The paper outlines trends threatening the foundations of Australia’s liberal democracy, amid social fragmentation. It highlights declining social cohesion, a weakening sense of national identity and a sharp rise in antisemitism – raising urgent questions about the future of Australian citizenship. 

The paper calls for a renewed commitment to civic education, community engagement and political leadership to address the crisis of civic virtue. It proposes that fostering civic virtue – such as trust, cooperation and mutual regard – is essential for maintaining social cohesion and prosperity.

Key insights

• Australians are increasingly disengaging from civic life. Rates of volunteering in Australia have declined over the past decade.
• Voter turnout in the 2022 federal election dropped below 90% for the first time since compulsory voting was introduced in 1924.
• There has been a decline in Australians’ sense of pride and belonging. The proportion of people who feel a strong connection to the Australian way of life has dropped from 43% in 2018 to 33% in 2023.
• While multiculturalism has been a cornerstone of Australian society, its success depends on balancing cultural pluralism with shared civic values.
• The weakening of a common national identity and the rise of parallel communities are undermining social cohesion.