URGENT UPDATE: Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman, has raised significant concerns over the term “social cohesion,” calling it a coded message that undermines genuine discussions about racism. This warning follows a troubling trend where politicians favor this ambiguous term instead of directly addressing racism, particularly in the wake of the tragic December 2024 mass shooting at a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach that left 15 people dead.
New reports confirm that the phrase “social cohesion” is increasingly being used by government officials to sidestep crucial conversations about racism, including anti-Semitism. Sivaraman emphasizes that this trend not only dilutes the urgency of addressing racism but may also foster assimilation pressures on minority communities. “The irony is, by calling out the need for social cohesion, you are not talking about racism, and you undermine your progress towards a harmonious society,” he stated.
The term has gained traction among Australia’s political leaders. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has invoked “social cohesion” nearly 70 times since the Australian Human Rights Commission’s report in July 2024. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has echoed this sentiment, using the term at least 24 times since taking office in May 2025. This pattern reflects a growing reluctance to confront the root issues of racism in Australian society.
Sivaraman highlights the societal challenges surrounding discussions of racism, noting, “The person that calls out racism tends to get attacked more than the perpetrator.” This reality creates an environment where many avoid addressing racism, opting instead for the less confrontational “social cohesion” language. He urges that the government employ the National Anti-Racism Framework to create a more inclusive dialogue that doesn’t pit communities against each other.
Amid escalating tensions following the Bondi attack, the federal government’s royal commission has come under scrutiny for its focus on anti-Semitism and social cohesion, rather than addressing racism in its broader context. Sivaraman stresses that effective anti-racism policies benefit all Australians, regardless of their background. “We don’t want communities feeling like they’re being pitted against each other,” he cautioned.
With racial literacy on the decline, it is critical for Australians to engage in open discussions about racism. Sivaraman’s call to action may spark a necessary shift in how these conversations are approached in political and social spheres. The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated—real change begins with acknowledging the problems that exist, rather than masking them under vague terms.
As the conversation around racism continues to unfold, all eyes will be on the Australian government to see if they will heed these warnings or continue down the path of coded language that risks further alienating marginalized communities. Share this important message now and join the conversation on the future of Australia’s social fabric.
