Former Liberal leader Sussan Ley said Australia’s multicultural society compares favourably with what she described as a social “disconnect” she observed while travelling across the United States by Greyhound bus. Her comments frame multiculturalism as a national strength and contrast Australia’s experience with divisions she perceived in the US.

Ley’s remarks were based on a Greyhound bus journey across America, although the supplied article text provides no further detail about when the trip took place or specific examples she encountered. The comments come in the context of Australian political debate over migration, social cohesion and national identity.