Ethnic Tensions Strain Australia's Multicultural Policy Amid Recent Attacks

Australia's multicultural society is facing unprecedented challenges as recent incidents of violence and broader social dynamics have heightened ethnic tensions, particularly in western Sydney. The attack on an Assyrian Orthodox bishop during a church service and the Bondi shopping center stabbings that killed six people have shocked residents and raised concerns about the country's social cohesion.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has identified espionage, foreign interference, and lone-actor terrorism as major security threats, surpassing traditional terrorism concerns. The attack on the Assyrian church bishop, which has been deemed a terrorist act motivated by suspected religious extremism, occurred in the context of increased tensions stemming from the Middle East conflict.

While the church incident was not defined as terrorism, it was conflated with the Bondi stabbings, further stirring public anxiety. A 19-year-old man who was not a member of the church has been charged in connection with the riot that occurred outside the church, where an angry crowd fought emergency crews demanding the suspected attacker be handed over. Police have ramped up the investigation into the riots, with more detectives assigned.

Why this matters: The rising ethnic tensions and challenges to Australia's multicultural policy have broader implications for social cohesion and political dynamics in the country. The incidents highlight the need for effective strategies to address issues like antisemitism, Islamophobia, and the integration of diverse communities.

The government is considering appointing envoys against antisemitism and Islamophobia, but the long-term trajectory of Australia's multiculturalism remains uncertain. There are concerns about the erosion of Labor's support among Muslim voters in western Sydney and the potential emergence of strong independent candidates from multicultural communities seeking a greater direct presence in politics or exerting more influence through strategic voting.

Younger Australian Muslims, born in a post-9/11 world, feel a sense of being outsiders, which was exacerbated during the pandemic. Balancing the needs and interests of different ethnic groups while promoting social cohesion is a complex challenge that requires addressing the three elements of multiculturalism: settlement policy, multicultural policy, and community relations policy.

The Assyrian Orthodox bishop, who is recovering quickly, has forgiven his attacker and urged his congregation to remain calm and respect the law. As the investigation into the riots continues, political and community leaders face the task of navigating the complexities of Australia's multicultural society and finding ways to foster understanding and unity among diverse communities.

Key Takeaways

• Australia faces rising ethnic tensions, challenging its multicultural policy.
• Incidents of violence, including attacks on Assyrian church and Bondi stabbings.
• ASIO identifies espionage, foreign interference, and lone-actor terrorism as major threats.
• Concerns about erosion of Labor's support among Muslim voters in western Sydney.
• Balancing diverse communities and promoting social cohesion is a complex challenge.