URGENT UPDATE: Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman, has raised alarms over the term ‘social cohesion,’ labeling it a potential code for assimilation that undermines efforts to combat racism. His claims follow a troubling trend where political leaders increasingly favor this vague phrase over direct discussions of racism, especially in the wake of the December 2024 mass shooting at a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach that claimed 15 lives.
Sivaraman’s concerns were first highlighted after a report from the Australian Human Rights Commission in July 2024, revealing a preference among government officials to address ‘social cohesion’ instead of confronting systemic racism. He states, “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.”
Political rhetoric around ‘social cohesion’ has intensified, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese using the term almost 70 times since the commission’s report, and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley mentioning it at least 24 times since May 2025. But Sivaraman warns that this trend stifles necessary conversations about racism. “People have told me, ‘don’t talk about racism, because you’re disrupting the social cohesion’,” he said.
The Race Commissioner emphasizes that avoiding discussions on racism creates an environment where victims feel isolated. “The person that calls out racism tends to get attacked more than the perpetrator,” he explained, highlighting a growing reluctance among Australians to engage in these critical conversations.
Moreover, Sivaraman criticized the federal government’s recent royal commission, initiated after the Bondi attack, for focusing on anti-Semitism and ‘social cohesion’ rather than addressing racism in all its forms. He calls for the implementation of the National Anti-Racism Framework to ensure that policies serve all communities without pitting them against one another.
In a society where racial literacy is low and discussions on racism are seen as divisive, Sivaraman argues that the term ‘social cohesion’ can act as a barrier to progress. “The beauty of anti-racism work is: once you make systems and institutions more transparent, responsive, and accountable, you’re making them better for everyone,” he stated.
As this situation develops, the pressure mounts on Australian leaders to reassess their language and policies surrounding racism. Advocates are urging that the dialogue shift back to addressing racism directly, emphasizing that true social cohesion can only be achieved through honesty and accountability.
Stay tuned for further updates as this critical issue unfolds.
