Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia has seen a significant rise in its Indian diaspora in recent years, with Indians constituting the country's second-largest migrant group. As of June 2022, there were approximately 750,000 people of Indian origin living in Australia, more than double the number recorded a decade earlier. This surge in Indian migration has been attributed to various factors, including economic opportunities, the availability of high-quality education, and the country's welcoming environment for international students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Indian population in Australia as of June 2018 | 592,000 |
| Percentage increase in Indian population in Australia since 2016 | 30% |
| Ranking of Indian population as immigrant group in Australia | 3rd largest |
| Ranking of Indian population as source of new permanent migrants to Australia in 2017-2018 | 1st |
| Percentage of Indian migrants in Australia with a bachelor's degree or higher | 54.6% |
| Ranking of Indian population as migrant group in Melbourne and Adelaide | 1st |
| Ranking of Indian population as migrant group in Brisbane | 4th |
| Ranking of Indian population as migrant group in Sydney in 2021 | 3rd |
| Ranking of Indian population as migrant group in Sydney (projected) | 2nd |
| Number of Indian students recruited annually by Canberra University in recent years | 500 |
| Indian population in Australia according to the latest census | 710,000 |
| Ranking of Indian population as migrant group in Australia according to the latest census | 2nd |
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Indian students in Australia
Australia is home to a large Indian community, which is the country's second-largest and fastest-growing overseas group. Indian immigration to Australia dates back to the early history of the Australian colony, with the first Indians arriving alongside British settlers and convicts. Today, Indians in Australia are predominantly male, and the community is highly regarded in various sectors, including education, trade, and research.
In terms of Indian students in Australia, there are currently over 125,000 Indian students enrolled in Australian educational institutions, making India the second-largest source of international students in the country. This large presence of Indian students in Australia highlights the strong educational ties between the two nations. The Australian Government has emphasised its appreciation for the contributions of Indian students, both in the classroom and in Australian society.
Indian students are spread across various regions in Australia, with higher concentrations in certain areas. For example, in Melbourne, suburbs like Docklands, Footscray, and Sunshine have a significant Indian student population. Similarly, in Sydney, Parramatta and neighbouring suburbs like Harris Park and Westmead are popular among Indian migrants, including students.
Indian students are attracted to Australia due to its high-quality education and the opportunities it offers. The Australian Government has also implemented initiatives to support Indian students, such as extended post-study work rights and special bilateral arrangements that support their long-term career goals. Additionally, Indian students can benefit from the strong research collaborations between the two countries, such as through the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund and the Australia-India Water Centre, which bring together universities from both nations to address sustainable water management.
In recent times, there were concerns about potential restrictions on student visa applications for Indian students from specific states in India. However, the Australian Government and the Association of Australian Education Representatives in India (AAERI) have refuted these claims, assuring that there is no ban on students from any Indian state. Australia continues to welcome Indian students and values the contributions they make to the country's educational and cultural landscape.
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Indian migration to Australia
Migration from India to Australia has a long history, dating back to the early days of European exploration and the establishment of the first European colonies in Australia. Indian explorers are believed to have settled in Australia and assimilated with the local population around 2000 BC, approximately 4,000 years before the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788.
During the early European colonial period, Indians were employed on trading ships, and many early voyages to the Pacific started or ended in India. Indian crews from the Bay of Bengal arrived in Australia on trading ships in 1788, the same year the British East India Company established the first European colony in Sydney. Between 1788 and 1868, about 1% of convicts transported to Australian colonies were from British outposts in India.
In the late 1830s, more Indians arrived in Australia as indentured labourers, filling the demand for farm labourers and shepherds. In the 1850s, a Hindu Sindhi merchant, Shri Pammull, built a family opal trade in Melbourne that continues to this day with his descendants.
After the federation in 1901, the number of Indians in Australia decreased, and the 1901 Immigration Restriction Act further curtailed Indian migration. However, after India gained independence from Britain in 1947, the number of Indian-born Anglo-western white British citizens migrating to Australia increased.
In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in Indian migration to Australia. Between 2011 and 2021, the number of Indians in Australia doubled, and they now constitute about 4% of the country's population. In 2016, Indians were the largest source of skilled professionals migrating to Australia, and they are currently the second-largest migrant group in the country. Over 710,000 Indians live in Australia, and they are the largest migrant group in Melbourne and Adelaide, the fourth-largest in Brisbane, and the third-largest in Sydney.
Australia and India have been strengthening their bilateral ties, and a migration deal announced in 2023 aims to facilitate the movement of students, academics, and professionals between the two countries. The growing Indian community in Australia is fostering multiculturalism and contributing to the economy, with collaborations in various sectors, including agriculture, education, and technology.
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Indian-Australians in politics
As of 2023, it is estimated that there are around 721,000 Indian-Australians, accounting for 2.8% of Australia's population. This makes Australians with Indian ancestry the third-largest immigrant group in the country, and their presence and contributions are notable across various sectors, including politics.
Indian-Australians have made significant strides in Australian politics, with a growing number of individuals of Indian descent actively involved in shaping the country's political landscape. They have risen through the ranks of various political parties, advocating for their communities and contributing to policy-making and legislative processes. Their presence in politics is a testament to the increasing diversity and inclusivity within Australian democracy.
At the federal level, several Indian-Australians have held prominent positions. One notable example is Senator Penny Wong, who served as the Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Albanese Cabinet. Senator Wong, who has Chinese and Malay ancestry on her father's side and Indian ancestry on her mother's side, has been a strong advocate for multiculturalism and diversity. She has played a pivotal role in fostering Australia's relationships with countries in the Indo-Pacific region and has been instrumental in shaping the country's foreign policy.
