Voices of Australia

S2 E10 | What Australians think about the future

Australia is poised at, what Dr James O’Donnell (our Mapping Social Cohesion Report lead author) calls, a ‘critical junction’. In an ever-shifting global context, we find ourselves navigating rapid technological advances, changing demographics, and the pressing mandate of environmental action.While many might perceive these macro challenges as the domain of policymakers in distant corridors of power, the reality is that their actions echo profoundly within our communities, homes, schools, and workplaces. They influence every facet of life in Australia. So, what does the roadmap look like for our nation? What key policy decisions will define our trajectory in the next decade? How do we build bridges between the present challenges and a vision of an Australia that is prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable?In the final episode of Season 2 of our podcast, we delve deep into these critical questions, guided by the insights and expertise of our distinguished guest, Danielle Wood former CEO of the Grattan Institute and newly appointed Productivity Chairperson.Voices of Australia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Now available with video also, in addition to audio-only!We’d love to hear from you! You can also share your thoughts with us via LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

S2 E9 | What Australians think about spirituality and religion

As recent data from the Australia Bureau of Statistics suggests, the spiritual landscape of our nation is undergoing a profound shift.
 
With Christianity still the dominant faith, a rising 38.9% of Australians now identify as non-religious, while other faiths, such as Hinduism and Islam, continue to grow.
 
How does this reflect the evolving dynamics of Australia's social fabric? What does it mean for social cohesion, individual rights, and community harmony in our increasingly multicultural society?
 
To delve deeper into these compelling questions, we've invited two extraordinary guests to our conversation today.
In this episode we discuss:
Generational differences around practicing religion
Politics and Religion
Multifaith initiatives to drive social cohesion
Diversity in religion and intellectual diversity
Voices of Australia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

S2 E8 | What Australians think about discrimination and racism

Today, we’re focusing on Discrimination: How does it influence our society, and what should we do to move from acknowledging its existence to taking action against it? Research from the Diversity Council Australia found notable disparities in discrimination and harassment rates amongst various groups, from our First Nations People to individuals with disabilities and the LGBTQIA+ community. A similar ABC News survey revealed that a significant 76% of Australians acknowledge the prevalence of racism, further solidifying the urgent call for action.Addressing discrimination isn't just about redressing past and present wrongs. It's about ensuring a future where everyone can participate fully and fairly in contributing to a society where understanding and respect prevail.In this episode our discussion centres around this pressing issue, exploring ways we can actively challenge and overcome discrimination, fostering an inclusive society that celebrates diversity and champions equity.Join our host Anthea and guest Dr Mario Peucker, Associate Professor and Principal Research Fellow at the Institute for Sustainable Industries and Livable Cities (ISILC) at Victoria University who discusses:
The role of allies in tackling discrimination/racism
How to address different forms of racism
How to address underreporting of racism
What we should do as a society to support communities address these issues
Voices of Australia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Now available with video also, in addition to audio-only!We’d love to hear from you! You can also share your thoughts with us via LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

S2 E7 | What Australians think about their government

There are few more critical aspects at the heart of our democracy than the levels of trust we have in our institutions and the degree to which we participate in Australia’s political system.
Politics is not a remote game, played in the distant halls of power. It shapes our daily lives, impacts our personal freedoms, and moulds our society's future. The need for meaningful political engagement and active civic participation cannot be overstated.
The results of recent Mapping Social Cohesion surveys have shown an alarming drop in public trust in political institutions. This decline is a call to action, a signal that we must all work to strengthen the ties between the public and the political world.
At the centre of this work is strengthening political participation, especially in our diverse local communities. When our political representation mirrors the complexity and richness of the Australian population, it fosters a more inclusive and robust democracy. It ensures that all voices are heard, and all perspectives are considered.
Today we’re looking at the intersection of public trust, political engagement, and inclusion. We'll examine how these elements interact, what's at stake, and how we can foster an environment where all Australians can trust in the integrity and inclusivity of our political system.
In this episode we discuss:
What makes for successful politics
Trust in government
Recurring themes in our political evolution
Dai’s story of entering politics
Representing a diverse and socially cohesive electorate
Dai's aspirations for Fowler
Voices of Australia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

