A Brief Introduction to Australia

General Facts
Australian Icons
History
Government
Aussie Culture

Some Information in this section taken from: NICHOLSON, Margaret. The Pocket Aussie Fact Book. Penguin Books Australia, Ringwood (Victoria), Australia, 1999.

General Facts

Australia is a land of contrasts and diversity. Its landscape ranges from desert and bushland in the central areas, to rainforest in the North, to snowfields in the South East. Australia's nearest neighbour is Papua New Guinea, 200km north. Australia lies 1920km west of New Zealand, and 2000km to the north of Antarctica.

(The following information is based on data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics)

Some facts on Australians you may not be aware of...

• About one in four Australians were born in another country
• Roughly one in four Australians have one or both parents born overseas
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up approximately 2% of the population
• Approximately 17% of Australians speak a language other than English at home
• There are 170 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages
• There are more than 100 different ethnic groups
• Approximately 70% of 'Aussies' live in one of the eight major cities.

Some facts on South Australia you may not know...

• Most South Australians (around 75 per cent) live in and around Adelaide
• The indigenous people of the Adelaide region are the Kaurna people

Australian Icons

Coat of Arms: Australia's coat of arms was granted in 1912 by King George V. It consists of a shield composed of six parts, each containing one of the state badges. The shield is supported by two Australian animals, the kangaroo and the emu. Not only are these two animals typically Australian, but they are they are unique in another way: they are physically not able to walk backwards, signifying Australia as a forward-moving, forward-thinking nation!

Flag: Australia's flag was proclaimed the national flag in 1951. It features: the Union Jack in the upper corner, reflecting Australia's historic links to the British commonwealth; the five-starred Southern Cross, a constellation visible in Australia's night skies; and the seven-pointed Commonwealth star, representing Australia's states and territories.

Floral Emblem: Australia's floral emblem is the golden wattle.

National Animal Emblem: Australia's national animal emblem is the kangaroo.

History

The Aboriginal people of Australia have lived on this land for over 60 000 years. They do not have 'one' culture or history; before colonisation, more than 600 tribes inhabited, travelled, fought and traded here. Dreamtime stories, cave paintings and etchings reveal cultures remarkable in their complexity and richness. Subsistence was based on hunting, fishing and seed gathering.

The colonisation of Australia by Anglo-Saxon settlers officially began in 1788. Anglo settlers included a mix of British and Irish convicts, British military guards, and free settlers.

The presence of Anglo settlers in Australia from this date has impacted greatly on the lives of the Aboriginal population. The University of Adelaide has a webpage presenting the official statement on reconciliation.

Australia's identity and population makeup has developed throughout the twentieth century, influenced by two world wars, the British Commonwealth, and its emerging Asia-Pacific and global partnerships and responsibilities. Non-indigenous Australian culture was originally British-influenced, but is now one of the most ethnically diverse cultures in the world.

Adelaide was settled in 1836, and South Australia was a free settler colony. Today, Australia continues to operate as an independent democratic country under a British head-of-state, but its future lies increasingly in its geographical location, and its links with the nations of the Asia-Pacific region.

Government

Head of State: H.R.H. Queen Elizabeth II (British monarch and Queen of Australia), represented in Australia by the Governor General.

Head of Government: Prime Minister, as leader of the party or coalition of parties holding a majority in federal parliament.

Composition: Australia is a federation of six states with two internal federal territories (Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory).

Australia uses a three-tier system of government:

Federal Government: Australia's federal parliament is based on the British Westminster system with a prime minister and cabinet (inner council). It is responsible for matters of national interest, including: defence, external affairs foreign trade, treasury, communications, immigration, etc. Federal government comprises two houses - the House of Representatives (lower house) and the Senate (upper house, or house of review).

State Government: Administration areas including education, health, law enforcement etc. Each state has a Premier who leads the party majority in state parliament.

Local Government: Responsible for their local areas (for town planning, parks etc). The mayor or president is the leader of a local government.

Voting: Voting is compulsory for all registered Australian citizens over 18 years. Voting is by secret ballot, and Australians commonly have a number of different individuals and political parties to vote for. Voting systems vary between states, and between houses of parliament.

Aussie Culture

Customs
Australia is a young and diverse nation and Australian people come from many different cultural backgrounds. As you settle in and make friends you will find that there is no such thing as a 'typical' Australian. You will encounter a wide range of social customs, habits and perspectives on life that may be new and different from what you have experienced before. This section may help you to prepare for some of these new experiences.

Greetings
Australia is considered to be a relaxed, informal society. When greeting others in most situations, students and young people say 'Hello' or 'Hi'. Sometimes they will say 'How's it going?' or 'G'day'. In more formal situations they usually shake hands the first time they meet. 'Good morning', 'Good afternoon' or 'Pleased to meet you' are formal greetings.

When you say goodbye to someone informally, 'See you later' or 'See you around' are common. In a more formal situation you could say: 'It was a pleasure to meet you' or 'It was nice to meet you'.

First names are used more frequently in Australia than in some other countries. Australians will often greet their friends and even people they don't know (both male and female) with 'Hey mate' or 'How's it going guys'. An Australian may encourage you to use their given name (eg: "Call me Susan"), in which case you will not need to continue to use their formal title. Often, Australian academics will encourage you to use their given name. The use of 'nicknames' (or pet names) is very common. A nickname is usually used among friends, and is a sign of acceptance and friendship.

