Australian citizens have shown a growing distrust in their federal government and fellow citizens, less individual connectedness and a weakening of communal organizations, "Mapping Social Cohesion Report" stated in its report.

The report authored by Professor Andrew Markus, chairman of Pratt Foundation in Jewish Civilization at Monash University came amidst the pressure Australian federal government faces on its asylum policy.

"Current trust in the federal government is low. In 2009, 48 per cent of people trusted the federal government to do the right thing for the Australian people 'almost always' or 'most of the time.' In 2011, this fell to 30 per cent, Asian Correspondent quoted Professor Markus citing the issue of asylum seeker as contributing factor.

"The asylum seeker issue contributes to this decline in trust. There is significant division over the policy that the government should be following."

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Earlier in September, Australian federal government faced an internal conflict on the government's decision to make changes to its Migration Act to pave the way to revive the asylum seeker swap deal with Malaysia. This move was seen by the opposition headed by Greg Hunt as "exceptionally unlikely" because the proposed legislative changes will remove Australia's obligations under the 60-year old UN convention on refugees.

But despite the ensuing internal revolt on Australia's federal government, Professor Markus, a specialist in race relations, religion, and demographic and attitudinal change in Australia remarked that the findings on his report showed overall satisfaction in life among Australians.

"The majority of Australians maintains a strong sense of belonging and pride in the Australian way of life. Most (89 per cent) of people are generally happy with their lives and they have positive attitudes towards social justice and participation. These are all fundamental factors for a cohesive society," Professor Markus concluded.

Professor Markus surveyed 2000 Australian citizens between the age of 18 and 66 across Australia and maintained the findings define Australian's shifting attitudes towards immigrants, asylum seekers, different ethnic groups, and overseas students.

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