Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia has been described as a country with a high cost of living, a heavy drinking culture, and a lack of world-class architecture or museums. Some people believe that Australia is a bad country due to its history of colonialism, the mistreatment of asylum seekers, and the high taxes that don't seem to benefit the schooling or health system. However, others argue that it's a great place for those with no money or ambitions, as the government tries to ensure everyone lives a relatively similar lifestyle. Australia has also been praised for taking care of its pensioners and for being home to the oldest continuous living culture in the world - the Aboriginals, who have faced discrimination, theft, and violence at the hands of European settlers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drinking culture | Drinking is deeply embedded in Australian culture |
| Racism | Some sources claim that indigenous Australians and some foreigners are racist towards white people |
| History of colonialism | Australia has been the victim of colonial crimes and continues to be the site of colonial occupation |
| Treatment of asylum seekers | Australia has been criticised for its treatment of asylum seekers |
| Internet speeds | Australia has slow internet speeds |
| Cost of living | Australia is relatively expensive compared to other nations |
| Lack of exoticness | Australia lacks the "exoticness" of Asia |
| Lack of world-class museums and architecture | Australia does not have the same number of world-class museums and architecture as Europe |
| Lack of awesome architecture | N/A |
| Lack of recent entertainment | Australia is slow to receive new movies, music, and Netflix shows |
| Lack of progress on social issues | Australia lags behind on social issues like same-sex marriage and sustainable living |
| High taxes | N/A |
| Poor education and health systems | Australia's education and health systems are not the best |
| Lack of common agreement on morality/ethics | There is no common agreement on what is good/bad or right/wrong |
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What You'll Learn
Australia's drinking culture
Alcohol consumption is tightly woven into Australian culture. It is the most widely consumed drug in Australia and is often seen as intrinsic to the culture. Drinking alcohol is common in many social and recreational situations, and its use is frequently encouraged. Spirits were the most widely consumed alcoholic beverages in Australia in the 1830s, and in 2012, it was estimated that Australians spent $14.1 billion each year on alcohol.
There are several factors that contribute to Australia's drinking culture. Social customs, habits, and publicized images all play a role in normalizing alcohol consumption. Additionally, drinking is often associated with masculinity and is seen as central to mateship and what it means to be a man. This is reflected in the statistic that men make up 75% of suicides in Australia, with alcohol being a significant risk factor for self-harm.
The legal age to purchase alcohol in Australia is 18, and while many Australians drink in moderation, there is a significant number who consume alcohol at harmful levels. Binge drinking is a common issue, with more than 42 million incidents of binge drinking each year. One in five hospitalisations of people under 25 is alcohol-related, and 39% of males aged 14 and over exceed the recommended guidelines for alcohol consumption.
However, it is important to note that drinking cultures and norms are shifting. Alcohol consumption in Australia is at its lowest since the 1960s, and initiatives such as Drinkwise, a non-profit organisation founded by the alcohol industry, aim to promote a healthier and safer drinking culture. Additionally, some Australian states have introduced lockout laws to reduce alcohol-related violence, and there are various support services available for those struggling with alcohol addiction.
When compared to other countries, opinions differ on whether Australia's drinking culture is particularly bad. Some people argue that countries like England and Ireland have far worse drinking cultures, with heavier consumption and more negative consequences. However, others point out that drinking is prevalent in nearly every social interaction in Australia, and that it is often difficult to socialize without alcohol being involved.
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Racism in Australia
Historically, institutional racism in Australia resulted in the removal of mixed-race children from their mothers, targeting the offspring of domestic servants on pastoral farms. This policy, kept secret for over 60 years, continued for most of the 20th century. Additionally, the land rights of the Torres Strait Islander people, indigenous to the Torres Strait Islands, were abrogated, and their children were also removed from their families by government agencies and church missions.
The Australian Constitution and early parliaments established progressive systems, including male and female suffrage. However, national security fears led to legislation restricting non-European immigration, creating the foundation of the White Australia policy. Voting rights for Aboriginal people were denied across most states, and they continue to face under-representation in sports and other areas.
Addressing systemic racism requires a whole-of-society approach, with the Australian Government leading the way. Public and private institutions must implement anti-racism policies and training, and a national Human Rights Act is necessary to protect basic human rights and ensure equal treatment for all.
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Lack of world-class attractions
Australia is a popular tourist destination, welcoming millions of tourists every year. However, there is a consensus that some of its attractions are overrated.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia is Bondi Beach, which is often crowded with young and attractive influencers. The beach is just one of thousands of beaches in the country, and while it is convenient and picturesque, its serenity is ruined by the immense crowds. Similarly, the Great Ocean Road, once a worthy stop for its magnificent rock stacks, now has only eight left, some of which are very small. The panoramic ocean view is attractive, but the rocks themselves may not be worth the drive.
Luna Park in Melbourne has also been described as overrated. The park's main attraction, the Scenic Railway, is the oldest continually operating roller coaster in the world, but this does not make it appealing or safe. The rides are mediocre and old, and the park can be conquered within half a day.
