Foreign Minister Penny Wong warns monoculturalism threatens Australia's security at Gyngell Lecture

Penny Wong will address the Lowy Institute’s Gyngell Lecture, warning that the surge in populist sentiment and the appeal of a “monocultural” Australia pose a serious security risk. She plans to highlight One Nation’s proposals to cut foreign aid and withdraw from multilateral bodies, arguing such isolationist moves would leave the nation “lonely in a dangerous world.” Citing a recent Lowy Institute poll, Wong notes that while 55% think migration numbers are too high, 73% still see cultural diversity as largely positive.

She contends that a shift toward monoculturalism would erode social cohesion, fuel internal division, and make Australia more susceptible to external disinformation campaigns. The lecture comes amid Labor’s slipping poll numbers and growing scrutiny of right-wing parties. Wong will emphasize Australia’s strength lies in its ability to connect globally and maintain diverse partnerships.