Immigration, economy top Aussie concerns

Australians are increasingly concerned about immigration and population growth and fearful they will be left behind through social and economic change.

A major annual report released by the Scanlon Foundation on Wednesday underscores clear threats to Australia's social cohesion.

While the vast majority of Australians support a diverse and multicultural society, unshakeably negative attitudes towards Muslim migrants remain among a quarter of the community.

In another troubling sign, the number of people who have experienced discrimination in the past year based on their skin colour, ethnic origin or religion has more than doubled to 20 per cent.

Confidence in political leaders also continues to tumble, with only 28 per cent of respondents believing the federal government can be trusted to do the right thing most of the time.

Far fewer people believe they can speak out on important issues.

The economy, unemployment and poverty continue to trump all other concerns on Australia's list of grievances, with increasing numbers of people worried their lives will be worse off within four years.

Concerns about the environment and climate change have fallen rapidly, and concerns and asylum seekers have plunged from 12 per cent in 2012-13 to just two per cent this year.

Terrorism and national security concerns are at seven per cent compared to just one per cent in 2014.

Worries about housing availability and affordability have grown three-fold in the past year to 5.7 per cent.

Industrial relations and trade unions - issues on which the Turnbull government has staked so much political energy and capital - are barely a blip on the radar.

Neither are indigenous issues or concerns about the gender pay gap, equal opportunity and violence against women.

TOP TEN PROBLEMS FACING AUSTRALIA

1. The economy, unemployment and poverty

2. Quality of government and politicians

3. Immigration and population growth

4. Social issues including family breakdown and drug use

5. Defence, national security and terrorism

6. Environment

7. Housing shortages, affordability and interest rates

8. Crime and law and order

9. Education and schools

10. Health and hospitals

(* Source: Mapping Social Cohesion 2017: National Report)