On Friday, Foreign Minister Penny Wong is set to present the annual Gyngell Lecture at the Lowy Institute in Sydney. During her address, she will express concerns about the increasing influence of populism on Australia’s national security, emphasizing that undermining regional partnerships and neglecting allies does not serve the country’s interests.
Senator Wong will highlight the dangers of embracing “monoculturalism,” suggesting that such a shift could leave Australia isolated in a perilous global landscape. Her remarks come at a time when the Labor Party faces challenges in the political arena, particularly with the rise of Pauline Hanson and the One Nation party, which have garnered attention despite facing scrutiny from various political entities and the press.
Although she will not name One Nation directly, Senator Wong intends to critique their fundamental policies, warning that an isolationist approach would lead to economic and social deprivation for Australia. “Disparaging our region and overlooking our partners is not a strategy for safeguarding Australia’s interests,” she plans to assert. “Nor is it prudent to retreat from global engagement and the institutions that support it.”
Recent polling by the Lowy Institute indicates a growing dissatisfaction among Australians regarding immigration levels, with 55% expressing that the current number of migrants is “too high.” Despite this, a substantial 73% of respondents view cultural diversity as largely positive. Senator Wong will interpret these findings as a testament to the enduring support for multiculturalism, even amidst rising pressures on social cohesion.
Senator Hanson has advocated for a shift back to “monoculturalism,” though she claims that this viewpoint does not imply racial discrimination, but rather a requirement for migrants of diverse backgrounds to adopt Australian values. Wong will argue that this perspective not only misrepresents contemporary Australia but also risks leaving the nation disconnected within the Asian region and “lonely in a dangerous world.”
“I have always maintained that our ability to engage with people from all corners of the globe is a national strength,” Senator Wong will say, emphasizing that such connections enhance Australia’s global opportunities. “The call for a monoculture seeks to restrict our choices and sever our ties, leading us to become insular and devoid of allies for trade and growth.”
Furthermore, she will caution that a toxic discourse surrounding diversity could exacerbate societal tensions and divisions within Australia. “Before we even approach the dismal reality of a monoculture, significant harm could occur,” she will warn. “This could foster enmity among Australians, rendering the nation a more hostile environment, complicating relationships among family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.”
Senator Wong will also indicate that promoting division could heighten Australia’s vulnerability to disinformation campaigns orchestrated by outside forces, although she will refrain from naming specific countries. Previous research has linked certain authoritarian regimes, including those of China and Russia, to efforts aimed at undermining social trust in Australian democracy and propagating favorable narratives.
