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The 2026 Lowy Institute Poll revealed the most significant drop in support for cultural diversity in Australia's history. Some claim they live in fear of a rise in racism, following One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's call for a monoculture. However, others hold hope that multicultural cities like Canberra will serve as a beacon of hope for others.

Adut Atem, a Sudanese refugee who moved to Canberra in 2002, recounted a terrifying road rage incident where a racist driver threw coffee at her and yelled abuse. Despite the incident, she chose not to report it, but it has left her feeling unsafe.

The poll showed that 20% of respondents viewed cultural diversity mostly negatively, while 6% found it entirely negative. This decline in support for cultural diversity led to growing alarm among multicultural community representatives. Arif Haque, the chair of the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum, expressed concern that politicians' anti-immigration rhetoric is embedding fear within multicultural communities. He believes the community is being scapegoated for housing and economic challenges.

Sam Wong, a decades-long multiculturalism advocate, describes the monoculture debate as a revival of the White Australia policy. He feels embarrassed discussing it because it resembles the racist policies of the past. While he believes multiculturalism has been largely promoted and practiced positively in the ACT, he fears the current political climate will not protect the territory from racism. Racially motivated attacks, such as the one near Lake Ginninderra in April, highlight the ongoing problem.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke postponed a speech unveiling migration policy cuts, leaving the government at a crossroads. Marion Le, a migration agent and human rights advocate, expressed optimism that the fearmongering could deter qualified people from immigrating to Australia. She remains hopeful that Canberra, known for embracing multiculturalism, will continue to serve as a beacon for others.