Lexi Webster
Australia is a country with a range of positive and negative aspects, and whether it is considered 'good' or 'bad' may depend on individual perspectives and experiences. Some people may criticise the country for its high cost of living, drinking culture, and slow adoption of progressive social change. On the other hand, Australia provides a decent standard of living for those with limited means, and pensioners are reportedly well looked after.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drinking culture | Drinking is deeply embedded in Australian culture, with many people consuming large amounts of alcohol regularly |
| Racism | Some sources claim that racism is prevalent in Australia, with indigenous Australians and foreigners being accused of racism towards white Australians |
| Expensive | Australia is relatively expensive, with Sydney and Melbourne ranked as the 5th and 6th most expensive cities globally |
| Lack of opportunities | Australia may offer limited job opportunities and a lower quality of education and healthcare compared to other countries |
| Socialist policies | Australia is considered a socialist country, with high taxes and a focus on ensuring everyone lives a similar lifestyle |
| Colonial history | Australia has a history of colonial crimes and discrimination against Aboriginal communities, who are the oldest continuous living culture in the world |
| Lack of cultural attractions | Australia may not have the same cultural attractions as other regions, such as the architecture and museums of Europe or the exoticness of Asia |
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What You'll Learn
Australia's drinking culture
Australia has a deep-rooted drinking culture, with alcohol consumption entwined with many social and cultural activities. Drinking is often seen as intrinsic to Australian culture, with a history dating back to colonial times. In the early days of colonisation, convicts in Australia were partially paid with rum, and spirits were the most widely consumed alcoholic beverages in the 1830s.
Today, alcohol is served and encouraged in many social and recreational situations. It is present at various social occasions, from kids' birthday parties to footy locker rooms. There are also strong examples of heavy drinking cultures in male-dominated occupations and sporting clubs. The normalisation of drinking makes it harder to recognise harmful habits and seek help. Almost two-thirds of 18- to 29-year-olds drink specifically to get drunk, and one in five hospitalisations of people under 25 is alcohol-related.
Social factors play a significant role in Australia's drinking culture, with rural areas often having different norms and expectations around alcohol consumption compared to urban areas. Gender is also a critical factor, with masculinity and mateship heavily influencing drinking behaviours, especially among men. Men make up 75% of suicides in Australia, and alcohol is a significant risk factor for self-harm.
While drinking is widespread, it also has negative consequences for individuals and the wider community. Harmful levels of consumption are a major health issue, associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases, injuries, and premature death. Various governments have tried to curb drinking habits with initiatives like the 2am lockout in Victoria and Queensland, but with mixed results.
There are efforts to promote a healthier drinking culture, such as the government-supported program "Tackling Binge Drinking," which addresses the risks of alcohol use in adolescence, particularly in sports. Additionally, organisations like Drink Wise provide information for managing teen drinking, binge drinking, drink driving, and alcohol's effects on pregnancy. While alcohol consumption in Australia is at its lowest since the 1960s, the social acceptability and normalisation of heavy drinking remain prevalent in certain groups.
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Racism in Australia
Racism is a significant issue in Australia, with a long history of discriminatory policies and attitudes towards Indigenous peoples, as well as more recent instances of racial tension and violence. The country has been described by some as being "built on racism", with the denial of First Nations sovereignty and ongoing genocide permeating its entire structure.
Since the European invasion in 1788, race and racism have been foundational to the logic of Australian settler colonialism, and the processes by which the land was stolen and settled. Indigenous peoples of Australia, comprising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, have lived in Australia for at least 65,000 years before the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. They have faced severe restrictions on their political, social, and economic freedoms, and have suffered genocide, forced removals, and massacres, and continue to face discrimination and racist government policies. Racist community attitudes towards Aboriginal people have been confirmed by surveys and self-disclosure by non-Indigenous Australians. For example, in 2016, police raids and behaviour on Palm Island following a death in custody were found to have breached the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, with a record class action settlement of $30 million awarded to victims. The courts found that the police had "acted in these ways because they were dealing with an Aboriginal community".
Racism is commonplace and normalised in Australia, affecting almost every part of a person's daily life. A survey by the ABC found that 76% of Australians from a non-European background have experienced racial discrimination based on their ethnicity. One-third of all Australians have experienced racism in the workplace or educational facilities, and more than two-thirds of students from a non-Anglo background reported facing racism at school. A report by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) found that racism is often experienced simultaneously with another form of discrimination, such as disability or sex discrimination, and takes place in schools, workplaces, public spaces, and dealings with authorities.
There have been calls for the Australian government to lead the way in combating racism, particularly against First Nations peoples, and to implement a whole-of-society anti-racism agenda. This includes calls for public and private institutions to address racism in all its forms, introduce preventative and redress mechanisms, review policies and procedures for accessing opportunities and services, and provide mandatory anti-racism training.
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Australia's treatment of asylum seekers
Australia has a complex history of dealing with asylum seekers, with varying public opinion and government policies over the years. As a signatory to the United Nations Refugee Convention, Australia has committed to protecting the human rights of asylum seekers and refugees, regardless of their mode of arrival or visa status.