The formal title or family name is usually only used in formal situations, when meeting someone for the first time, or when speaking to someone like a professor, medical doctor, politician or VIP. Titles such as Mr, Mrs, Ms or Dr are used with the surname or family name (eg, Graham Williams is Mr Williams).

In Australia it is customary to look someone in the eye when you are talking to him/her. It is not insulting to do this, but instead reflects that you are sincere and interested in what is being said. Australians will make direct eye contact with everyone, whether the person is an equal or of different status or social position. Children are taught to look directly at adults. In Australia, it is not considered insulting if someone gives you something with his or her left hand.

Conversation
English is Australia's national language.

One problem commonly faced by students new to Australia is the use of slang. Slang is used unconsciously by many Australians and can sometimes sound like a completely new language. Here are some common examples and their translations:

If someone says to you: "G'day mate, how you going?" they are actually using a common greeting and asking after your welfare - although they may not expect an answer. It's more like a friendly remark.

Australians also have a tendency to run words together. You may also find that Australians speak quickly and abbreviate or shorten words. For example, 'University' becomes 'uni,' 'breakfast' becomes 'brekkie,' 'tutorial' becomes 'tute.'

You may find the Australian pronunciation of many familiar English words is quite different from what you are used to or expect - don't worry, with time the language will become more familiar, and listening and speaking will become easier. If you don't understand what people are saying, please ask them to explain - they won't mind.

If you think you might be missing significant information in lectures, make sure you seek help. If you require assistance speak with your lecturers, tutors or an International Student Advisor.

Unlike some cultures, Australians are often very direct and open in their speech and mannerisms. While some students may feel at first uncomfortable, it is important to understand that Australians are not deliberately trying to be offensive.

Humour
Australians are renowned for having a 'dry' or 'laconic' sense of humour. The distinctive Australian sense of humour often involves light-hearted teasing, sometimes called 'rubbishing' or 'stirring'.

Humour is also centred around people who give the impression that they consider themselves superior, or who are different. You may find people will joke about your accent, clothes or habits. In the majority of cases you should not take offence at this teasing, but see it as a form of acceptance.

Don't necessarily expect to understand Australian humour immediately. As your knowledge of the language and culture improves, you will find you are increasingly able to join in the laughter!

Social Invitations
If you receive a formal written invitation that is accompanied by the letters RSVP you are being requested to make a prompt response, either by accepting or declining the invitation.

If a person offers to 'take' or 'shout' you to a drink or meal, they will pay for it.

If you are asked to 'join' or 'go with' someone or a group of people for a meal or to attend an entertainment venue, this suggests that you will be expected to pay for your own expenses.

If you are invited to a home for a meal you should ask if you can bring something with you. This will usually be something simple like a bottle of soft drink or a plate of food. Most young people's parties will be BYO (bring your own) which means everyone brings what they would like to drink or eat.

Barbecues are popular meals in Australia, especially in summer.

Occasionally you may be asked to a social gathering where you are asked to 'bring a plate'. This means a plate of food for others to share, not an empty plate!

If you have special reasons for not eating particular types of food, let your hosts know, so that they can make special arrangements for you.

It is not necessary to take a gift if you only go for dinner or a short stay - but do so if you wish to. If you are invited to join a celebration such as a birthday or for Christmas, take a small gift or a bunch of flowers.

An extra tip about food in Australia:
Don't confuse Vegemite (a yeast-based spread) with chocolate - the tastes are VERY different. Be sure to sample an Australian favourite chocolate biscuit, Tim Tams. If you are really daring find out about Adelaide's famous "pie floater!"

General Behaviour
In most urban areas it is an offence to make loud noise after 11.00pm.

Try not to telephone Australians before 9.00am or after 9.30pm unless it is unavoidable.

Always be punctual to all types of appointments.

If you have to cancel an appointment or will be late, it is courteous to call and explain to the person waiting for you.

Smoking is not permitted in public transport, government offices, restaurants and many shopping centres. If you want to smoke, you will usually have to go outside. Also do not assume that it is acceptable to smoke in someone else's house or car - always ask first.

Bargaining and Tipping
Bargaining is not practised in Australian shops and shopping centres. The prices marked are generally the prices at which products are sold.

Bargaining is often acceptable when purchasing second hand goods, particularly at 'garage sales' or through classified advertisements in the daily newspaper.

Tipping is not a general practice. Australians receive award wages that are not reduced to take into account any tips that may be received. Australians will generally only leave a tip in a good restaurant, when they have received very good service.

Taxis in Australia will not expect a tip, though it is common to leave small change, or to 'round up' the fare for the Taxi driver. It is important NOT to offer to tip a public official in Australia, including police officers or any Government employees. It is against the law, and may be considered as an attempt to bribe a person.

Dress
Australians tend to dress casually in almost all situations. Students in particular will wear jeans, t-shirts, shorts and other casual clothes. There are very few occasions when you will need to wear formal clothes.

If you receive an invitation to a more formal occasion the mode of dress will often be indicated on the invitation. If you are unsure of how to dress in a particular situation ask either your host or friends what they would consider appropriate.

Adjusting to life in Australia
Students experience many different feelings when embarking on an overseas adventure. Leaving your home country and coming to Australia to start University is both exciting and challenging. The International Student Centre has prepared important information about "Culture Fatigue" that may help you to understand these feelings, and to realise that they are common emotions for international students.