Foreign minister to link diversity to national security

Foreign Minister Penny Wong will address the Gyngell Lecture at the Lowy Institute in Sydney on Friday, warning that the rise of populism poses a threat to Australia's national security. She will argue that pushing for monoculturalism could leave the nation "lonely in a dangerous world." Wong's speech is timed amid Labor's struggles in the polls, as opposition parties like Pauline Hanson's One Nation maintain strong support.

One Nation has pledged to cut foreign aid and withdraw from multilateral institutions if elected, while Hanson has criticized corruption in Pacific nations. Wong, who won't name One Nation directly, will highlight the risks of isolationism, stating that denigrating Australia's region and neglecting partners is not in the nation's interest.

Despite some Australians expressing concerns over migration levels and cultural diversity, a majority still view diversity as positive. Wong will emphasize that the nation retains faith in multiculturalism, even as social cohesion faces challenges. She will argue that a push for monoculturalism would impair Australia's connections, opportunities for growth, and resilience against external influences, making the country more vulnerable to disinformation campaigns and social division.