Support for multiculturalism in Australia has fallen significantly over the past two years, according to new research from the Lowy Institute, reflecting growing concerns about economic uncertainty, global instability and social cohesion.
The Institute’s latest annual poll found that the proportion of Australians who believe cultural diversity has benefited the country has dropped from 90 per cent in 2024 to 73 per cent in 2026.
The decline represents the largest shift recorded on any social issue during the survey’s 22-year history.
The findings come at a time when Australians are expressing increasing concern about international conflicts, economic pressures and the country’s future direction.
More than half of respondents, 53 per cent, said they feel either “insecure” or “very insecure” in today’s world, citing ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine as well as broader geopolitical instability.
Economic concerns also featured prominently, with six in 10 Australians expressing pessimism about the nation’s economic outlook over the next five years. Rising living costs, household financial pressures and global economic uncertainty were identified as key drivers of concern.
Lowy Institute researcher Charles Lyons-Jones said the growing sense of insecurity appears to be influencing public attitudes towards social change and migration.
The survey also found increasing scepticism towards Australia’s migration settings. Fifty-five per cent of respondents believe the number of migrants entering Australia is too high, up from 48 per cent in 2024.
The findings were released days after One Nation leader Pauline Hanson renewed calls for a “monocultural” Australia, reigniting debate about national identity, migration and social cohesion.
Despite the decline in support, multiculturalism continues to enjoy majority backing among Australians. Nearly three-quarters of respondents still believe cultural diversity has been beneficial to the country and remains a source of national strength.
The poll also revealed declining trust in major global powers.
Just 31 per cent of Australians said they trust the United States to act responsibly on the international stage, while only one in five expressed confidence in US President Donald Trump. A similar level of trust was recorded for Chinese President Xi Jinping.
However, support for the Australia–United States alliance remains strong despite reduced confidence in American leadership.
Seventy-three per cent of respondents said the alliance is important for Australia’s security, while backing also remains high for the AUKUS security pact and Australia’s planned acquisition of US-designed nuclear-powered submarines.
The results paint a picture of a society that continues to support the foundations of multicultural Australia, but one that is becoming increasingly cautious, concerned and pessimistic amid a rapidly changing global environment.
For many analysts, the shift represents one of the most significant social and political signals to emerge in Australia since the COVID-19 pandemic.
