Survey shows falling support for cultural diversity amid rising anti-immigration rhetoric in Australia
The 2026 Lowy Institute Poll recorded its biggest drop in backing for cultural diversity, while incidents of racist abuse have left some residents fearing a shift toward a “monoculture”.
The latest Lowy Institute poll, conducted in 2026, shows the sharpest fall yet in public endorsement of cultural diversity across Australia. One Nation’s Pauline Hanson has recently advocated for a “monoculture”, arguing that the nation cannot remain multicultural, a stance that appears to be resonating with a segment of voters. Incidents like the coffee-spilling, verbally abusive road-rage attack on Sudanese-born business owner Adut Atem in Canberra’s inner north highlight personal fears of rising racism.
Leaders of the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum, representing over a hundred ethnic groups, say such rhetoric fuels everyday harassment and threatens community cohesion. Long-time multicultural advocates, including former White Australia policy critic Sam Wong, warn the debate revives exclusionary attitudes and calls for stronger political representation to counter the trend. Despite these concerns, some local voices remain hopeful that Canberra can continue to serve as a model of multicultural acceptance.
Why it matters
Rising anti-immigration sentiment could undermine social cohesion and affect policy decisions on migration.
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