Colloquial Australian slang such as ‘fair crack of the whip’, ‘fair suck of the sauce bottle’ (usually beer), and ‘fair suck of the sav’ (a battered sausage like a corn dog) means a fair chance, or a reasonable opportunity for all.
In 2024, the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute conducted research on social cohesion. In other words, do Australians still believe in a fair go for everyone?
45 years-ago, then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam outlined a definition of social cohesion in his ‘It’s Time’ speech. “We can double and treble social benefits, but we can never make up through cash payments for what we take away in mental and physical well-being and social cohesion through the breakdown of community life and social identity.”
In December 2005 about 270,000 text messages circulated urging ‘Aussies’ to take revenge. Messages such as “This Sunday every… Aussie in the shire get down to North Cronulla to help support Leb and wog bashing day…”
One of the most influential broadcasters of that time, Alan Jones ridiculed Lebanese Muslims during on-air comments describing them as “vermin” who rape and pillage a nation that’s taken them in”. A later court ruling declared the shock jock incited hatred and ordered to apologise.
The incident possibly marked the beginning of the end of a fair go for all.
Researchers found a mixed response among those who agreed to take part in the survey. 85% think immigrants are good for Australia’s economy and multiculturalism benefiting everyone. However, in 2024, 49% of people say the number of immigrants recently arriving in this country is too high.
The cost-of-living pressures were a major concern for many. Australians experiencing financial hardship lose faith and trust in government, have a weaker sense of national pride, and harbour low opinions of migrants.
For example, one-in-three people trust their state government along with the Federal politicians. One-in-four don’t trust the media, and as for social media companies, fewer than one-in-ten think they can be trusted.
The entire world had a difficult 2024. Violence in the Middle East sparked huge protested in Australia’s capital cities. The threat of China’s dominance over smaller Pacific nations is also a concern for many.
Researchers at the Scanlon Institute found that while social cohesion in Australia is under pressure, the society remains resilient.
ajhenryblog 
Thank goodness we are a bit more resilient than say the US or UK. For once,being at the boondocks of the world helps.
Have you read Helen’s latest post at The Venomous Bead, about the UK?
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