Social inclusion is a multifaceted concept. The Inclusive Australia Social Inclusion Index focuses on five key aspects of social inclusion, using items from scientifically-tested scales to measure individuals:

1. Sense of belonging and wellbeing
2. Prejudicial attitudes and experiences of discrimination
3. Amount and quality of contact with people from minority groups
4. Willingness to volunteer in inclusion activities; and
5. Willingness to advocate for social inclusion.

Social inclusion in Australia has proven remarkably resilient during the pandemic, according to this 2020/2021 edition of the Social Inclusion Index. Australians were surveyed after the height of the pandemic in December 2020, confirming that disasters do bring people closer together. However, the results also highlighted two spikes in discrimination against young people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

While previous reports have exposed the extent of prejudice and discrimination in our society, and who was bearing the brunt, this report reveals Australian society's strengths and weaknesses in times of hardship.