Governments, academics and communities have defined social cohesion through multiple, overlapping lenses. This paper aims to identify tensions in current definitional frameworks. It seeks to inform policy discussions on how to operationalise social cohesion as part of a wider system approach. The paper summarises four international case studies and measurement approaches, including Australia.

This paper explores an approach to map civic volunteering opportunities across Australia. The findings reveal regional inequalities, with most opportunities concentrated in capital cities and coastal regions. By identifying where engagement opportunities are lacking, this work offers an evidence base for targeted policy, funding and civic renewal strategies.

How politicians talk about and news media report on Australia’s democracy affects how people think about, feel towards, and engage with democracy in their day-to-day lives. This report presents the findings of a quantitative analysis of discourses around democracy in parliamentary speeches and news media articles in Australia.

This report presents findings of a rapid review of evaluations of programs that aim to improve civic and political participation carried out in the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Member States of the European Union and the European Free Trade Agreement, Australia and New Zealand.

The Australian Cohesion Index brings together an extraordinary depth of data, knowledge and analysis to provide a robust picture of Australia today. It draws upon the ongoing rigour of the 'Mapping Social Cohesion' study, which has been undertaken since 2007, and is the only ongoing and comprehensive study of social cohesion in the world.