A collective contribution to Australia’s social cohesion

The Menzies Leadership Foundation has convened a group of Australian civil society organisations to contribute collectively to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. 

With support from the Scanlon Foundation and independent facilitation by Tanck, the process brought together organisations working across community philanthropy, ethics, welcoming and belonging, place-based change and public policy. 

Through two focused workshops and a collaborative drafting process, participants tested different perspectives, identified areas of alignment and considered what Australia needs to strengthen social cohesion over the long term. 

The process was not about asking every organisation to adopt the same position. It was designed to improve the quality of individual and collective thinking by engaging different perspectives directly, rather than developing responses in isolation. 

This work has resulted in a joint civil society submission to the Royal Commission, alongside a complementary submission from the Menzies Leadership Foundation that extends the collective contribution through the insights and emerging architecture developed through our broader civility work. 

At the heart of both is a shared conviction: antisemitism is not a problem for the Jewish community to confront alone. It is a national responsibility and a critical test of the strength of Australia’s institutions, communities and shared civic life. 

We look forward to sharing more about the submissions, their recommendations and the next phase of engagement in the coming weeks. 

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While the submissions are being prepared for public release, explore our broader Reimagining a Civil Australia initiative and the work underway to strengthen civility, social cohesion and community resilience across Australia. 

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Australia’s social cohesion depends on more than good intentions — it requires institutions, communities and leaders willing to confront hard truths together. Antisemitism is not a problem for one community to face alone; it is a national responsibility and a test of how strong our shared civic life truly is. The organisations leading this work are those willing to bring different perspectives into the room, test their thinking and act collectively for the greater good.

At the Menzies Leadership Foundation, this is precisely the kind of leadership we exist to support. Through our role in convening civil society around the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, and through our broader Reimagining a Civil Australia initiative, we are helping build the shared understanding and collective capability Australia needs to strengthen civility and social cohesion for the long term. Connect with our Work.

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LinkedIn | natasha.eskinja@menziesfoundation.org.au

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LinkedIn | sarah.jenkins@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0401 880 071

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LinkedIn | rohan.martyres@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0404 505 954

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LinkedIn | liz.gillies@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0416 112 703

Natasha Eskinja

Digital Communications Coordinator

Natasha is driven by a profound passion for both creativity and analytics, a synergy that fosters authentic storytelling in the digital realm with both innovation and integrity. 

Throughout her career, she has consistently integrated the overarching marketing and communications narrative with the emotional connections of audiences. She is currently pursuing a Certificate in Society and the Individual from Flinders University, furthering her exploration of human behaviour and the critical importance of connectedness between organisations, individuals, and communities.

natasha.eskinja@menziesfoundation.org.au