Advertise on podcast: Voices of Australia

In the final episode of Voices of Australia, host Anthea Hancocks speaks with Dr James O'Donnell, researcher at the Australian National University's School of Demography and lead investigator on the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute's Mapping Social Cohesion study. Drawing on Australia's leading longitudinal research on social cohesion, Dr O'Donnell explores how neighbourhoods influence our sense of belonging, trust and connection. He discusses why local communities matter, how neighbourhood experiences differ across Australia, and what these insights reveal about the future of social cohesion. In this episode: • The role of neighbourhoods in social cohesion • Belonging, trust and community connection • Insights from the Mapping Social Cohesion study • Why local communities matter • Social cohesion across Australia • Building stronger and more connected neighbourhoods Whether you're interested in social cohesion, community development, public policy, urban planning or Australian society, this episode offers valuable insights into how stronger neighbourhoods contribute to a stronger Australia.

How does migration shape Australia's place in the world? What role do citizenship, diaspora communities and international engagement play in Australia's national identity and social cohesion? In this episode of Voices of Australia, host Anthea Hancocks speaks with Professor Alan Gamlen, Founding Director of the ANU Migration Hub at the Australian National University and one of Australia's leading experts on migration and global mobility. Together they explore Australia's migration story within a changing international landscape, examining migration policy, citizenship, global connections and Australia's role in an increasingly interconnected world. The conversation also considers what these global shifts mean for belonging, identity and social cohesion in Australia. Whether you're interested in migration, public policy, Australian politics or the future of multicultural Australia, this episode offers valuable insights into Australia's place in the world. Guest: Professor Alan Gamlen Founding Director, ANU Migration Hub Professor, School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet), Australian National University

Today’s guest is Professor Peter McDonald AO  One of the world’s most influential demographers and a leading expert on population policy, fertility, and migration. He currently serves as an Honorary Professor of Demography at the University of Melbourne and Emeritus Professor at the Australian National University, while also acting as a Chief Investigator for the ARC Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research (CEPAR). His work has shaped national and international thinking on population policy, fertility, and urbanisation, and he has advised governments and global institutions over several decades. In this episode, we explore how population size and urbanisation are reshaping Australia, what these trends mean for everyday life, and how demographic change intersects with social cohesion and long-term planning.

Today’s episode features James Button James is a writer, journalist, and communication strategist with a long career analysing politics, leadership, and public trust. His work focuses on how governments communicate, how citizens engage with institutions, and how expectations of leadership are formed and tested. In this episode, we speak with James about what Australians expect from government today, the role of transparency and performance in sustaining trust, and what this means for social cohesion in Australia.

Herbert Um is the CEO of Faith Values, an Australian national initiative focused on the intersection of education, multifaith collaboration, and social cohesion. His work focuses on supporting respectful dialogue across faith communities and strengthening understanding of freedom of religion within Australia’s democratic and multicultural framework. In this episode, we speak with Herbert about what freedom of religion means in practice, how it is experienced by different communities, and why it remains a key pillar of social cohesion in Australia today.

Hass is the Chair and founder of the Australian Multicultural Foundation and has been a leading voice on multiculturalism and social cohesion in Australia for more than three decades. His work has focused on strengthening community relationships, promoting inclusion, and supporting cross-cultural and interfaith dialogue, both nationally and internationally. In this episode, Anthea Hancocks speaks with Hass about Australia’s multicultural journey, what belonging looks like in practice, and the challenges and opportunities for social cohesion today.

Frank Bongiorno AM is a distinguished Australian historian and author who currently serves as the Donald Horne Professor of History and Public Ideas at the University of Canberra. He is the inaugural director of the university's Vice-Chancellor's Centre of Public Ideas (COPI), a role he commenced in February 2026 after a long tenure at the Australian National University.   Throughout his career, he has held significant leadership positions. At the University of Canberra, he directs the Centre of Public Ideas to encourage public discourse and connect historical context to contemporary policy. Frank Bongiorno is also an author, with works including Dreamers and Schemers: A Political History of Australia (2022), which received the 2023 ACT Book of the Year award.

