Think of all the disruption and intractable problems facing Australia and the globe right now. The kind of future we deliver for the next generation hinges on the way we approach challenges today. While factors like resources, politics, attitudes, and economic conditions all come into play, how well the nation can discuss complex and contested issues will underpin whether we flounder or flourish.
Next25’s 2021 Recoded Report found that constructive conversation is closely related to visions of success for the nation. Leaders across the country described a prosperous Australia as having social cohesion and diversity, valuing all contributions and experiences, engaging in discussions to articulate the common good, and creating a national story that embraces our differences. Constructive conversation is a crucial cornerstone in achieving each of these outcomes.
To help bring Australia closer to this desired future, Next25 is building an initiative to improve constructive discourse nationwide. We’ve worked with others over the last year to determine where we can best intervene in the system to spark a chain reaction of positive change. But we know that Next25’s work alone cannot create the nationwide change Australia needs. So, in this blog, we share key findings from our research and tangible examples of success to support others so they understand what’s at stake, see that better is possible, want to contribute, and know where to start.
What’s stifling constructive conversation in Australia
Constructive conversation – or lack thereof – appeared as a common thread in our 2021 Navigator and Recoded reports. Here is what we found after speaking with the public and leaders across the country:
Many emerging and established leaders believe Australia is becoming more divided and that the national conversation seems to be increasingly degraded
They also said changing conditions, lack of agency, and limited influence over the future are contributing to feelings of fear, despair, and anger towards others
The relationship between media and politics is said to have a key role in inflating division across society
People aged under 30 prioritise “willingness to talk out disagreements” (4th) and “accepting those with different views” (8th) much higher than the nation overall (16th and 17th, respectively)
Unlocking the path to success
Being able to have constructive discussion does not necessarily mean finding unanimous agreement. It’s about recognising the value of listening to and learning from different opinions. This is how we can create an environment where the public interest is front of mind for decision-makers. If communities and decision-makers can improve at having constructive conversations, we have a much greater chance of navigating disruption long-term.
The path to success will require a new approach toward conflict. While it may be uncomfortable in the moment, our research shows that the right kind of conflict can unlock progress. In our conversations with leaders across the country, many agreed that we need to work on having constructive conflict and debate and improving our response to being challenged. Part of this is equipping people with the skills to do so and creating environments that authorise and encourage open conversation. Young people’s focus on talking out disagreements and accepting the views of others could signal positive change to come.
Brights spots where Australia got it right
Here are some recent instances we can all learn from where hot-button topics have been approached with constructive conversation:
1. Holding space for opposing views – the passing of Queen Elizabeth II
The recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II stirred a sense of grief among many at home and abroad. And for many, her legacy is complicated. Mourning the death of the only monarch most people in Australia have ever known also came with the reminder of colonialism’s genocide, Stolen Generation, and the ongoing impacts on First Nations people today. But despite emotions running high, we witnessed positive examples of constructive discourse in the national conversation. People with different views respected and held space for each other’s other perspectives, and many conversations were open to the complexity of experiences.
2. Common ground to connect across divides – the Government’s Job Skills Summit
The Federal Government’s recent Job Skills Summit saw union, business, community, and political leaders come together to tackle big issues, including how to boost employment, boost wages, fill skill-shortage gaps, increase productivity, and ensure equal employment opportunities for all. The 146 attendees included a diverse range of perspectives across sectors and industries. Reflections from the summit included Employment Minister Tony Burke speaking of the need for “a new culture of genuine good-faith negotiation”, and Equality Institute Director Emma Fulu saying “We can all play a role and start levelling the playing field ... we need to start changing who is in the room and in the boardroom. We need to create space for those who have historically been silenced and excluded.” While the business community may still have concerns and the Opposition chose to decline an invitation to the Summit, complete consensus is not necessarily a marker of constructive discourse. The Summit still provided a positive example of constructive discussion taking place in a room of diverse views. By starting with broad ideas for success, people are able to connect across different perspectives. This creates the building blocks for greater understanding, deeper relationships, and more balanced outcomes.
3. A shared vision for success – Women’s Climate Congress
Another example that shows the power of common ground for constructive conversation is the Women’s Climate Congress. Established in 2020, these women were brought together by a shared vision to restore climate balance, sparked by the 2019-2020 bushfires. The most recent congress saw leading Australian women from across the political spectrum gather to learn from each other, find opportunities for collaboration, and openly discuss the challenge. Their approach is centred around having constructive conversation, wanting to “turn the tide of political culture from polarised discord to collaboration and cooperation”.
Australia can unlock progress on many of the nation’s biggest issues by holding space for diverse views, engaging in deep listening, and coming together through common ground and shared visions for success. How we talk to each other in challenging times can make or break the outcome. Focusing on addressing root causes like constructive conversation will not only help overcome immediate hurdles but position the nation to prosper for generations to come.
We will share more of our insights as we continue to design, test, and build this initiative to foster constructive conversation in Australia. To stay up to date with our work, you can subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
Together, let’s make the future Australia wants.