Renovating Australian Multiculturalism: The Call to Elevate Interculturalism in Policy
Following a significant drop in public support for cultural diversity according to the Lowy Institute, Australian policymakers are advocating for a shift toward 'interculturalism'. This strategy aims to strengthen national social cohesion by fostering deeper engagement between diverse communities across the country.
Highlights
- •Lowy Institute poll shows a decline in positive views on Australian cultural diversity since 2024.
- •Digital platforms and social media are cited as key factors exacerbating social polarization.
- •Policymakers are urged to pivot from basic multiculturalism to a more active interculturalism framework.
- •Experts call for a new national body to coordinate social resilience and intercultural engagement.
The state of Australian multiculturalism is currently under critical review as recent data points to shifting public sentiments. According to the 2026 annual poll by the Lowy Institute, while nearly 73% of respondents continue to view cultural diversity positively, there has been a notable decline from the 90% approval rating recorded in 2024. This change represents the most significant movement on a societal question in the two-decade history of the poll, prompting urgent discussions among policymakers regarding the future of social cohesion.
Shifting Perspectives and Policy Needs
The recent findings, influenced by community reactions to events like those at Bondi, have sparked intense political debate. Figures such as Pauline Hanson have publicly questioned the existing framework, while political leaders, including Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, have faced challenges in articulating a clear, unified vision for national diversity. As the country approaches the release of a royal commission report on antisemitism in December, the pressure to bolster social cohesion has intensified.
Experts suggest that the current environment, heavily impacted by divisive narratives on social media, requires a strategic reset. ASIO director-general Mike Burgess has noted that digital platforms are accelerating grievance narratives, thereby eroding institutional trust and increasing polarization. To address these vulnerabilities, there is a growing consensus that Australian multiculturalism must evolve toward a model of interculturalism to remain a resilient national strength.
Elevating Interculturalism for National Strength
Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill has emphasized that the goal for leaders is to ensure human diversity remains a source of unity. Hill distinguishes between bonding capital, which keeps individuals within specific groups, and bridging capital, which connects diverse groups. He advocates for increased efforts at state and local government levels to fund initiatives that encourage shared spaces, such as cross-cultural sports competitions and interfaith youth programs.
This perspective is supported by academic research, including that of Andrew Jakubowicz, an emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Jakubowicz argues that existing policies require a fundamental reconceptualization through the lens of resilience. He proposes the establishment of a dedicated national body to coordinate settlement, multicultural, and intercultural dimensions of social life. By moving beyond enforced uniformity and ensuring that all community members feel a genuine sense of belonging, the nation aims to maintain its cohesive identity. As policymakers refine their approach, elevating intercultural engagement has become a central priority for ensuring the long-term success and stability of the diverse Australian population.