Tom is a former Australian Electoral Commissioner, serving from 2014 to 2024…the longest tenure in the Australian Electoral Commission's history. In that role, he led the delivery of multiple federal elections, numerous by-elections, and the first referendum in nearly a quarter of a century, helping build the AEC’s reputation as one of the most trusted agencies in Australia’s public sector. Before his time as Commissioner, Tom served as Deputy Electoral Commissioner and Australian Electoral Officer for New South Wales. He also brings experience from executive leadership roles supporting public safety organisations. In this episode, we speak with Tom about Australia’s electoral systems and voting processes, the foundations that support public trust in democratic processes, and how electoral institutions adapt to change.

In this final instalment of Truth, Trust, and Politics, Mary Gearin interviews former ABC colleague Jon Faine, reflecting on the evolving media landscape, misinformation, and political trust. They discuss how social media has fueled misinformation, widening the gap between facts and public perception. The conversation explores the decline of traditional media, the rise of new influential voices, and how fear-driven narratives shape political discourse. They also examine the challenges of political accountability, voter scepticism, and the growing demand for transparency from politicians. Public health messaging, particularly in engaging vaccine sceptics, is highlighted as an area requiring innovation. Mary Gearin and Faine emphasise the importance of political diversity and civic engagement in strengthening democracy. As voter expectations shift, they question how politicians and the media must adapt to restore trust. This final episode brings together key themes of the series, offering insights into the intersection of truth, trust, and political communication in today’s world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Truth, Trust, and Politics 02:35 The Evolution of Facts and Mistruths 06:15 The Business of Misinformation 08:13 Democracy and Political Disengagement 11:00 The Role of Politicians in Society 15:43 Media's Accountability and the Fear Factor 20:35 The Existential Crisis of Journalism 23:44 The Evolving Landscape of Media Influence 26:14 Legacy Media vs. New Voices 28:14 Engaging the Vaccine Skeptics 32:01 Innovative Communication Strategies 36:49 Restoring Trust in Politics 41:24 The Future of Political Engagement

The Spread of Misinformation: Lessons from the Voice to Parliament Referendum In this episode, Mary Gearin interviews Andrea Carson, who unpacks the complexities of misinformation and disinformation, particularly in the lead-up to the Voice to Parliament referendum. Drawing on her extensive research, Andrea Carson examines how social media has reshaped political discourse, creating an environment where falsehoods can spread rapidly and influence public perception. Professor Andrea Carson explores the challenges of regulating misinformation, the role of fact-checking and media literacy, and the responsibility of political leaders in shaping public trust. In an era where trust in media and institutions is fragile, Andrea Carson argues that empowering the public with critical thinking skills is key to safeguarding democracy. Chapters 00:00 Mapping the Information Ecosystem 02:53 The Impact of Misinformation on Politics 05:53 Regulating Misinformation and Disinformation 08:59 The Role of Fact-Checking in Trust 12:05 Youth, Social Media Literacy, and Trust 14:51 The Future of Political Discourse and Trust

With the 2025 federal election approaching, trust in politics and the media is at an all-time low. Unchecked misinformation is spreading, political discourse is increasingly polarised, and voters struggle to separate fact from fiction. Can we rebuild trust before it’s too late? In this episode, Mary Gearin speaks with Bill Browne, Director of the Democracy & Accountability Program at The Australia Institute, and Mark Kenny, journalist and Professor at ANU, to explore the crisis of trust in political communication. They discuss the media’s role in shaping public perception, the impact of misinformation on elections, and the decline of trust in democratic institutions. With election campaigns becoming battlegrounds for misleading narratives, they examine whether stronger truth-in-political-advertising laws and greater media accountability could help restore public confidence. How can politicians and the media rebuild credibility? Who should be held accountable for misinformation? And most importantly, how do we strengthen democracy before Australians head to the polls?   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Truth, Trust, and Politics 02:35 The Evolution of Facts and Mistruths 06:15 The Business of Misinformation 08:13 Democracy and Political Disengagement 11:00 The Role of Politicians in Society 15:43 Media's Accountability and the Fear Factor 20:35 The Existential Crisis of Journalism 23:44 The Evolving Landscape of Media Influence 26:14 Legacy Media vs. New Voices 28:14 Engaging the Vaccine Skeptics 32:01 Innovative Communication Strategies 36:49 Restoring Trust in Politics 41:24 The Future of Political Engagement

