''For as long as people are allowed to spread lies, abuse, harass, then social cohesion as we know it has completely broken down."
I think most would agree with that and it's sad to see the directions that we appear to be heading in. Australia is in a good position as far as social cohension goes when compared to the USA and the UK.
Our 'Overton Window' doesn't change much and a federal govt of either side usually operates within constrained parameters. The 'pub test' keeps any outlandish ideas they have in check.