Lyla Lindsey
Australia is a popular destination for immigrants, but some people choose to leave the country due to various reasons. Some of the reasons include the high cost of living, difficulty in adjusting to the Australian culture and way of life, mental health issues, and the desire to be closer to family. Other reasons for leaving Australia include the country's drug and gambling issues, the closed-mindedness and self-centredness of some Australians, and the lack of historical and cultural attractions. The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on border closures and social isolation have also influenced people's decisions to leave Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | The cost of living in Australia is high, with property purchases driven by intergenerational wealth. |
| Lack of public transport | Many people need to own a car to get around due to the lack of 24/7 public transport options. |
| Distance from other countries | Australia is far away from other countries, making it difficult and expensive to travel and see family. |
| Cultural differences | Australians are described as more conservative, closed-minded, and having a different sense of humour. |
| Drugs and gambling issues | Australia has a significant problem with drugs and gambling, which can impact the daily lives of residents. |
| Mental health | Some individuals have reported a decline in their mental health while living in Australia, often due to difficulty adjusting and creating a new social circle. |
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What You'll Learn
High cost of living
Australia has become an increasingly desirable destination for global professionals looking to move countries for work. However, the country's high cost of living has been a deterrent for some.
Housing
Housing is a significant factor in the high cost of living in Australia. While migrants are more educated within Australia, they have less access to property, less intergenerational wealth, and fewer liquid assets. This makes it difficult for them to purchase property in a country where the real estate market is already challenging.
Cost of Living Crisis
The cost-of-living crisis in Australia has been a frequent topic of discussion in the Chinese community, with some choosing to move back to China or to other countries like Singapore or the UK. The recent federal budget, which proposed a reduction in migration, has also been a disappointment for many Chinese migrants.
Income and Salary
The high cost of living in Australia can also be attributed to lower salaries and income. For example, a migrant from China shared that their family lived a typical middle-class life in China, but it would be challenging to achieve the same standard of living in Australia. Another migrant from Bulgaria shared that their husband works in IT and could get a job in another European country, where he would earn a better salary.
Transportation
The cost of transportation can also contribute to the high cost of living in Australia. Some cities, like Sydney, have inadequate public transportation systems, forcing residents to rely on cars to get around. This can be especially challenging for those who cannot afford a car or prefer not to drive.
Isolation and Distance
The vast distances in Australia can also contribute to the high cost of living. The country's isolation from the rest of the world can make it difficult and expensive for residents to travel and see their families back home. This sense of isolation can also be felt in the suburbs, where there may be a lack of amenities and activities within walking distance, requiring residents to drive or use public transportation to access them.
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Lack of career opportunities
Australia's economy has been struggling since the end of the mining boom, resulting in job losses and reduced working hours for many. The Australian economy is not generating sufficient job opportunities, and the situation is not expected to improve anytime soon. The number of people seeking employment has increased, with approximately 1.8 million Australians looking for additional work or any work at all.
The nature of the Australian labour force has undergone significant changes due to economic shifts, deregulation, and globalisation. The prevalence of full-time employment has decreased, with only about 65% of workers currently in full-time roles, down from 80% in the late 1970s. The rise in part-time employment offers flexibility for some, but it also brings challenges such as lower wages, reduced job security, and fewer career opportunities than full-time roles.
The job market in Australia is highly competitive, and even local graduates and experienced professionals face difficulties in securing positions. The path from education to employment has become more intricate, with entry-level positions increasingly requiring 1-2 years of experience, creating a catch-22 situation for new graduates. Additionally, university curricula often lag behind industry requirements, leaving graduates with theoretical knowledge but lacking the practical skills sought by employers.
The country's relationship-driven business culture further influences job opportunities, with up to 70% of positions being filled through networking rather than public advertising. This "hidden job market" can be challenging to navigate for those outside these professional networks. Australia's interview processes are also complex, often involving multiple rounds, technical assessments, and behavioural evaluations, with many candidates struggling to meet these specific expectations.
Furthermore, certain industries, such as financial services, require a deep understanding of Australian-specific regulations and compliance, which overseas candidates may lack. International workers in trades may need to complete Australian apprenticeships or recognition assessments, even with extensive experience in their home countries. The process of adapting one's qualifications and work experience to meet Australian standards can be time-consuming and cumbersome, potentially deterring individuals from pursuing career opportunities in the country.
