Leslie Massey
Australia has a unique history that has shaped the diversity of its people, their cultures, and lifestyles today. The country's diversity is influenced by three major factors: a varied Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, a British colonial past, and extensive immigration from numerous countries and cultures. In 2021, almost one-third of people who used Khmer at home spoke little to no English, while languages like Hazaraghi, spoken by those born in Afghanistan, have been rapidly growing since 2016. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population increased by 25% between 2016 and 2021, and in the same year, Aboriginal ancestry was among the top 10 ancestries in the total Australian population. While Australia's major religion is Christianity, with 43.9% of the population, other religions like Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism are also represented, showcasing the country's religious diversity.
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What You'll Learn
- Religion: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Christianity
- Language: English vs non-English speakers
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations: their history and growth
- Migration patterns: the ebb and flow of overseas-born residents
- Systemic racism: narratives of multiculturalism and social harmony
Religion: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Christianity
Religion: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Christianity
The religious landscape of Australia has been transformed by diverse groups, with the country witnessing a decline in the percentage of Christians and a concurrent rise in other faiths, notably Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Sydney, in particular, exemplifies this shift, being home to the majority of Australia's non-Christians.
Islam
Muslims have been part of Australia's fabric for centuries, but their numbers have surged in recent decades, making Islam the third most common religion in the country. The acculturation process for Muslims in Australia has been challenging due to language barriers, employment issues, and widespread negativity stemming from terrorist attacks and media portrayal. Despite these obstacles, most Muslims integrate well, valuing Australian institutions and contributing across various spheres of life.
Hinduism
Hinduism is the third largest religion in Australia, with over 684,002 followers as of the 2021 census, constituting 2.7% of the population. The community is youthful, with 34% under 14 and 66% under 34. Many Hindus in Australia are well-educated professionals in fields like medicine, engineering, commerce, and information technology. The first Hindu temple in the country, the Sri Mandir Temple, was established in 1977, and the faith has continued to grow, with various temples and societies being established since.
Buddhism
Buddhism is a minority religion in Australia, comprising 2.4% of the population as of the 2021 census. It was once the fastest-growing religion by percentage, increasing by 79% between the 1996 and 2001 censuses. The first clear evidence of Buddhist settlement in Australia dates to 1858, with anthropologists speculating about earlier contacts. The arrival of monks, the formation of Buddhist groups, and immigration flows have all contributed to the growth of Buddhism in Australia.
Judaism
The Jewish community in Australia has been extraordinarily successful economically, politically, and socially. They are generally supportive of Israel, and many Australian Jews have moved there, with a 45% increase in immigration from Australia to Israel between 2009 and 2010. There are 19 Jewish day schools in Australia, and Jewish studies are also offered at various universities in the country.
Christianity
Christianity in Australia has been impacted by a decline in religiosity and diversifying immigration patterns, resulting in a decrease in the overall percentage of Christians in the population. However, it remains the most prevalent religion, with 43.9% of the population identifying as Christian in the 2021 census. Christian welfare agencies, hospitals, and aged care facilities are present in the country, and Christian political parties have held seats in state parliaments.
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Language: English vs non-English speakers
Australia has a unique history that has shaped the diversity of its people, their cultures, and lifestyles today. This diversity is influenced by three major factors: a diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, a British colonial past, and extensive immigration from various countries and cultures.
English is the predominant language in Australia, but the country also has a rich history of diverse languages. Before British colonisation, it is estimated that over 250 First Nations languages and 800 dialects were in use. Today, Australia continues to be a linguistically diverse nation, with many people speaking languages other than English at home.
In 2021, 5.8 million people (22.8%) reported using a language other than English at home, an increase from 4.9 million people (21.6%) in 2016. This diversity in languages is a result of Australia's multicultural population, which includes a significant number of people born overseas or with parents born overseas. In 2021, almost one-third of people who used Khmer at home spoke English not well or not at all, the highest proportion for any language group (32.5%). Other languages with high proportions of low English proficiency include those spoken by people from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population also contributes to linguistic diversity. Between 2016 and 2021, this population increased by 25%2021, Australian Aboriginal was among the top five most common ancestries for third-plus generation Australians. Maningrida, located on Australia's north-central coast, is one of the most linguistically diverse communities in the world, with 15 languages spoken or signed daily among only a few thousand people.
While linguistic diversity is celebrated, it is important to address the issue of racism, which can be hidden by narratives that emphasise multiculturalism and social harmony. Initiatives such as cultural exchange programs in schools and embracing multiculturalism in migrant-receiving countries are essential for enhancing cultural identity, social cohesion, and harmony.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations: their history and growth
Australia's Indigenous peoples are two distinct cultural groups: the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. At the time of European colonisation, there were at least 250 distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages spoken across the continent, and over 250 First Nations languages and 800 dialects in use.
The ongoing colonisation of Australia has negatively impacted many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and this history of disadvantage, discrimination, and hardship continues to affect their experiences. For example, 40% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live without two or more essentials for a decent standard of living, such as housing, clean water, and food, compared to 11% of other Australians. Furthermore, the median personal income of these First Nations peoples is 60% less than that of non-Indigenous Australians.
Despite these challenges, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people maintain strong connections to their culture, language, and traditional lands, and they contribute significantly to Australia's environmental management, economic development, and cultural identity. In 2021, the number of people who indicated that they had Australian Aboriginal ancestry increased from 144,000 in 2016 to 741,000. This increase may be due to the addition of response categories to the ancestry question on the Census form.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population is projected to continue growing. As of 30 June 2021, there were 983,700 people, representing 3.8% of Australia's population. This population is expected to reach between 1,171,700 and 1,193,600 by 2031. This growth is particularly notable in Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory, which are projected to have the fastest average annual growth rates.
