In the 21st century, Australia stands at a crossroads, facing not just technological and economic changes, but a deeper crisis of belief.
In his essay for The Australian newspaper’s 60th anniversary, veteran journalist Paul Kelly contends that the fabric of our democratic society is being tested by rapid technological advancements and social fragmentation.
Amidst this, the decline in Christianity and the erosion of shared values pose significant challenges to the nation’s identity and future stability.
Kelly emphasizes the need for the social contract to be renewed: “The social contract in Australia – and other Western democracies – must be renewed.”
This balance has been disrupted, necessitating renewal to ensure a stable and prosperous future.
The Decline of Christianity
The 2021 census revealed a stark reality: less than half of the Australian population now identifies as Christian, down from 88% in 1966 to just 43.9% in 2021.
The rise in those professing "no religion" to 38.9% is equally significant.
For a nation once deeply rooted in Christian values, this shift has profound implications.
Friedrich Nietzsche once argued that breaking away from faith in God could lead to a breakdown of the societal system as a whole.
Kelly notes, “Australia will face the fraught task of dealing with a largely post-Christian future. At present there is almost no discussion about its ramifications.”
The Need for a Unified Belief System
What does Australia believe in today? A nation without a unified belief system risks fragmentation and instability.
Kelly highlights the importance of a collective belief system in maintaining a cohesive and functioning democracy.
“The challenges will be material and spiritual. Pivotal to the future is the question: what do we believe, and what does Australia believe? A nation without belief is a nation in trouble.”
There is no doubt Australia is in trouble.
The challenge is to navigate its multicultural identity without allowing it to become a source of division. "Strength in diversity" should foster unity rather than discord.
The Crisis of Democracy
Kelly also warns about the broader crisis facing democratic systems worldwide. He asserts, “Democratic politics with its parliamentary traditions and lengthy deliberations was not made for this emerging world.”
The rapid pace of technological and social change threatens to outstrip the ability of democratic institutions to adapt, leading to deeper cultural fractures.
Kelly emphasizes, “The social challenges will be akin to a hurricane and without precedent in human history.”
The stakes are high, with potential threats ranging from nuclear war to the impacts of global warming and the disruption caused by artificial intelligence.
Why the Balance is Broken
According to Kelly, the balance between economic progress and social equity, individual freedom and collective responsibility, has been disrupted.
Liberal capitalism, particularly since the 2008-09 global financial crisis, has failed to deliver equitable outcomes, leading to massive inequalities and a loss of trust in political and corporate elites.
“The health of our societies depends on sustaining a delicate balance between the economic and the political, the individual and the collective, the national and the global.
But that balance is broken.” Kelly cites Martin Wolf’s observation that “liberal democracy and global capitalism ‘that were triumphant three decades ago have lost legitimacy’.”
Renewing the Social Contract
To renew the social contract, Kelly suggests a need for a new settlement between liberal capitalism and liberal democracy.
He advocates for a model of capitalism that works for the entire community, emphasizing the importance of income equity and social responsibility.
“Technology will deliver economic progress, but the bigger job is achieving levels of income equity that underpin a good society.”
This requires addressing massive inequalities and restoring trust in political and corporate institutions.
Family First is committed to a better vision for our nation’s future – one that promotes family, faith, freedom and life.
We believe if mainstream Australians here the case for a better vision, rather than the narrative of climate catastrophism and national illegitimacy currently being promoted, they will opt for hope over decline.
Unless the social contract can be renewed around family, faith, freedom and life, there will be no future for our nation.