In the third episode, we explore the Disengagement Dilemma: Why young Australians, particularly those from migrant backgrounds, are turning away from politics. Mary Gearin leads a compelling conversation with Kos Samaras, Founder of RedBridge, and Nor Shanino, CEO of Ubuntu Project, as they unpack the impact of misinformation, political disengagement, and rising youth activism on social media. They reflect on how misinformation shapes community perceptions and how disengagement grows when political conversations exclude real experiences. With trust in traditional media at an all-time low, young people are finding new ways to organise and have their voices heard, but social media also brings new risks of misinformation. Although many are sceptical, rebuilding trust starts with listening and engaging meaningfully.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Truth, Trust, and Politics 02:04 Misinformation and Its Impact on Communities 05:46 Political Disengagement and Its Consequences 09:15 Activism and the Role of Social Media 12:27 Global Citizenship and Political Awareness 16:46 The Role of Traditional Media in Combating Disinformation 23:27 The Shift from Traditional Media to Streaming 24:46 Erosion of Trust in Institutions 25:41 Engaging Young People in Communication 28:39 Authenticity in Political Engagement 30:54 The Role of Representation in Politics 32:54 Trust and Scepticism in Information 36:18 Navigating Misinformation in the Digital Age 40:27 Personal Strategies Against Disinformation 40:47 Strategy for Fact-Checking 46:50 Mary’s Conclusion 47:10 End Credits

In this thought-provoking episode, Zali Steggall MP joins seasoned political analyst Michael Maley to explore one of the most pressing issues of our time: truth in politics. Together, they unpack the growing challenges of misinformation, the rise of "alternative facts," and the historical attempts to regulate truth in political advertising. In this conversation led by Mary Gearin, they delve into why credible facts matter, how political debate often involves future predictions, and why voters need protection from misleading claims. They also highlight the urgent need for modern "guardrails" to ensure trustworthy political messaging, especially as AI and deepfakes amplify the risks of disinformation. Zali and Michael also reflect on how unchecked misinformation can erode public trust and disengage voters, threatening the very foundation of democracy. They argue that while consequences for spreading falsehoods must be serious to deter bad actors, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) should not bear the impossible burden of deciding what is true in the political arena.   Chapters 00:00 Defining Truth in Politics 06:09 The Challenge of Alternate Facts 10:31 Historical Context of Truth in Advertising Laws 14:53 The Need for Modern Guardrails 20:03 Legislating Voter Protection Laws 26:40 Consequences and Deterrents for Misinformation 31:49 The Fragility of Democracy and Trust 36:55 The Importance of Credible Facts 41:23 Propaganda & Misinformation 45:11 Mary Wrapping Up 45:31 End Credits

In this conversation, Mary Gearin and Kate Torney OAM discuss the declining trust in journalism and its interrelation with political discourse and other institutions. Kate Torney emphasises the need for journalism to reflect on its role and constructively engage with audiences, particularly younger generations. Kate Torney also advocates for a shift from traditional conflict journalism to constructive journalism, which focuses on solutions and civil discourse. She highlights the importance of representation in media and the need for media literacy to combat misinformation and engage audiences effectively. The conversation also touches on the challenges of political discourse and the role of optimism in journalism.   Chapters 00:00 The Crisis of Trust in Journalism 01:54 Kate Turney Introduction 02:50 Reframing Journalism's Role 06:05 Engaging Younger Audiences 08:52 Constructive Journalism: A New Approach 12:03 The Importance of Representation in Media 14:53 Navigating News Fatigue 18:14 The Challenge of Political Discourse 21:09 The Role of Optimism in Journalism 24:00 Media Literacy and Engagement 27:08 Avoiding Advocacy in Journalism 29:57 Constructive Journalism in Political Campaigns 33:00 End Credits

In Episode 10 of Voices of Australia, Scanlon Institute's CEO Anthea Hancocks unpacks the interdependency of health and social cohesion with two highly respected public health physicians. Healthcare leader and infectious disease expert Associate Professor Kudzai Kanhutu from the University of Melbourne and Royal Australasian College of Physicians, together with Professor Benjamin Cowie Professorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne and Infectious Diseases Physician at Doherty Institute, discuss the critical nature of access to primary healthcare and learnings gained from the healthcare response during Covid-19 through the lens of social cohesion. With an insightful discussion, A/Prof Kanhutu and Professor Cowie analyse aspects of the current healthcare system and where there is room for improvement as it relates to building a cohesive community. Catchup on all our episodes: https://scanloninstitute.org.au/podcast