A deliberative poll was held to encourage discussion about some of the issues around Muslim and Australian relations and create deeper understanding about issues among groups.
Problems and Purpose
Race relations in Australia have been challenging, with many events over the years showcasing just how heightened racial tensions can become. In an effort to contribute to meaningful discussion and reduce racism through increased understanding, a deliberative poll was organized to enhance understanding and empathy between Australians and Muslim-Australians.
Background History and Context
The Cronulla riots in 2005, an infamous defining moment around multiculturalism in Australia [1], inspired this deliberative event to bring experts and citizens together around the issue of racism. This was to increase understanding of issues among groups and potentially challenge stereotypical assumptions to become more informed opinions. [2]
Organizing, Supporting, and Funding Entities
This initiative was organized by Issues Deliberation Australia and funded by the Myer Foundation. [3]
Participant Recruitment and Selection
330 randomly selected participants from the general public and 41 members of the Muslim community attended a national conference on attitudes to Muslims in Canberra. [4] & [5] These participants were selected from a national survey of 1401 members of the general public and then a more targeted survey of 160 Muslim-Australians. [6] & [7]
Methods and Tools Used
Deliberative Polling was used for this initiative as it seeks to understand how public opinions can change if people are given more information and alternate perspectives on an issue. This included surveying participants on two occasions, expert consultations, and focus group deliberations. [8]
What Went On: Process, Interaction, and Participation
This initiative took place over 18 months and involved expert consultations with 100 people, four focus group deliberations with Muslim Australians in major capital cities, national surveys and a deliberative poll. [9]
The national deliberative poll surveyed 1401 members of the public and then specifically 160 Muslims around the country prior to the national conference or deliberative poll in Canberra. [10] & [11] A selection of 330 of those broadly surveyed and 41 of the Muslim group surveyed would attend a conference in Canberra to hear from a range of perspectives on the relationship between Muslims and Australians. [12] Speakers included religious leaders of many faiths, academics, psychologists, terrorism experts, survivors of terrorism and anti-immigration advocates. [13] Participants then deliberated on the perspectives, and were surveyed again 18 months after attending the conference. [14] & [15]
Influence, Outcomes, and Effects
When comparing results of the national polls from before and after the conference, there is an apparent shift in attitudes toward the issue [16]:
- Before the conference, approximately 49 per cent of those surveyed attributed terrorism in large part to the “incompatibility between Muslim and Western values”, but after the conference, that number fell to 22 per cent.
- Before the conference, 44 percent thought national security was negatively influenced by Muslims coming to Australia, but after the conference that number fell to 23 per cent.
- Before the conference, over 33 per cent saw Muslims as a threat to the “Australian way of life”, but after the conference that number fell to 21 per cent.
There were also changes in opinion for Muslim participants. Before the conference, 32 per cent thought being committed to the Australian way of life was important, and after the conference that number increased to 44 per cent. [17]
A documentary, Beyond Beliefs, was produced around the event, and its screening has attributed to further education and dialogue around Australian and Muslim relations. [18]
Analysis and Lessons Learned
One observer of the process noted the significance of meeting people to whom trepidation is shown, as it helps them realize they are “basically all Australians”. [19] This result is noteworthy, as many opinions prior to the deliberative poll were based on little knowledge of Muslims, and/or not knowing a Muslim person, and even stemming from “stereotypes and fear”. [20]
See Also
References
[1] National Museum of Australia (2022). Cronulla race riots. Available at: https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/cronulla-race-riots
[2] Levett, C (2007, September 21). Breaking down racism 101 – get to know the person first. Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/national/breaking-down-racism-101-get-to-know-the-person-first-20070921-gdr5s4.html
[3] Ibid.
[4] Metherell, M (2007, March 5). Fear of Muslims declines when all sides put their case. Sydney Morning Herald. Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/national/fear-of-muslims-declines-when-all-sides-put-their-case-20070305-gdplji.html
[5] Ambrosi, E (2007, October 10). Deliberative polls and the Australian lesson. Available at: https://www.resetdoc.org/story/deliberative-polls-and-the-australian-lesson/
[6] Levett, C (2007, September 21). Breaking down racism 101 – get to know the person first. Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/national/breaking-down-racism-101-get-to-know-the-person-first-20070921-gdr5s4.html
[7] Ambrosi, E (2007, October 10). Deliberative polls and the Australian lesson. Available at: https://www.resetdoc.org/story/deliberative-polls-and-the-australian-lesson/
[8] Ibid.
[9] Ibid.
[10] Levett, C (2007, September 21). Breaking down racism 101 – get to know the person first. Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/national/breaking-down-racism-101-get-to-know-the-person-first-20070921-gdr5s4.html
[11] Ambrosi, E (2007, October 10). Deliberative polls and the Australian lesson. Available at: https://www.resetdoc.org/story/deliberative-polls-and-the-australian-lesson/
[12] Ibid.
[13] Metherell, M (2007, March 5). Fear of Muslims declines when all sides put their case. Sydney Morning Herald. Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/national/fear-of-muslims-declines-when-all-sides-put-their-case-20070305-gdplji.html
[14] Metherell, M (2007, March 5). Fear of Muslims declines when all sides put their case. Sydney Morning Herald. Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/national/fear-of-muslims-declines-when-all-sides-put-their-case-20070305-gdplji.html
[15] Levett, C (2007, September 21). Breaking down racism 101 – get to know the person first. Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/national/breaking-down-racism-101-get-to-know-the-person-first-20070921-gdr5s4.html
[16] Metherell, M (2007, March 5). Fear of Muslims declines when all sides put their case. Sydney Morning Herald. Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/national/fear-of-muslims-declines-when-all-sides-put-their-case-20070305-gdplji.html
[17] Levett, C (2007, September 21). Breaking down racism 101 – get to know the person first. Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/national/breaking-down-racism-101-get-to-know-the-person-first-20070921-gdr5s4.html
[18] Ambrosi, E (2007, October 10). Deliberative polls and the Australian lesson. Available at: https://www.resetdoc.org/story/deliberative-polls-and-the-australian-lesson/
[19] Metherell, M (2007, March 5). Fear of Muslims declines when all sides put their case. Sydney Morning Herald. Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/national/fear-of-muslims-declines-when-all-sides-put-their-case-20070305-gdplji.html
[20] Ambrosi, E (2007, October 10). Deliberative polls and the Australian lesson. Available at: https://www.resetdoc.org/story/deliberative-polls-and-the-australian-lesson/