Australia’s Multiculturalism Declines Amid Rising Fear, Poll Finds
Australia undergoing historic decline in support for multiculturalism has been revealed in a recent poll, showing a significant drop in public confidence in the nation’s cultural diversity initiatives. Conducted by the Lowy Institute, the annual survey highlights a growing sense of unease about the global landscape, driven by economic uncertainty and shifting international relations. This marks a pivotal shift in Australia’s approach to multiculturalism, which has long been a cornerstone of its national identity.
Trust in Superpowers Erodes as Tensions Intensify
The poll underscores a notable decline in faith in the United States as a global leader. A record low of 31% of Australians now trust the U.S. to act responsibly on the world stage, contrasting sharply with earlier years. This skepticism is mirrored in similar levels of distrust toward Donald Trump, with only 20% expressing confidence in his international decision-making. Meanwhile, confidence in China has increased from 20% to 28%, reflecting a balanced shift in perceptions between the two major global powers.
“This year’s survey marks an extraordinary milestone: for the first time, the two superpowers are distrusted in equal measure,” said Charles Lyons-Jones, a Lowy research fellow. “This is a significant change from 2022, when the gap in trust was over 50% in favor of the US.”
Lyons-Jones noted that the decline in U.S. trust is not isolated to leadership but extends to the country’s strategic role in global affairs. The findings reveal Australians are increasingly wary of America’s priorities, especially under a government emphasizing national interests over multilateral cooperation. This sentiment aligns with the broader Australia undergoing historic decline in support for multiculturalism, as public anxiety about global stability shapes views on cultural identity.
Economic Concerns Fuel Pessimism
The survey also captures deepening economic fears, with 59% of respondents expressing concern about Australia’s financial outlook over the next five years. This represents a 12-point increase from the previous year and a 22-point rise since 2022, signaling a turning point in public sentiment. Trust in the U.S. has fallen to its lowest point since 2020, reinforcing the Australia undergoing historic decline in support for multiculturalism as Australians grapple with uncertainty.
Economic pessimism is intertwined with the perception of a deteriorating world order, where 53% of Australians feel “unsafe” or “very unsafe” due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. This anxiety contributes to the growing Australia undergoing historic decline in support for multiculturalism, as people question the benefits of cultural diversity in an increasingly volatile environment.
AI Woes Amplify Cultural Doubts
Australia’s growing unease extends to emerging technologies, with nearly two-thirds of respondents (59%) arguing that the risks of artificial intelligence outweigh its benefits. This 12-point surge since 2024 reflects a shift in public opinion toward tech-related threats. The perception of AI as a destabilizing force is linked to broader anxieties about societal change, further deepening the Australia undergoing historic decline in support for multiculturalism.
Lyons-Jones highlighted that these concerns are not confined to economic or technological spheres. They are shaping attitudes toward cultural identity, with a 17-point drop in the percentage of Australians who believe cultural diversity has been beneficial. The number fell from 90% in 2024 to 73% in the latest survey, marking the largest single decline in a societal question in the poll’s 22-year history.
Migrants and Multiculturalism: A Fractured View
The debate over migration has intensified, with 55% of Australians now viewing the number of incoming migrants as “too high.” This represents a rise from 48% in 2024 and slightly exceeds the 54% peak in 2018. Despite this, 73% of respondents still support multiculturalism, indicating that while doubts are growing, the core value of cultural diversity remains valued by many Australians.
