5. Overview of Australia

5.1 General Tips and Advice

To learn more about Australia, you will need to:
. visit various websites and read information from a variety of sources
. speak to various people and ask questions to seek different viewpoints
. investigate particular topics that interest you

. where possible contact Australian residents via their social networks to provide you with their personal experiences and lessons learnt on the migration process

5.2 Useful Links and Resources

5.2.1 Population

Australia's population reached 22.2 million by the end of 2009, growing by 432,600 people over the year. Net overseas migration accounted for 64% of this growth, with the remaining 36% due to natural increase (births minus deaths).

22.2% of Australians were born overseas and 70.9% were born in Australia.

14% of people were born in non-English speaking countries compared to 11.5% who were born in English speaking countries other than Australia.

The largest overseas born group comprised people born in the United Kingdom (5.2% of the population) followed by New Zealand (2.0%), then China (1.04%) and Italy (1.0%). No other country accounted for more than 1%.

(2006 Census)

It is important to remember that in most locations across Australia, we are a very multicultural society with people from many countries living here either as permanent residents, citizens, students or other visa holders.

Australian Bureau of Statistics
http://www.abs.gov.au

The estimated resident populations for the states and territories at 31 December 2009 were as follows:

New South Wales Population: 7,191,500
Capital Sydney: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney

Victoria Population: 5,496,400
Capital Melbourne: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne

Queensland Population: 4,473,000
Capital Brisbane: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brisbane

South Australia Population: 1,633,900
Capital Adelaide: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelaide

Western Australia Population: 2,270,300
Capital Perth: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perth,_Western_Australia

Tasmania Populaton: 505,400
Capital Hobart: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobart

Northern Territory Population: 227,700
Capital Darwin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darwin,_Northern_Territory

Australian Capital Territory Population: 354,900
Capital Canberra: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canberra

(Population figures released June 2010)

5.2.2 Languages

The National Language is English.

The 2006 Census recorded that almost 400 different languages were spoken in homes across Australia. Close to 79% of Australia's population speak only English at home. The six most commonly spoken languages other than English were Italian, Greek, Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese with speakers of these languages together comprising 7% of the total population.

The National Census is conducted every five years.

Making English your Priority

If you have migrated to Australia we advise you to invest upfront in your English skills. You may have to sit an IELTS test.  However, if you are working in a professional area, you will need a much higher level of English language competency and workplace cultural training.

If you have identified a gap and need to improve your English skills, please make this a priority in your life as the people you meet at your course will also be a good source of information, networking opportunities and referrals.

There are many types of English language training available in Australia, at various costs.  You may choose between government accredited training, ELICOS provided training, registered training organizations, private colleges, private tuition, student training, community based training, volunteer training, church group courses etc.  For this reason, we encourage you to investigate all of the options and choose the best program for your personal needs and budget.

International English Language
http://www.ielts.org

Australia Network – Learning English (free online resource to help improve your English with links to also improve your Business English)
http://australianetwork.com/learningenglish/

5.2.3 Citizenship

More then 4 million people have become Australian citizens since 1949.

Australian Citizenship
http://www.citizenship.gov.au

5.2.4 Religions

Australia has no official state religion and people are free to practise any religion they choose, as long they obey the law. Australians are also free not to have a religion.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade About Australia - Religion
http://www.dfat.gov.au/facts/religion.html

5.2.5 Currency

Australian dollar (AUD)

Royal Australian Mint
http://www.ramint.gov.au

5.2.6 Timezones

With a land mass close to 7.7 million square kilometres, Australia is the world’s sixth largest country and is divided into three separate time zones. For more information about time zones you can visit:

australia.gov.au About Australia - Time
http://australia.gov.au/about-australia/our-country/time

5.2.7 Weather

The weather is a very popular topic of discussion in Australia - keep up with the latest online.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
http://www.bom.gov.au

5.2.8 Indigenous Australians

The first Australians that lived on mainland Australia, Tasmania and the Torres Strait Islands (between Australia and Papua New Guinea) are known as Aborigines (pronounced Abb-or-idge-en-ees). It is believed that they have lived here for over 40,000 years.

You will regularly find on Government forms a question that asks if you are of 'Aboriginal or

Torres Strait Islander background.' Today, Indigenous people make up less than 3% of the current Australian population. Indigenous Australians continue to live throughout Australia including cities, towns, the coast, rural areas and the outback. There is no single Indigenous culture but a mixture of contemporary and traditional thoughts, ways and practices.

Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander links
http://www.aiatsis.gov.au/library/links.html