AUSTRALIANS' ATTITUDES TO MIGRATION HAVE CHANGED LITTLE OVER THE PAST TEN YEARS

Australians' attitudes to migration have changed little over the past ten years, with a majority embracing new citizens and multiculturalism. But as the Scanlon Foundation's Social Cohesion surveys show, there is evidence of growing discontent, with increasing negativity toward Muslims and significant discrimination over people's skin colour, ethnicity or religion. Australians have mixed feelings when it comes to the nation's diverse communities. Around a quarter of Australians surveyed reported having negative feelings towards Muslims, in comparison to around five or six per cent for Buddhists or Christians. This can jump to as high as 40 per cent if respondents answered the survey questions online or over the phone -- instead of in person -- potentially understating the true level…

Protesters holding anti-Muslim placards are seen at a Reclaim Australia Rally at Martin Place in Sydney on Saturday, April 4, 2015. Source: AAP