S2 E6 | What Australians think about Climate Chane

In this episode, we turn our attention towards the not-so-silent giant that is climate change. However, our focus shifts away from statistics and environmental impacts. Instead, we delve into the often-overlooked human side of this vast issue: local and cultural community adaptation, educational campaigns, resilience, and more.
 
Climate change is not just a scientific concern; it's a social one. Our very ways of life, our cultures, our communities, are under threat from its unrelenting progress. Indeed, according to the most recent Mapping Social Cohesion results, climate change stands as the second-largest concern for Australians, superseded only by Australia-China relations.
 
Yet, in this crisis, there is also an opportunity. An opportunity for meaningful change and resilience. An opportunity as informed and engaged communities to build a sustainable future for us all.
In this episode we discuss:
How different societies tackle climate change
How we should find a role for all Australians in the climate conversation
Innovative practices to combat climate change
Voices of Australia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

S2 E5 | What Australians think about mental health

Consider this: a striking 44% of Australians have experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life. With mental health challenges spanning from anxiety to depression, millions fight these invisible battles daily.Alarmingly, the suicide rate among First Nations People is almost double that of non-indigenous individuals, a stark reminder of the urgent need for targeted support.Furthermore, the lack of data on mental health within migrant and refugee populations underscores the call for extensive research and culturally sensitive approaches. Our society's pulse is intrinsically linked to our collective mental well-being - it shapes our social interactions, strengthens our communities, and constructs the bridges of understanding and cooperation that foster social cohesion. With our host Anthea Hancocks and guest Tigist Kebede, we turn our attention to mental health, a topic that weaves itself into every corner of our society. As we unravel the intricate tapestry of mental well-being in Australia, we examine the prevalence of mental disorders, spotlight disparities in different communities, and discuss strategies to foster resilience and happiness. In this episode we discuss:
What is culturally responsive practice
How someone's identity impacts how they experience the world
How we should reframe ‘resilience’
Understanding intersectionality and self - there is no single path to getting help
Voices of Australia is a Scanlon Foundation Research Institute podcast exploring all things interesting in the world of social cohesion.Voices of Australia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Now available with video also, in addition to audio-only!We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes to info@scanloninstitute.org.auYou can also share your thoughts with us via LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

S2 E4 | What Australians think about Fairness and Inequality

The most recent Mapping Social Cohesion surveys tell us that economic concerns have surged to the forefront of many Australians' minds.
Unemployment and the rising cost of living are not distant worries but real and present issues for many Australians. An increasingly uncertain global economic climate only compounds these worries, with 76% of respondents expressing significant concerns about a potential downturn.
But perhaps even more distressing is the increasing financial stress borne by everyday Australians. An alarming 37% of people reported struggling to pay their bills in 2022, marking a significant rise from 31% the previous year.
As if this weren't challenging enough, the Poverty and Inequality Report of 2023 lays bare a stark reality. Our nation, long hailed as the land of the 'fair go', is grappling with profound economic disparities. The data is as clear as it is unsettling. A startling one in eight people in our country live below the poverty line, while the top 20% earners account for almost half of all income.
These figures serve as a sombre reminder that, despite our shared aspiration towards fairness, inequality persists in casting a long and deepening shadow over our society.
In today's episode with guest Matt Grudnoff - Senior Economist at the Australia Institute we aim to explore the contours of this inequality, understand its far-reaching impacts, and discuss potential pathways towards a more economically inclusive future.
In this episode we discuss:
Matts research on the patterns of economic growth
Changing voting patterns amongst younger people
The biggest indicators of poverty
How economic policies have profound impact on intergenerational inequality
The economy is there to serve us not for us to serve the economy
Why its important to engage in economic debate
Voices of Australia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes to info@scanloninstitute.org.au

