‘Discontent and distrust’: annual social cohesion checkup shows exactly what’s making Australia angry
The short version
The 2026 Scanlon report reveals growing Australian pessimism over economic conditions, but strong support for multiculturalism persists despite rising distrust in government.
Key takeaways
- Nearly half of Australians feel pessimistic about the future.
- Cost of living and AI are top concerns, outranking climate issues.
- Support for multiculturalism remains high despite rising negative sentiments.
- Economic hardship is shifting voting preferences significantly.
Overall sentiment
MixedEconomic pressures lead to societal concerns, contrasting with stable support for diversity.
AI classification of the article’s tone. Coverage is limited to the social cohesion report findings without full context.
Sources cited by the article
- Voters were already frustrated before the RBA’s fifth rate hike. Labor will be hoping its luck hasn’t run outRead more ↗
- Scanlon social cohesion index since 2007 ↗
- Unhappiness among Australians by generation ↗
- Weighted percentage of adults who responded ‘always’ or ‘most of the time’, by voting preference ↗
- Adults who feel the system of government needs major change or should be replaced, weighted percentage ↗
- Cost-of-living crisis ↗
- Australian immigration and asylum ↗
- AI (artificial intelligence) ↗
- Australian economy ↗
- news ↗
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