Adelaide Writer’s Week: ‘Ensure moments of tragedy do not deepen fractures’
Adelaide Committee chief Sam Dighton calls for unity as the Writers’ Week controversy causes “further division” – arguing SA should be defining itself as a beacon amid global uncertainty.
In a world of increasing division and uncertainty, unity and inclusion can be South Australia’s strategic advantage.
The tragic terror attack at Bondi Beach in December was a profound shock felt across Australia and around the world. It was not only an attack on Jewish Australians but an attack on the values of multiculturalism, safety and shared respect that underpin our nation.
In its aftermath, leaders from across faiths and communities have united in grief and solidarity, reminding us that hate, in any form, threatens the social fabric that makes Australia a strong and vibrant community. The widespread condemnation of the violence and the growing concern about rising antisemitism have been a stark reminder that ignorance and division are no longer options.
The tragedy underscores that demographic policy and cultural policy are inseparable. A vibrant, growing community must be one in which everyone, regardless of faith, ethnicity or background, feels safe, welcomed and valued.
Multiculturalism enriches our society and is central to what makes Australia the rich, dynamic and wonderful place we all love — but only when it is matched with a genuine commitment to inclusion, cohesion and mutual respect.
You might like
At a time when division and uncertainty is rising across societies globally, we must ensure that moments of tragedy do not deepen fractures further. The recent controversy surrounding the Adelaide Writer’s Week has underlined how differing opinion can quickly unravel and cause further division. South Australia’s response must be to double down on unity, inclusion and social cohesion to get ahead.
This challenge intersects directly with our demographic and economic future. Newly released population data shows South Australia is on track to experience more deaths than births in coming decades, as our population ages and many young South Australians continue to leave in search of opportunity elsewhere.
The Committee for Adelaide has long advocated that population growth, underpinned by migration, is essential to meeting workforce needs, lifting productivity and driving sustainable economic growth. Without effective strategies to attract and retain people, particularly those in their prime working years, our labour force will shrink, economic momentum will slow and pressure on essential services will intensify.
This is where a confident, forward-looking growth agenda matters.
Stay informed, daily
South Australia has a proud history of welcoming skilled and humanitarian migrants who bring far more than labour alone. They bring ideas, entrepreneurship, cultural richness and global connections. They strengthen regional communities, help fill critical skill gaps and contribute to a more innovative and outward-looking economy.
But growth must go hand in hand with inclusion, opportunity and mutual respect. Migration strengthens communities when everyone feels they belong, regardless of where they were born or what they believe.
The Committee for Adelaide’s Adelaide Connected program aims to do just that, creating opportunities for newly arrived migrants and expatriates to build professional and personal networks, connect with like-minded people and feel genuinely part of the community.
Programs like these are not “nice to haves”; they are investments in retaining much needed talent in South Australia, ensuring newcomers feel at home and helping build connections across industry and community groups to drive long term economic growth.
Unity does not require uniformity, nor the elimination of different views. It requires a commitment to listen, to reject hatred and exclusion, and to recognise that our greatest strength lies in what we build together. It means fostering a culture of respect and resilience, where we can debate contentious issues openly and safely, without fuelling fear, hatred or division.
As a state, we must choose to grow not only in numbers, but in understanding and cohesion. This can, and must, be South Australia’s strategic advantage.
Sam Dighton is the Committee for Adelaide chief executive.
The Committee for Adelaide is a non-partisan, independent and sector agnostic think-tank, bringing together businesses, industry bodies, community, and government to help shape the future of Adelaide and South Australia.
