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in brief

67 8 25 26 51 52 69 70 71
OVERVIEW THE LAND AUSTRALIA SOCIETY AND CULTURE VISITING
AND ITS PEOPLE AND THE WORLD AUSTRALIA

HISTORY 8 LOOKING OUTWARD 26 EDUCATION 52 VISA AND IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS 70

AUSTRALIAS NATIONAL SYMBOLS 10 TRADE 30 INNOVATION 54 QUARANTINE 71

POPULATION 12 GROWTH 36 SPORT 58

INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA 14 INVESTMENT 38 CREATIVE AUSTRALIA 62

GOVERNMENT 16 BUSINESS 40 HEALTH CARE 66

ECONOMY 18 FOREIGN AID 42 MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS 68

ENVIRONMENT 22 TOURISM 44

STUDY IN AUSTRALIA 48

DEFENCE AND SECURITY 50


of Australia MAJOR IMPORTS
Passenger motor vehicles,
refined petroleum, crude
petroleum, telecom equipment
and parts, computers
CAPITAL CITY
Canberra MAIN TRADING PARTNERS
FULL TITLE WORKFORCE TIME
Commonwealth of Australia CURRENCY China, Japan, United States,
11.9 million (May 2016) Republic of Korea Eastern: GMT+10hrs
LARGEST CITY
Australian dollar (AUD) Central: GMT+9.5hrs
Sydney Western: GMT+8hrs
INFLATION RATE
POPULATION Population 4.92 million (2015)
23.94 million 1 per cent
(December 2015) (June 2016)
SURFACE AREA
7.69 million sq kms
(2.96 million sq miles)
NATIONAL DAY HOUSEHOLDS WITH INTERNET ACCESS
MAIN LANGUAGE Australia Day: 26 January
LIFE EXPECTANCY

PROPORTION OF POPULATION BORN OVERSEAS


84 years (women) VALUE OF EXPORTS OF
GOODS AND SERVICES
80 years (men) June 2013
28.2 per cent A$316.6 billion
(June 2015)
GROSS DOMESTIC
+ more than PRODUCT PER CAPITA MAJOR GOODS AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
SERVICES EXPORTS
300 others A$64,660 (2013) 440,949 (2016)
AUSTRALIA IS A NATION OF
BOUNDLESS OPPORTUNITY

Overview Sunset at Mindil Beach, Darwin


(Allan Dixon, Tourism Australia)
Australia is a successful and prosperous
nation, ranked second in the United
IN A COUNTRY OF ENDLESS
POTENTIALA NATION THAT IS
OPEN FOR BUSINESS.
AUSTRALIA IS A COUNTRY With a spectacular natural
environment, high quality of life and
Nations Development Programmes
Human Development Report 2014.
OF STRIKING LANDSCAPES, great diversity, Australia is a sought
Australias economy is consistently
after destination for international
A RICH ANCIENT CULTURE tourists. It has 10 per cent of the ranked among the strongest of

AND ONE OF THE WORLDS STRONGEST worlds biodiversity and a great


number of its native plants and
advanced economies in the Organisation
for Economic Co-operation and
Australias foreign and trade policy
promotes its security and long-term
ECONOMIES. animals exist nowhere else on earth. Development. It is the worlds twelfth
largest economy and a top performing
prosperity. It seeks to protect and
From tropical rainforests in the north
IT IS THE SIXTH-LARGEST to the red deserts of the centre, from nation on almost every measure of
advance its national interests in a
rapidly changing environment, while
COUNTRY IN LAND AREA the snowfields of the south-east to
the Australian Antarctic Territory, it is
excellence, from health to wealth,
from ease of doing business to
supporting a stable global order.
Australia has been integrally involved
AND IS THE ONLY NATION a vast and varied land. Australia has educational attainment.
in global efforts to build peace
TO GOVERN AN ENTIRE many World Heritage sites including
the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru-Kata
With low unemployment, low inflation
and a highly skilled workforce, and with
and security for decades, just as it
has in promoting global trade and
CONTINENT. Tjuta National Park and the Sydney strong links with the fastest-growing investment liberalisation. Australia is
Opera House. region in the world - the Indo-Pacific - a good international citizen, helping
Australia is home to one of the Australias economy is set to prosper in times of crisis and supporting
worlds oldest living cultures, with well into the future. economic development in its region.
DID YOU KNOW? Aboriginal communities established
Australia is the fourth largest economy nearly 60,000 years before European Sydney Harbour
in the Asian region and is the 12th settlement. Today, Australia is one (Ellenor Argyropoulos, DID YOU KNOW?
largest economy in the world. of the worlds most multicultural Tourism Australia)
Australia is the worlds
countries, rich in Indigenous and third most popular
immigrant cultures. destination for
international students.

