Life in Australia

Landscapes

Australia is one of the most (if not the most diverse), countries in the world. It is the largest Island in the world, and you will see some of the most amazing land marks in Australia. You will stand in awe at the lush forests, clean beaches, historic towns, and bustling cities. From the Gold Coast in Queensland, Ayers Rock in Central Australia, to Bondi Beach and the Sydney Opera House in New South Wales, to the 12 Apostles, and the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, the Simpson Desert in Western Australia, and the Grampians in South Australia, you will never get tired of your surrounds.

People/Culture

Australia’s Aboriginal people have inhabited Australia for over 40,000 years. However, having only been formally founded in 6 colonies just over 200 years ago, Australia is one of the newest industrialized countries in the world. Because of that, Australia’s people are as diverse as its landscape. The most spoken languages in Australia are Italian, Greek, Cantonese, Arabic, Vietnamese and Mandarin. As a result of Australia’s diverse cultures, people have high tolerance to other cultures, and everyone strives to live in harmony with one another.

You will see that Australia has many restaurants and cafes traditional to various cultures. Australia is also a country that enjoys and excels in its performing arts, and of course sport. Indeed Australians pride themselves on having some of the best sporting facilities in the world.

Public Holidays

Laws/Customs

All Australians are entitled to freedom of speech, association, assembly, religion, and movement.

Freedom of speech

Australians are free, within the bounds of the law, to say or write what we think privately or publicly, about the government, or about any topic. We do not censor the media and may criticise the government without fear of arrest. Free speech comes from facts, not rumours, and the intention must be constructive, not to do harm. There are laws to protect a person's good name and integrity against false information. There are laws against saying or writing things to incite hatred against others because of their culture, ethnicity or background. Freedom of speech is not an excuse to harm others

Freedom of association

Australians are free to join any organisation or group if it is legal. They can choose to belong to a trade union or to a political party. Having and debating points of view allows for a healthy and strong democracy.

Freedom of assembly

Australians are free to meet with other people in public or private places. People can meet in small or large groups for legal social or political purposes. Being able to protest and to demonstrate is an accepted form of free expression. Protestors must not be violent or break laws such as assaulting others or trespassing on private or public property. People can change governments in a peaceful way by elections and not by violence.

Freedom of religion

Australia does not have an official or state religion. The law does not enforce any religious doctrine, however, religious practices must conform to the law. Citizens are free to follow any religion they choose and are also free not to have a religion.

Freedom of movement

Australians can move freely to and from all states and territories. Citizens can leave and return to Australia at any time. Some migrants may have conditions placed on their visa until they become Australian citizens.

Religion

List of Catholic Churches by State