To address the historical social, health, and educational disadvantages faced by Indigenous peoples, a range of specific grants, scholarships, university courses, or government programs are directly intended for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. These programs aim to ensure that the specific needs of these communities are met and contribute to their overall well-being and development.
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Migration patterns: the ebb and flow of overseas-born residents
Migration has played a significant role in shaping Australia's population dynamics and cultural landscape. The country has witnessed a constant ebb and flow of overseas-born residents, with various factors influencing migration patterns over time.
In the early 20th century, Australia's overseas-born population stood at 17.7% in the 1911 Census. This proportion decreased significantly by 1947, dropping to 9.8% due to the impact of two World Wars and economic depressions. However, from 1947 onwards, Australia experienced a notable increase in migration as a result of post-war migration programs and the intake of displaced persons and refugees from Europe.
During the second half of the 20th century, migration continued to play a crucial role in Australia's population growth and economic development. The country also responded to humanitarian crises in regions like Eastern Europe and Asia. By 2006, the proportion of people born overseas had started to increase more sharply, influenced by changing immigration policies and global events.
In recent years, Australia has seen a diverse mix of countries contributing to its migrant population. In the 2023-24 financial year, Southern and Central Asia were the top regions for migrant arrivals, accounting for 26% of the total. This shift from a decade ago is notable, as in 2013-14, the largest group of arrivals was from North-East Asia. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic also led to interesting trends in migration patterns. For instance, Australian-born migrant arrivals increased from September 2019 to March 2020, as expatriates extended their stays due to the pandemic. Similarly, some international students from countries like China and India, who initially planned short visits, ended up staying longer and were counted as migrant arrivals.
In terms of specific countries of birth, India, China, the Philippines, Australia, and the United Kingdom were the top five countries for migrant arrivals in 2023-24. Notably, arrivals from India and China have increased compared to pre-pandemic levels. When it comes to departures, Australia, China, India, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand topped the list in 2023-24.
Australia's cultural diversity is also reflected in its languages. In 2021, 5.8 million people (22.8%) reported using a language other than English at home, an increase from 2016. Languages like Hazaraghi, spoken by people from Afghanistan, have been rapidly growing, almost doubling between 2016 and 2021. Additionally, the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures is important, with an increasing number of people identifying with this ancestry in recent years.
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Systemic racism: narratives of multiculturalism and social harmony
Australia has long been a diverse nation, with over 250 First Nations languages and 800 dialects in use before British colonisation. In the first census in 1911, 17.7% of people living in Australia were born overseas. This figure dropped to 9.8% in 1947 due to the impact of two World Wars and economic depressions. However, since then, the proportion of overseas-born residents has increased, with 29% of Australia's population born outside the country as of 2021. Additionally, 48% of Australians have at least one parent born overseas. This diversity has undoubtedly shaped Australian identity and policies, with the government's Multiculturalism Policy aiming to formalise an ideology that supports cultural differences.
While Australia celebrates its cultural diversity, it is important to acknowledge the existence of systemic racism. Racism is often hidden behind narratives of multiculturalism and social harmony. For instance, media coverage of asylum seekers and tensions between Islamic values and broader Australian values has fuelled perceptions of cultural anxiety and negative predispositions towards cultural diversification. Furthermore, racism has detrimental impacts on the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, contributing to health inequalities. Efforts are being made to bridge these health gaps, but more needs to be done to address systemic racism and promote true social harmony.
The discovery of gold in the mid-1800s and post-war migration programs have significantly contributed to Australia's diversity. In recent years, the number of people from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan has increased, with corresponding growth in languages like Hazaraghi. While some Australians express anxiety about new immigrants, others advocate for policies facilitating the integration of asylum seekers. This diversity extends beyond recent immigration; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have thrived for millennia, and their trade with Macassans from Indonesia dates back centuries.
Australia's diversity is reflected in its languages, with over 20% of the population speaking a language other than English at home. This linguistic diversity is particularly notable in places like Maningrida on Australia's north-central coast, where 15 languages are used daily. The increase in non-English languages highlights the need for understanding and support, as language barriers can impact access to services and social participation. While Australia embraces multiculturalism, addressing systemic racism and promoting equitable health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are crucial steps towards genuine social harmony.
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Frequently asked questions
The major religion in Australia is Christianity, with 43.9% of the population identifying as Christian. Other major religions include Islam (3.5%), Hinduism (2.9%), Buddhism (2.6%), and Judaism (<1%). Additionally, almost 8,000 Australians practice Aboriginal traditional religions, and almost 39% of Australians reported having no religion.
According to the 1911 Census, 17.7% of people living in Australia were born overseas. This proportion decreased to 9.8% in 1947 due to the impact of the World Wars and economic depressions. However, from 1947 onwards, the number of overseas-born residents increased due to migration programs and refugee intakes. Since 2006, the proportion has increased sharply, with over 29% of Australia's population currently born overseas.
Between 2016 and 2021, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population increased by 25%. In 2021, Australian Aboriginal was among the top five most common ancestries for third-plus generation Australians and was in the top 10 ancestries of the total Australian population.
In 2021, 5.8 million people (22.8%) reported using a language other than English at home, an increase from 21.6% in 2016. Languages with low English proficiency, such as Hazaraghi, spoken by people from Afghanistan, have been growing. Ethnically diverse areas in Australia are often associated with good English fluency.
Embracing cultural diversity and multiculturalism is essential for enhancing cultural identity, social cohesion, and harmony. However, it is important to address systemic racism and narratives that may be hidden by a focus on multiculturalism. Additionally, studies examining ethnic diversity in relation to neighbourhood features can provide practical implications for urban planning and design.