S2 E3 | What Australians think about...languages other than English

In a nation where over 300 languages reverberate from homes, workplaces, and public spaces, language is more than just a communication tool—it's a cultural lifeline that bridges our diverse communities.
Our linguistic diversity isn't just colourful, it's vital and influential. It's a Punjabi in radio podcast serving up global affairs alongside local news, it's a crucial health announcement rendered in Somali to ensure every community member is informed, it's the heart-warming banter between a shop owner and customers in Italian, across a bustling Lygon Street in Melbourne.
 
This linguistic diversity shapes our individual identities, our daily experiences, and the character of our public discourse. Yet, the role and influence of non-English languages continue to prompt discussions that stretch into the heart of cultural integration, societal cohesion, and the concept of belonging.
 
In this episode, we delve into the nuances in Australia’s linguistic diversity, exploring their far-reaching impact from business interactions to media broadcasts and government communications, and their ripple effect on our society's cohesion and shared, multicultural story.
Voices of Australia is a Scanlon Foundation Research Institute podcast exploring all things interesting in the world of social cohesion. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes to info@scanloninstitute.org.au

S2 E2 | What Australians Think About…Their Neighbourhood

Our sense of belonging is vital, as it provides us with a sense of identity, social support, safety, opportunities for civic engagement, and personal well-being. It helps build stronger communities, promotes unity, and enhances the overall fabric of society.
 
But there remain some concerns. The most recent results from the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute’s Mapping cohesion surveys reveal a decline in Australians' sense of belonging, especially among the young and economically disadvantaged. Yet, interestingly, despite Australia’s rapid demographic shifts, a strong sense of community persists within neighbourhoods.
 
In this episode, we will explore these changes in the context of Australia's fast-growing regions.
 
We're unpacking the implications of Australia's evolving neighbourhoods and demographic changes on our sense of belonging, both on a national and local scale. And most importantly, we'll discuss how we can ensure no communities in our rapidly expanding regions are left feeling disconnected or overlooked.
 
Voices of Australia is a Scanlon Foundation Research Institute podcast exploring all things interesting in the world of social cohesion.
 
In this episode we discuss:
How social and community infrastructure plays a role in community connectedness
Looking at opportunities in outer suburban areas
The role of volunteers in building neighbourhoods
The cultural shift moving away from CBDs to achieve the ‘city’ experience
How community services need to reimagine how they engage with young people
Voices of Australia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes to info@scanloninstitute.org.au
 
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S2 E1 | What Australians think about Migration

Except for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, every Australian traces their roots to somewhere else. Since the time of Federation, the politics of who gets to start anew in this land has been a dominant theme.
 
According to recent results from the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute’s Mapping Social Cohesion survey’s, there has been a significant increase in positive attitudes towards migrants in Australia. 76% of people agreed that “immigrants make Australia stronger” in the 2022 survey, up from 63% in 2018, and 94% agreed that born outside of Australia can be just as good citizens as those born within the country.
 
However, an ever-developing housing crisis, an increase in the expected number of migrants for the year 2023, and a comprehensive overhaul of the migration system announced by the Albanese Labor government has brought further complication to the conversation surrounding migration in Australian.
 
Together, our guests delve into the nuances of Australia’s migration system, the impacts migrants have on our communities, and the necessary reforms needed to build a more cohesive society.
 
Voices of Australia is a Scanlon Foundation Research Institute podcast exploring all things interesting in the world of social cohesion.
 
In this episode we discuss:
Perspectives from two different migrant journeys
Challenges and opportunities for migration
How people’s attitudes have shifted over the years towards migrants including misconceptions about migration
Finding commonality to connect with one another
Applying a strength-based approach to supporting people of refugee backgrounds
Voices of Australia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes to info@scanloninstitute.org.au