Voices of Australia Scanlon Foundation Research Institute

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.