Scanlon Report: What's Driving Australian Anger and Distrust 2026

The annual Scanlon report on social cohesion has revealed that economic pain and distrust are driving Australian anger, even as support for immigration remains high. The report, one of the country's most extensive social research projects, shows that while social cohesion has remained steady, many Australians are feeling poorer, more pessimistic, and increasingly distrustful of government.

Economic Pressures Fuel Discontent

According to the Scanlon report, cost-of-living pressures and a global economic downturn are Australians' key concerns. More than 10,000 Australians were asked 100 questions, and the results show that economic hardship is changing the way people vote, with those suffering hardship jumping ship to One Nation.

Dr James O'Donnell from the Australian National University, the lead author of the report, concedes many findings are cause for concern. "People are clearly under pressure with economic pressures, there's discontent and distrust, people are blaming immigration … but we don't necessarily see a permanence to that," he said.

The report also found that people are more worried about artificial intelligence than climate change or going to war. This suggests that economic and technological anxieties are top of mind for many Australians.

Support for Immigration and Multiculturalism Remains Strong

Despite rising concern about antisemitism and Islamophobia, the vast majority of Australians support immigration and multiculturalism. The report notes that support for multiculturalism and diversity remains high, as does the sense of connection Australians feel to their communities.

This is a crucial finding, as it indicates that while economic pressures may be causing discontent, they have not eroded the fundamental support for a diverse society. Dr O'Donnell notes that "it's not just that people are getting angry generally. They're really under pressure and that plays out in different ways."

Social Cohesion Steady Despite Challenges

The Scanlon report found that social cohesion in Australia has actually remained steady, despite rising concerns about antisemitism and Islamophobia. This is a testament to the resilience of Australian communities.

However, the report also highlights that many findings are cause for concern. The steady cohesion does not mean there are no issues; rather, it suggests that the social fabric is holding together even as pressures mount.

Key Findings from the Scanlon Report

• Economic pain and cost-of-living pressures are the top concerns for Australians.
• People are more worried about AI than climate change or war.
• Support for immigration and multiculturalism remains high.
• Social cohesion has remained steady, but discontent and distrust are evident.
• Economic hardship is influencing voting behavior, with some shifting to One Nation.

What This Means for Australia's Future

The Scanlon report provides a nuanced picture of Australian society. While economic pressures are causing discontent and distrust, the underlying support for multiculturalism and social cohesion remains strong. This suggests that policies addressing cost-of-living pressures and economic insecurity could help alleviate some of the anger and distrust. The background to this story is set out in Royal Commission Reveals Jewish Australians' Fear and Anger. A related thread runs through Australia Nepal Floods Missing Australians Rise to 39. Earlier coverage in Australia Delays Gambling Logo Ban Until 2032 – Public Anger Grows shows how the argument developed.

Dr O'Donnell's comment that there is no "permanence" to the discontent offers hope. It indicates that with the right interventions, the current mood of distrust can be reversed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Australian Man Detained by ICE in Los Angeles After Airport Incid. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Australian Man Detained by ICE in Los Angeles After Airport Arres. The same theme surfaces in Australian Man Detained by ICE in Los Angeles After Visa Overstay, which takes a different angle.

Comparing Concerns: AI, Climate Change, and War

The table above shows that Australians are more worried about AI than traditional concerns like climate change or war. This highlights the growing importance of technological change in people's lives. Context on how this played out before sits in Australia Flag Burning Laws and Australia Day Proposal.

FAQ

As the debate over social cohesion continues, it's important to understand the factors driving discontent. The Scanlon report offers valuable insights into the pressures facing Australians and the resilience of their communities.

For a deeper look at how political leaders are responding to these tensions, see our coverage of the Islamophobia report and Albanese's warning that Hanson undermines cohesion. This highlights the political dimension of the challenges discussed in the Scanlon report.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone following Australian social and political trends. The Scanlon report serves as a vital resource for policymakers, researchers, and citizens alike.