6 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Overview Overview 7


The land and its people IN 1901, THE SIX COLONIES
UNITED TO FORM THE FEDERAL
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA.
on commerce with Japan which
underpinned Australias increasing
engagement with Asia.
Over the past 50 years, Australia
Convict era building, Kingston
and Arthurs Vale Historic Area,
Norfolk Island (Mark Mohell,
Department of the Environment)

From 1914 to 1918, more than has developed a highly diversified


400,000 Australians volunteered economy with considerable
HISTORY Parts of the continent were mapped
by Dutch navigators in the 17th
in World War I. Although Australias strengths, particularly in the mining
first major campaign in Gallipoli in and agricultural sectors as well
century and by French and British 1915 was a failure, with almost 9,000
Australias Aboriginal people, the original navigators the following century, Australian soldiers losing their lives,
as manufacturing and services,
and it has become increasingly
but it was not until 1770 that Captain
inhabitants of the Australian continent, James Cook charted the east coast
its commemoration came to be an economically integrated with
important element in the emergence the countries of East Asia.
arrived at least 60,000 years ago. and claimed it for Great Britain. of an Australian national identity.
From 1788, Britain established The signing of the 1919 Treaty of
penal colonies in New South Wales, www.nma.gov.au
Versailles by the Prime Minister was
Indigenous rock art, Arnhem Land Tasmania and Western Australia. www.awm.gov.au/atwar
(James Fisher, Tourism Australia)
the first time Australia had signed an
Free settlers followed in increasing international treaty. In World War II
numbers, gradually outnumbering (193945), Australian troops were
convicts. A colony made up entirely deployed against the Axis powers in
of free settlers was established in Europe, North Africa and the Middle
South Australia in the 1830s. East, and allied with the United States
in the Pacific War against Japan.
DID YOU KNOW?
Queensland and Victoria separated
On 1 November 1945, Australia There are more than 3,000 convict sites
from New South Wales in the
DID YOU KNOW? became a founding member of the remaining in Australia. This is unique in the world
1850s, by which time gold had
United Nations. In 1951, Australia today. In 2010, 11 Australian convict sites were
Australian Indigenous art is been discovered in New South
entered into the ANZUS Treaty with added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
the oldest ongoing tradition Wales and Victoria. The gold rush
of art in the world. brought immigrants to Australia the United States and New Zealand,
from all over the world. and in 1957 signed an agreement

8 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF The land and its people The land and its people 9
AUSTRALIAS NATIONAL SYMBOLS
NATIONAL ANTHEM
An Australian soldier
Advance Australia Fair has been carries a wounded
Australias official national anthem comrade near North
THE AUSTRALIAN FLAG Beach, Gallipoli
since 19 April 1984. (AWM H10363)
The stars of the Southern Cross Australians all let us rejoice,
represent Australias geographic For we are young and free;
position in the Southern Hemisphere.
DID YOU KNOW?
Weve golden soil and wealth for toil; NATIONAL DAY
The large Commonwealth star Anzac Day, 25 April, is a national day of
Our home is girt by sea; commemoration for all Australians who
symbolises the federation of the Our land abounds in natures gifts
states and territories, and the have fought in wars. It is the day the
Of beauty rich and rare; Australia and New Zealand Army Corps
Union Jack reflects Australias In historys page, let every stage (ANZAC) landed at Gallipoli in Turkey in
early ties to Great Britain. Advance Australia Fair. 1915 during World War I. To mark Anzac
In joyful strains then let us sing, Day, Australians and New Zealanders
THE COAT OF ARMS Advance Australia Fair. attend ceremonies at home and around
the world, including in Gallipoli. In 2015,
The Australian coat of arms consists Beneath our radiant Southern Cross Australia Day is celebrated each
Australia marked the centenary of
of a shield containing the badges of Well toil with hearts and hands; year on 26 January. The date is the
the Anzac landing with a ceremony
the six Australian states symbolising To make this Commonwealth of ours anniversary of the unfurling of the at Gallipoli.
federation, and the national symbols Renowned of all the lands; British flag at Sydney Cove in 1788.
Acacia pycnantha Benth
of the Golden Wattle, the kangaroo For those whove come across the seas
and the emu. By popular tradition, Weve boundless plains to share;
OUR NATIONAL COLOURS NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
the kangaroo is accepted as the With courage let us all combine
Australias national colours are green national animal emblem. The Golden To Advance Australia Fair. Australia has 12 public holidays www.australia.gov.au
and gold, the colours of its national Wattle was proclaimed the national In joyful strains then let us sing, a year, including New Years Day, www.australia.com
floral emblem, the Golden Wattle. floral emblem in August 1988. Advance Australia Fair. Australia Day and Anzac Day.