In recent years, there has been a shift in the mode of arrival for asylum seekers, with an increasing number arriving by boat in the late 2000s and early 2010s, which sparked some public disapproval. This shift in demographics led to the identification of three waves of asylum seekers: Vietnamese (1976-1981), Indochinese (1989-1998), and people from the Middle East (from 1999). The Australian government's visa policy mandates the detention of individuals without valid visas until they can be returned to their home countries. Notably, Australia stands alone in its policy of mandatory detention and offshore processing for asylum seekers without valid visas.
The treatment of asylum seekers in Australia has been a contentious issue, with human rights organisations advocating for their protection. The Australian Human Rights Commission, for instance, has conducted inquiries and inspections of immigration detention facilities to ensure the protection of human rights for asylum seekers, refugees, and other detainees. The Commission provides resources and undertakes projects to increase social inclusion, counter discrimination, and improve community awareness about the human rights of asylum seekers and refugees.
In February 2019, the Australian parliament passed the "Medevac bill," allowing doctors more authority in deciding the transfer of asylum seekers from Manus and Nauru to the mainland for medical treatment. However, the home affairs minister retained the power to override such decisions. This bill was hailed as a "tipping point" by human rights advocates, but it also sparked concerns about potential impacts on Australians awaiting hospital treatment and public housing.
The treatment of asylum seekers in Australia continues to be a divisive issue, with the government navigating between border control concerns and its obligations under international law and human rights.
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Australia's internet speeds
Australia's internet speed has long been a cause for frustration among its citizens, who pay a premium for their internet services. According to Speedtest.net, the global average download speed for fixed broadband internet is 93.93 Mbps, while Australia's average speed is 66.58 Mbps, ranking it 82nd in the world.
The NBN 50 speed tier is the most popular in Australia, with download speeds of around 50 Mbps. However, for intensive internet users, the NBN 1000 plan offers the best internet speeds. The NBN 12 and NBN 25 speed tiers are also available for those with basic internet needs.
The Australian government has made efforts to improve internet speeds, with the Australian Labour Party introducing a policy in 2009 to implement the FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) network, which was expected to provide the fastest and most efficient internet service. Additionally, NBN Co's Fixed Wireless Plus plan has brought improvements to broadband speeds, according to the ACCC's Measuring Broadband Australia report.
Despite these improvements, Australia's internet infrastructure still falls short when compared to other countries, particularly the USA, which offers lightning-fast 10 Gbps internet speed plans at a lower cost. The considerable geographical distance from major internet exchange points in North America and Europe also contributes to extended latency periods and sluggish internet speeds in Australia.
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Australia's cost of living
Australia is ranked 7th out of 60 countries when it comes to the cost of living, making it one of the most expensive places to live. The cost of living varies by location and time period, so it can be difficult to pinpoint exact numbers. However, according to Expatistan, the monthly cost of living in Australia for a single person is approximately A$4,489, or A$8,026 per month for a family of four, just for the necessities.
The cost of living in Australia includes various factors such as housing, utilities, transportation, and food. Housing is typically the largest expense in any Australian budget, with high house prices and rents. For example, the average house rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts from $1500 per month and can reach up to $3200 per month in centre areas. Mortgage interest charges have also been a significant contributor to the increase in living costs for employee households, with an increase of 8.8% over the past twelve months.
Utility costs, such as electricity, phone, and internet bills, can also be significant expenses. In Sydney, basic utility costs for an 85m2 apartment are around $327.19 per month. Brisbane has slightly lower utility costs, with an average of $206.37 per month for an 85m2 apartment.
Transportation costs can also be high in Australia, especially with the recent increase in fuel prices. However, major Australian cities have decent public transportation systems, which can help reduce these costs.
Food and grocery prices are another essential component of the cost of living. The impact of rising food prices is felt by everyone, and it particularly affects low-income households, as they have to spend a larger part of their budget on food.
It's important to note that the cost of living in Australia can vary significantly between cities. For example, Sydney is one of the most expensive cities to live in, with higher rental and living costs compared to other cities. Perth, on the other hand, is estimated to be about 14% less expensive than Sydney, with lower rent prices and overall monthly expenses.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia is not a bad country for tourists. However, tourists may find the country relatively expensive, especially in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, which are among the most expensive cities globally. Additionally, those who are not drinkers may find social gatherings a little awkward due to the prevalent drinking culture in Australia.
Australia is not a bad country for immigrants. However, some immigrants may find the country lacking in opportunities compared to other nations, especially for those with ambitions. The country has high taxes, and the education and health systems are not the best. There is also a perception that Australia lags in certain areas, such as addressing social issues and providing world-class cultural offerings.
Australia has been criticised for its treatment of asylum seekers and slow progress on some social issues, such as same-sex marriage. Additionally, there is a history of discrimination and violence against the indigenous population, and the government has been accused of taking away their land.
