Togetherness Index 2026
The Togetherness Index (TI) explores the role communication plays in bringing Australia together. Now in its sixth year, the Index reveals how in moments that matter, coming together remains a core expression of what is means to be Australian.
The 2026 Index score is
One point down from 2024.
This stability – despite ongoing shocks – shows a complex picture.
The Index is computed using advanced statistical analysis software. The overall Index is rescaled to a score between 0 to 100. A score of 100 would mean all respondents gave a score of 5 to all questions and this would be the ideal situation. It would effectively mean social cohesion is at the highest possible level.
Key findings from the 2026 Togetherness Index
69%
of Australians believe the community pulls together when times get tough.
43%
of Australians have three or more neighbours they would feel comfortable asking for help.
63%
say messages from family generate more positivity than communication from governments, media or large organisations.
80%
of Australians believe it is important for governments to communicate messages that bring people together and encourage cooperation.
Nearly half of Australians believe the country has become more divided over the past 12 months. We are also more likely to describe Australia today as divided than united. But underneath that division, something important has endured. In challenging moments, coming together remains deeply Australian.
Togetherness is reinforced through relationships and connection
The 2026 Togetherness Index shows connections weaken beyond our closest relationships. While 74% feel close to family and 58% to friends, just 24% feel close to their local community.
Our connections with neighbours tell a similar story.
While 69% recognise three or more neighbours, only 43% would feel comfortable asking them for help.
Stronger local connections are linked to greater confidence that Australians will come together in difficult times.
Australians want leaders to bring us together
Four in five Australians say government communication should bring people together and encourage cooperation.
Government communication is showing signs of meeting that expectation.
In 2026, 43% rated Federal Government communication that promotes togetherness as effective, up from 36%, closely followed by 44% for State Government, up from 35% in 2024, while Local Government was rated effective by 44%.
Government communication effectiveness
People want to know their contribution matters
Feeling heard remains a weak point in Australian social cohesion.
While 57% of Australians believe they can and should contribute to their community, only 48% believe there are opportunities to contribute to local discussions.
Fewer than half believe they can provide feedback on local issues or that local leaders listen, while a small group feel their own voice is heard.
There is a clear gap between Australians’ willingness to contribute and their confidence that they can meaningfully influence decisions.
Communicators’ role in strengthening connections
For communication professionals, these insights are a call to action. The Togetherness Index identifies five key communication principles: Closeness, Listening, Optimism, Stories, and Effectiveness (CLOSE), that can foster unity and restore public trust.
To help bridge divides, communication professionals must focus on crafting messages that are positive, inclusive, and resonate emotionally. Contact the SenateSHJ team to learn how we can help you communicate effectively and foster stronger connections with your audience.
Jodie Wrigley, Partner and Head of Social Change at SenateSHJ
Australians feel the pressures pulling us apart, but still believe in each other when times get tough. Strengthening connections, listening to people and involving communities in decisions that affect them can help preserve and strengthen our instinct to come together.
How do I access the report?
Explore the full findings behind the 2026 Togetherness Index, including what is strengthening connection in Australia, where divides remain, and what the results mean for organisations and communicators.
Download the full Togetherness Index via the form below.
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