Today, (Monday, 25 November), a non-partisan organisation focused on empowering Australians to shape national policy through community engagement, AMPLIFY will host a pivotal conversation in Sydney to answer the most pressing questions of our time; is Australia at risk of a US-style polarisation, can we turn this into our advantage, or is there a united path forward?

Some of Australia’s most prominent thinkers and community leaders - Claire Lehmann, Bill Kelty and Waleed Aly - will be examining the potential polarisation crisis in Australia, including economic inequality, media dynamics, dis/misinformation and identity politics, to uncover answers to what will determine our future as a country.

Recent research, revealed ahead of the next election, shows two-thirds (65 per cent) of Australians feel the country is becoming more divided, and over half (53%) now trust community-based decisions more than those made by government bodies. Lehmann, Kelty, and Aly will tackle the key drivers of division while exploring what this means for community, corporations and society.

“Australians are deeply worried about the growing fractures in our society. This isn’t just about understanding the causes of division – it’s about identifying the solutions to rebuild our sense of unity for a better Australia. The time to act is now." said Dr Rory Gallagher, Chief Policy and Research Officer, AMPLIFY.

Why This Timely Conversation Matters

Social, political, and economic challenges are creating new divisions, but experts agree these divides can still be bridged, "The growing divides in Australia, driven by a range of domestic and international factors, are eroding trust in our institutions and each other. What we are doing is creating space for tough but constructive conversations on key issues that affect Australians every day. We need to see meaningful change." explains Georgina Harrisson, CEO, AMPLIFY.

“Having differing opinions isn’t a problem. Robust debates and constructive disagreement can be healthy. But what is concerning is a growing inability to engage with different perspectives. Our research shows that only 1 in 5 frequently look for opposing points of view on an issue, and less than 1 in 1 add opposing perspectives to our social media feeds. Growing echo chambers, plus mis and disinformation is making it difficult for people to find the common ground needed to make progress on the major challenges facing us in Australia. We must act now to avoid these divisions becoming more entrenched.” continued Dr Gallagher.

The event comes at a critical moment in Australia’s political and social landscape:

Media Dynamics:

• Misinformation Bill - The Australian Senate has been debating a bill addressing the spread of false information, balancing free speech with combating division and distrust. These issues with false information were notable during the 2023 Indigenous Voice referendum on social media, intensifying tensions
• Under-16 Social Media Ban - A proposed Government bill seeks to restrict social media access for children under 16, citing mental health concerns and misinformation
• Trust in Media - Surveys reveal declining public trust in news outlets, perceived as biassed and untrustworthy, deepening societal divides

Identity Politics:

• Influence of International Figures - The impact of figures like the U.S.President Elect Donald Trump has permeated Australian politics, fueling divisions on issues such as climate policy and national sovereignty, potentially contributing to broader societal polarisation
• Welcome to Country Debates - The growing adoption of Welcome to Country ceremonies has sparked discussions about their authenticity, reflecting deeper debates around cultural identity and inclusivity
• Gender Identity and Women’s Rights - Discussions around gender identity have become increasingly polarised. These debates have sparked public contention and dissent

Economic Inequality:

• Housing Affordability - Soaring house prices and unaffordable rents lock many, especially younger Australians, out of the housing market, fueling frustration and generational divides
• Stagnant Wages - Wage growth has failed to keep pace with inflation, eroding purchasing power for low and middle-income households
• Rising Inflation - Higher costs for essentials like food, utilities, and healthcare are leaving many struggling to make ends meet
• Interest Rate Hikes - Increased borrowing costs have intensified financial strain on mortgage holders, further dividing society into those who feel secure and those at risk

Political Landscape:

• Electoral Reform Bill - The Australian Senate is discussing the merits of a bill that proposes major changes to Australian elections, including more taxpayer funding of political parties, limits on donations and caps on election campaign spending. Concerns focus on loopholes in the bill that seem geared towards the two main parties, and unfairly dock independents and challengers.

"The US has shown us the human cost of unchecked division. Broken communities, mistrust, and democratic dysfunction are lessons we cannot afford to ignore. Australia has a unique chance to learn from these mistakes and choose a different path." explains Dr Gallagher.

"This panel is about bringing together diverse perspectives to demonstrate that disagreement can lead to better understanding – and, ultimately, solutions." says Harrisson.

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