Pearls and Irritations

What is social cohesion and who is responsible for achieving it?

The Scanlon Monash Index of Social Cohesion identifies five indicators :

• Belonging and the importance of maintaining pride in the Australian way of life
• Worth and satisfaction with financial situation and happiness
• Social justice, equity and trust in the Australian government
• Participation as a citizen
• Acceptance and rejection in the community

These characteristics have been measured following a benchmark survey in 2007 and indicate a generally positive rating for the Australian population but more recent data is not yet available.

However the “acceptance and rejection” indicator suggests that some Australians are not fully included and regarded as members of the community so social cohesion is not guaranteed.

The Federal Government wants the appointment of Envoys for Anti Semitism and Islamophobia to increase community education and awareness of different beliefs and cultural practices. The Prime Minister cites the importance of social cohesion and is obviously concerned about the polarised national debate about the War on Gaza, which in the last nine months has seen an increase in antisemitism as well as in the understanding about how colonisation and discrimination has affected Palestinians over decades.

But surely the Government leaders are familiar with racism affecting so many other groups in the Australian community? Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders continue to experience racial abuse exacerbated by the unsuccessful 2023 referendum to give First Nations recognition and a say in policies affecting them. Migrants and refugees recently settling in Australia are more likely to experience racism, particularly those whose skin colour, speech or dress is different, so these Australians are subjected to racism with media reporting frequently on verbal or physical attacks. Will a team of Envoys be appointed in coming months to protect all these groups or does the Federal Government consider only a chosen few to be entitled to their own Special Envoy?

The latest available statistics of the Australian Human Rights Commission show that discrimination complaints received are more likely to be on behalf of women or people with disability and the most common complaint relates to discrimination in employment. However, complaints about Australians’ experience of racism are most concerning and indicate that much more needs to be done to develop policies and practices that will generate sustainable social cohesion.

Social cohesion is a government responsibility, and it must be led by Federal State and Local governments creating policy and practices in communities to demonstrate Australia is indeed a successful multicultural nation. It is also essential that journalists avoid strident reports blaming racial groups and some politicians too are guilty of ill-informed stereotyping.

The Australian Human Rights Commission has initiated a major study “Mapping Government Anti Racism Program and Policies” and found that:

• Governments are reluctant to identify racism
• Anti racism campaigns are ad hoc, disjointed and reactive with limited monitoring
• In identifying racism there is a failure of bipartisanship among our elected leaders

Recommendations include:

• the establishment of a National Anti-Racism Council representative of key groups especially those experiencing racism
• A nationally recognised definition of racism
• Programs in schools and universities to increase understanding of the many cultures that contribute to the Australian community

Racism can be seen in political graffiti on public buildings, places of worship, schools and offices which is confronting for those directly affected. In 1989 my family home in North Queensland was targeted overnight so we woke to see spraypainted messages “ASIANS OUT” and “NO ABOS” This was a sad reflection on national parliamentary debates of that era. Such breaches of the law must be treated accordingly, but graffiti against particular groups signals that Australian racism is a reality that must be effectively addressed.

When some politicians’ speeches blame ethnic groups for crime, housing shortages or job opportunities then the incidence of racism increases, and social cohesion is jeopardised. Parliamentarians have a special responsibility to represent multicultural Australia and ensure all their public statements are factual and balanced. They also need to ensure that they treat all groups equally and do not offer any preferential status. When Australians see evidence of public policy double standards and inequity they feel marginalised, rejected and less likely to trust government.

The recent announcement that the Australian Muslim Community may establish their own political party was loudly denounced as “allowing religion to influence the political process,” yet obviously Christianity has long influenced Australian politics as evidenced by the fact that each parliamentary sitting day commences with the Lord’s Prayer. Political leaders cannot choose when to celebrate or oppose diversity. Living in a diverse community has many advantages but there will be challenges in developing community acceptance of new cultures and religions. Australia is a multicultural society, but its success must be nurtured by acting strongly against racism wherever it occurs and whoever is affected.

Special Envoys may be able to ease tensions in our community, but social cohesion relies on political leadership which recognises that all Australians are valued citizens who must be treated equally. If elected representatives are unable to manage the prospect of new ideas and different priorities within parliament we cannot be surprised if that myopia is also reflected in our community.

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