inspiring trust in a time of uncertainty. As diversity advocates we should never stop having engaging conversations and identifying new ambassadors to keep leading the charge and creating a safe and equitable nation.
Contact Details SydWest Multicultural Services: info@sydwestms.org.au | sydwestms.org.au | Tel: 02 96216633