2025 Mapping social cohesion report

The Mapping Social Cohesion 2025 report examines how Australians are navigating a period of global and domestic uncertainty, finding that overall social cohesion has remained relatively stable despite mounting pressures. 

This resilience is largely attributed to strong local connections, community participation, and consistent levels of personal well-being and happiness. However, beneath this stability are clear signs of strain: national pride and belonging have declined over the long term (especially among younger people), financial hardship remains widespread, and support for multiculturalism — while still strong — has softened slightly. The report highlights that concerns about immigration are increasingly tied to economic and housing pressures rather than outright anti-immigrant sentiment, though experiences of discrimination and persistent prejudices toward certain cultural and religious groups continue to challenge social harmony.