A recent royal commission inquiry has delved into the complex challenges facing Australia’s social cohesion, examining declining trust in democracy, the divisive impact of social media, rising racism, and strained inter-community relations. The hearings, which concluded their final block this week, were prompted by the December 2025 Bondi terror attack and aim to provide recommendations for strengthening national unity. Commissioner Virginia Bell heard a range of concerns and proposals over four days, highlighting a critical juncture for the nation’s social fabric.
Declining Democratic Satisfaction and Social Media’s Role
Academics presented findings indicating a significant drop in Australians’ satisfaction with democracy, reaching its lowest point since January 2023, even as principled support for democratic ideals increased. Professors Nicholas Biddle and Matthew Gray of the Australian National University suggested that social media platforms play a substantial role in undermining democratic support by circulating distrust and extremist narratives. Professor Gray emphasized that combating antisemitism effectively requires addressing these digital platforms. He advocated for targeted interventions, particularly for young individuals with lower educational attainment and weaker democratic commitment, rather than broad, universal approaches. Gray also pointed to the need for greater transparency, accountability, and credibility within government agencies, educational systems, and public communication practices, especially in disadvantaged communities, as trust in institutions is closely linked to democratic engagement.
Bridging Divides Through Communication and Recognition
Concerns about societal polarization and the crucial need for enhanced cross-cultural communication were echoed by strategic adviser Ahmed Hegazi and Joel Lazar, CEO of the Jewish Climate Network. Hegazi stressed that fostering neighborly connections can dismantle perceptions of threat and build a sense of community, urging an end to cycles of division. Lazar acknowledged the difficulty of implementing new approaches but underscored their necessity, particularly for future generations.
The inquiry also explored economic factors contributing to social tension. Businessman David Gonski revealed that his Antisemitism Education Taskforce is considering a proposal to improve the recognition of migrants’ qualifications. Underemployment among skilled migrants due to unacknowledged prior credentials can create frustration and community friction. Gonski suggested that better recognition could simultaneously address workforce needs and alleviate this aggravation, though a final decision by the taskforce is pending. He also advocated for broader educational initiatives about the contributions of Jewish Australians to the nation’s history and society, beyond just Holocaust studies.
Addressing Prejudice and Fostering Open Dialogue
Rabbi Zalman Kastel proposed that educational efforts should focus on specific prejudices rather than general anti-racism messages, arguing for more direct approaches to tackle ingrained biases. Lecturers Farid Zaid and Daniel Heller from Monash University shared observations of students struggling to engage with diverse viewpoints and exhibiting self-censorship for fear of social media backlash or formal complaints. They described a tendency among some students to “perform certainty,” projecting moral superiority and deeming dissenters as morally reprehensible. The pair lead the Brave Conversations Project, which aims to equip students and educators with the skills to navigate difficult classroom discussions.
Inter-Community Relations and the Shadow of Conflict
Sandy Kouroupidis of the Faith Communities Council of Victoria reported a significant cessation of interaction between Jewish and Muslim communities following recent international conflicts, including the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas and the subsequent events. He noted the extreme difficulty in convening leaders from the Islamic Council of Victoria and the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, and highlighted that Jewish schools often feel unsafe, leading to a decline in interfaith events and school visits. The conflict’s impact has been profound, with the October 7 attacks resulting in significant loss of life and hostages, and Israel’s military campaign in Gaza leading to a high civilian death toll, drawing international scrutiny.
Social Cohesion Policies and Discrimination Concerns
Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman cautioned that the concept of social cohesion could inadvertently mask or justify racial discrimination. He shared an instance where a senior government official allegedly advised against discussing racism to maintain social cohesion. Sivaraman warned that policies framed around social cohesion could echo historical assimilationist approaches, fostering distrust if they lead to exclusion or pressure to conform. He stressed that such policies fail to address systemic issues if they obscure underlying problems. Furthermore, Sivaraman noted a sharp rise in reports of antisemitism, particularly in workplaces, since the October 7 attacks, with many individuals feeling unable to express their identity or fearing job loss.
Defining Zionism and its Place in Identity
The inquiry also grappled with the distinction between legitimate criticism of Zionism and antisemitism. Rita Jabri Markwell, principal policy adviser for the Australian Muslim Advocacy Network, argued that Zionism should be classified as a political ideology rather than a protected characteristic like race or religion. She contended that its ideological nature is evident, given that not all Jewish individuals consider it central to their identity. Conversely, Jewish witnesses often described Zionism as intrinsically linked to their religious and cultural identity. Markwell expressed concern that classifying Zionism as a protected characteristic could alienate Jewish Australians who do not subscribe to the ideology, and noted that legal interpretations are increasingly aligning with her view.
Conclusion: A Call for Nuanced Solutions
The royal commission’s hearings have underscored the multifaceted nature of social cohesion in Australia. From the digital realm’s impact on democratic trust to the deeply personal experiences of discrimination and the complexities of identity and political ideology, the challenges are significant. The insights shared point towards a need for nuanced, targeted interventions that foster genuine understanding and respect, while carefully navigating the delicate balance between combating prejudice and preserving freedom of expression. The final report is anticipated to offer crucial guidance on how Australia can rebuild and strengthen its social fabric in the wake of these pressing concerns.