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Cultural differences
Australia has a diverse range of immigrants from various countries, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, China, India, Vietnam, and Cambodia. However, some people choose to leave Australia due to cultural differences, among other reasons.
The Australian lifestyle and work culture can also differ from those in other countries. Australia's live-to-work culture, where socialising primarily occurs on weekends, differs from countries like Croatia, where people socialise throughout the week. Additionally, the early closing times of establishments in Australia may not align with the preferences of those who consider themselves "night owls."
The country's geographical remoteness can contribute to feelings of isolation, making it challenging for individuals to travel and maintain connections with their families and social networks back home. This sense of isolation is further exacerbated by the suburban nature of many Australian cities, where residential areas can be devoid of attractions like theatres or museums, requiring individuals to commute long distances to access cultural amenities.
Furthermore, Australia's political system and societal mentality may differ from other countries, potentially influencing individuals' decisions to leave. Some perceive the country's political system as unreformable, with voting having little impact on bringing about desired changes. Australia's historical isolation from the rest of the world may have contributed to a sense of insularity and a perceived retardation of mentality among its citizens.
It is important to acknowledge that these cultural differences are not universally applicable to all Australians, and that individual experiences may vary. Nonetheless, for some individuals, navigating these cultural disparities can be challenging, influencing their choice to relocate elsewhere.
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Poor public transport
Australia's public transport system is far from being one of the country's incredible attractions. Research has shown that only half of the 15 million people living in Australia's five largest cities have access to frequent, all-day public transport. This means that around 50% of residents in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth do not have convenient access to the minimum level of public transport services. This is defined as having an address within 800 meters or a 10-minute walk, or a service that runs at least every 15 minutes between 7 am and 7 pm.
Brisbane, in particular, ranks at the bottom of the list for places to get around without a car. Only 33.7% of Brisbane residents have access to all-day frequent public transport services, with only 14% relying on this mode of transport for their daily commute to work. Instead, 75% of Brisbanites opt for private vehicles. For many, access to reliable public transport ends just eight kilometers from the city center, affecting places like the Hills District.
The lack of adequate public transport in Australia's major cities has significant implications. Firstly, it contributes to the high cost of living, as individuals are forced to rely on expensive private cars for their daily commute. This is especially true for those in outer urban areas, where public transport infrastructure is often inadequate, and there is a higher concentration of low-income households. Research conducted in Melbourne found that transport costs were a "major issue" for low-income households with two or more cars in the outer urban areas. Operating multiple cars represented a substantial proportion of their total income.
Furthermore, the poor public transport system can lead to social exclusion and disadvantage. Groups such as low-income families, single-parent families, and young parent families are more likely to experience transport disadvantage. For these families, the lack of reliable public transport or car ownership may mean that walking becomes their primary mode of transportation. This can impact their access to employment, education, and other social services, further exacerbating social and economic inequalities.
The inadequate public transport system in Australia's major cities can be a significant source of frustration and a reason why some people may choose to move away. The reliance on private vehicles contributes to pollution and congestion, while the lack of efficient and accessible public transport options can make getting around challenging and costly. These factors can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and their decision to relocate to areas with better transportation infrastructure.
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Mental health
In Australia, mental health issues are prevalent among both the general population and specific groups such as migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. According to the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (NSMHW), an estimated 22% of Australians aged 16-85 experienced a mental illness in the previous year, with 43% having experienced a mental illness during their lifetime. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in Australia, affecting 17% of the population.
Migrants in Australia also experience a high prevalence of mental health issues. Migrants from non-English-speaking backgrounds, Sub-Saharan Africa, Italy, Greece, and China have higher rates of depression than Australian-born individuals. Anxiety disorders are most prevalent among migrants from Greece, while psychological distress and depression are highest among migrants from Lebanon and China, respectively. These risk factors are influenced by pre-migration and migration factors such as poor living conditions and discrimination in their home countries.
Refugees and asylum seekers in Australia face unique mental health challenges due to past trauma, settlement challenges, and the impact of harsh government policies. Research indicates that approximately half of refugees internationally experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and psychological distress, with one-sixth suffering from severe mental illness. However, due to stigma, cultural competency issues, and cost barriers, help-seeking behaviours among this population are low.
To address these issues, organisations such as the Australian Red Cross, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, and Embrace Multicultural Mental Health provide support and resources to refugees, asylum seekers, and multicultural communities. Additionally, community-based programs have shown promising results in improving mental health outcomes for these vulnerable populations.
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