In the current Parliament of Australia, there are a record number of Indian-Australian members. For instance, Dr. Sharma, who migrated to Australia from India as a young child, represents the Division of Wentworth in the House of Representatives. He is a prominent advocate for environmental issues and has served on various parliamentary committees. Dr. Sharma has also been vocal about the contributions of migrants to Australian society and has promoted initiatives to support multiculturalism and social cohesion.
In addition to the federal arena, Indian-Australians have also made their mark in state and territorial politics. For example, in New South Wales, the country's most populous state, Dr. Harish Sharma was elected as the first Indian-Australian member of the Legislative Assembly in 2013. He has since been a strong voice for his community, advocating for cultural diversity and social justice. Similarly, in Victoria, another populous state, Kaushaliya Vaghela became the first Indian-born woman to be elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2018. She has actively promoted women's empowerment and worked towards enhancing cultural diversity in various sectors.
The involvement and influence of Indian-Australians in politics continues to grow, reflecting the changing demographics and the increasing recognition of the contributions of this vibrant community to Australian society. As more individuals of Indian descent enter the political arena, their perspectives and experiences are shaping policies and decisions that will impact Australia's future. This growing representation ensures that the voices and interests of Indian-Australians are heard and considered in the country's democratic processes.
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Indian-Australians in the arts
Indian migration to Australia has a long history, dating back to the 18th century when Indians served as soldiers and sailors aboard European ships. Over the years, various waves of Indian immigrants have contributed to the cultural and economic landscape of Australia, making Indians the third-largest migrant group in the country. As of June 2018, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates that there are about 592,000 Indians living in Australia, a significant increase from the 2016 Census.
Indian-Australians have made significant contributions to the arts in Australia, enriching the cultural fabric of the country. One notable example is the recognition of Indian classical music and dance by organisations like the Australia Council for the Arts. The album 'Rhythms & Ragas,' featuring some of India's finest artistes, was acknowledged by the Council and released in 1996. Additionally, collaborations between Indian and Australian artists, such as the one between Karaikkudi Mani and the Australian Art Orchestra, have been well-received.
Indian-Australians have also initiated various cultural events and festivals that showcase Indian music and dance. These include the Trinity Festival, which celebrates music and dance, and the Margazhi festival, which has featured performances by Indian-Australian artistes like Sai Nivaeithan and Sai Sarnagan. The Talented Young Musicians Ensemble provides a platform for young Indian-Australian musicians to showcase their talent and connect with others through art.
The Australia Council for the Arts has played a vital role in promoting Indian arts in the country. It has recognised individuals like Narmatha, an accomplished vocalist, violinist, and Bharatanatyam dancer, for their contributions to Indian classical music and dance. The Council has also supported collaborations between Indian and Australian artists, such as the one between the Karaikkudi Mani and the Australian Art Orchestra, mentioned earlier.
Indian-Australians continue to enrich the artistic landscape of Australia, and their contributions are gaining recognition. Efforts are being made to advocate for the inclusion of Indian arts in the curriculum and to organise conferences and events that celebrate Indian music, dance, and culture. These initiatives strengthen the cultural ties between India and Australia and contribute to a more diverse and vibrant artistic community in the country.
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Indian-Australians in STEM
The Indian population in Australia has increased by 30% in less than 2 years and is now the third-largest migrant group in the country. As of June 2018, there were an estimated 592,000 Indians living in Australia. This recent wave of Indian migration to Australia consists of skilled professionals in various STEM fields, including computer software professionals, engineers, toolmakers, and teachers.
Indian-Australians have made significant contributions to STEM in Australia. For instance, Indian computer software professionals have been integral to the country's IT sector. In addition, Indian women researchers have been recognised for their achievements in STEM through the Australia India Women Researchers' Exchange (AIWE) Program, which promotes gender equity in STEM fields. As part of this program, five Indian women researchers were awarded fellowships to collaborate with Australian experts on pressing issues such as sustainable fuel cell technology, rabies control, and climate-resilient crops.
Indian-Australians have also been recognised as Superstars of STEM by Science & Technology Australia (STA), which aims to increase the public visibility of women and non-binary people in STEM. In 2023-24, six Indian and Sri Lankan-Australian women were acknowledged as Superstars of STEM, including Dr Dona Jayakody, a Hearing Clinician Scientist working to delay or arrest dementia, and Neelima Kadiyala, an IT Program Manager with extensive industry experience.
The AIWE Program and the Superstars of STEM initiative are important steps towards promoting gender equity and diversity in STEM fields in Australia. These programs not only enhance collaboration between Australia and India but also empower women and non-binary individuals to become role models for the next generation of STEM professionals.
The history of Indian migration to Australia has evolved from 18th-century soldiers and sailors aboard European ships to the skilled professionals of today. This long history has contributed to the diverse and dynamic Indian-Australian community, which continues to enrich the country's social and cultural landscape.
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Frequently asked questions
As of June 2022, there were 753,520 people born in India living in Australia, which is more than double the number recorded in 2012.
Indians are the second-largest migrant group in Australia, making up 4% of the population.
There are many reasons for the large number of Indians in Australia. One factor is the country's student visa route to secure permanent residency. Additionally, the pay for similar work is better in Australia than in India.
Indians are the largest migrant ethnic group in Melbourne and Adelaide, the fourth-largest in Brisbane, and the third-largest in Sydney.
No, in the 1960s, an Indian-Australian journalist noted that Indians were hardly a part of public life and it was rare to find another Indian on the street.