The Bell Tower in Perth has been described as an awkward blend between London's Shard and a rocket ship, and an intersection between a landmark and an eyesore. The views from the tower are not elite, and it is ranked as one of the world's most boring attractions.
While Australia has many world-class beaches and attractions, the over-hyped nature of some of its popular destinations may contribute to a perception of a lack of world-class attractions. However, with the right research and exploration, tourists can find impressive and untouched beauty in this vast country.
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Treatment of asylum seekers
Australia's treatment of asylum seekers has been described as ''appalling abuse" and "neglect". According to Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, around 1,200 men, women, and children who sought refuge in Australia and were forcibly transferred to the remote Pacific island of Nauru suffer severe abuse, inhumane treatment, and neglect. The Australian government's failure to address these serious abuses appears to be a deliberate policy to deter further asylum seekers from arriving in the country by boat.
As a party to the Refugees Convention, Australia has agreed to ensure that people who meet the UN definition of a refugee are not sent back to their country of origin. However, in practice, this does not appear to be the case. Refugees and asylum seekers on Nauru, most of whom have been held there for three years, routinely face neglect by health workers and other service providers hired by the Australian government, as well as frequent unpunished assaults by local Nauruans. They endure unnecessary delays and, at times, denial of medical care, even for life-threatening conditions. Many suffer from dire mental health problems, and self-harm and suicide attempts are frequent.
The standard of medical care for refugees and asylum seekers on Nauru is poor. Medical equipment is rudimentary, and specialist medical attention is not regularly available. Refugees and asylum seekers have reported that hospitals often lack even basic supplies, such as bandages or sterile gloves, and that their complaints are not taken seriously. They are completely dependent on the Australian authorities and service providers to arrange for them to be transferred to medical facilities outside Nauru, which can result in long delays in receiving treatment for serious conditions.
The Australian Human Rights Commission and the UNHCR have found that prolonged detention in appalling conditions exacerbates the trauma that many asylum seekers and refugees have already suffered from persecution in their home countries and the abuses and hazards they faced on their journeys to Australia. Interviews with refugees and asylum seekers on Nauru revealed that they have developed severe anxiety, insomnia, mood swings, prolonged depression, and short-term memory loss. Children have begun to wet their beds, suffered from nightmares, and engaged in disruptive and other troubling behavior. Adults and children spoke openly of having suicidal thoughts.
The Commission has conducted national inquiries and site inspections focusing on the conditions and treatment of people in immigration detention across Australia. The reports of these inquiries and inspections make recommendations to the Australian Government aimed at protecting the human rights of asylum seekers, refugees, and others held in immigration detention. The Commission also aims to provide clear, factual information to improve community awareness and understanding of the situation of asylum seekers and refugees in Australia, highlighting the human rights issues involved in their treatment.
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Cost of living
Australia has a high standard of living, but this quality of life comes at a price. According to Expatistan, a collaborative cost-of-living database, Australia is the 9th most expensive country to live in out of 66. According to Numbeo, it is the 10th most expensive. Australia's cost of living is comparable to that of the US, although some sources claim it is slightly cheaper. However, the cost of rent in Australia is 20% cheaper than in the US.
The cost of living in Australia varies significantly across different cities. Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive cities in Australia, with Canberra and Adelaide also ranking highly. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Sydney is approximately AUD 2,800 per month, while in suburban areas, it drops to around AUD 2,000. Brisbane is 15.2% less expensive than Sydney, with rental prices 31% cheaper. Perth is also estimated to be about 14% less expensive than Sydney, with rent prices 32.7% lower. The cheapest cities in Australia are Townsville, Bendigo, and Ballarat, which offer a more budget-friendly lifestyle compared to larger, more expensive urban centers.
Other key expenses to consider when moving to Australia include transportation, childcare, and healthcare. Childcare can be expensive, with the average daily cost across Australia being $135.29, but in some parts of the country, parents pay up to $430 per day. There are subsidies available for Australian families, but these are means-tested. Government education can also be costly, with South Australia having the highest costs. Primary school students are asked for an average voluntary contribution of $485 per year, while secondary students pay $967. ACT has the highest average school tuition cost, at $8,511 per student per year.
Despite the high cost of living in Australia, there are ways to save money. Many cities offer free events, such as open-air cinemas and local festivals, and free walking tours led by knowledgeable guides. Australia also boasts beautiful beaches, national parks, and free activities that can help keep spending down. Work exchange programs are another way to cut down on expenses, with organizations like Worldpackers connecting individuals with hostels, farms, NGOs, and other projects that offer free room and board in exchange for a few hours of work per day.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia is a relatively expensive country to visit, with Sydney and Melbourne ranking as the 5th and 6th most expensive cities in the world. However, tourists can still find great deals if they are frugal.
Australia is a socialist country with high taxes and a government that controls the media. The cost of living is high, and the country lags behind on some social issues. However, pensioners are well looked after, and the country has the oldest continuous living culture in the world.
There are mixed opinions on racism in Australia. Some people believe that the indigenous population and some foreigners are racist towards white Australians. However, others may argue that white Australians are the racist ones.
Australia has a strong drinking culture, which may be awkward for non-drinkers. The country also tends to be slow in catching up with movies, music, and other entertainment.