10 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF The land and its people The land and its people 11
New Zealand 41,230
POPULATION An Australian family at
Bondi Beach, Sydney
(Camille Nuttall,
Tourism Australia)
Australians come from a rich variety Until the 1970s, the majority of
immigrants to Australia came from
IMMIGRANTS ARRIVED
IN AUSTRALIA IN 201213
of cultural, ethnic, linguistic and Europe. These days Australia receives
many more immigrants from Asia,
religious backgrounds. While Aboriginal and since 1996 the number of
and Torres Strait Islander peoples are immigrants from Africa and the
Middle East has almost doubled.

Phillipines 6,160
the original inhabitants of the land,

South Africa 3,274


India 17,240
Australias immigration policy

China 16,784

Sri Lanka 3,224


Malaysia 3,337
Vietnam 3,427
immigrants from about 200 countries welcomes people from all over the

Iraq 3,132
world and does not discriminate on
also call Australia home.

UK 11,039
racial, cultural or religious grounds.
Australians embrace the spectrum
of religious beliefs and Buddhist,
Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim,
Sikh and other places of worship
DID YOU KNOW? are found in almost every major city. TOP 10 SOURCE COUNTRIES
FOR IMMIGRANTS (201213)
That in 2015 Australia had the second
highest median adult wealth (US
$168,000) in the world after New Source: Department of Immigration and Border Protection
Zealand (US $182,000). Australia was DID YOU KNOW?
followed by Belgium and the United AUSTRALIA IS MODERN,
English is the national language but more
Kingdom. CONTEMPORARY AND
than 300 languages are spoken in Australian
MULTICULTURAL AND THIS IS homes. The most common are Mandarin,
New Australian citizens pose with the flag
(Department of Immigration and Border Protection) REFLECTED IN ITS BUILDINGS, Italian, Arabic, Cantonese and Greek. www.multiculturalaustralia.edu.au
FASHION, RECREATION AND www.immi.gov.au
FOODS.

12 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF The land and its people The land and its people 13
Ambassador for Australian Indigenous Fashion Week, Samantha Harris, wearing
a design by Torres Strait Islander, Grace Lillian Lee (Hamish Gregory Photography)
INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA in the census. The referendum saw To achieve this, the Government
the highest yes vote ever recorded is working closely with Indigenous
Aboriginal people in Australia are Another distinct group, of Melanesian
origin, are the Torres Strait Islander in a referendum in Australia, with just Australians to ensure that better
the custodians of one of the oldest peoples who first settled on islands over 90 per cent of Australians voting
for the change. The referendum and
services and outcomes are delivered
on the ground. The Australian
north of the mainland, between the
continuous living cultures in the world. tip of Queensland and Papua New the High Court decision on 3 June Government is also committed to
1992 which recognised native title achieving recognition for Aboriginal
Archaeological evidence suggests Guinea, thousands of years ago.
and Indigenous peoples entitlements and Torres Strait Islander peoples in
that Australia has been continuously Today, most Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people live in cities and
to possession, occupation, use Australias Constitution.
and enjoyment of their traditional
inhabited for more than 60,000 years. towns. Many people still remain on lands, are important milestones in
their traditional lands and maintain Australian history. www.indigenous.gov.au
aspects of their traditional lifestyles www.aiatsis.gov.au
in a modern-day Australia. Indigenous people contribute In 2008, the Australian Parliament
in many areas including the arts, passed a motion of Apology to
DID YOU KNOW? Prior to European settlement it is media, academia, politics, sport and Australias Indigenous Peoples for
(James Fisher,Tourism Australia)
One in ten Aboriginal and Torres Strait estimated that around 250 different business. The 2014 Australian of the past mistreatment and injustices,
Islander people speak an Australian languages were spoken. While Year, Adam Goodes, a professional especially the Stolen Generations,
Indigenous language at home. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian Rules football player - who were Indigenous children
languages remain strong in some an Adnyamathanha man from the forcibly removed from their families.
communities, it is estimated that Flinders Ranges in South Australia.
more than 100 languages have been Today, the Australian Government is
lost and around 110 are endangered. A national referendum, held on committed to working in partnership
Efforts are underway to keep 27 May 1967, removed references with Indigenous people, families and
language strong in communities and from the Australian Constitution communities to make sure children
to revive vulnerable languages. which discriminated against go to school every day, adults have
2014 Australian of the Year, Adam Goodes, responds
Indigenous people and excluded jobs and communities are safe places to the crowd at an AFL match at the Melbourne Cricket
Indigenous culture is diverse and Aboriginal people from being counted to live. Ground (Greg Ford, AFL Media)
strong and makes a vital contribution
to Australias national identity.
14 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF The land and its people The land and its people 15
GOVERNMENT the Governor-General acts on
the advice of the head of the
The 1901 Constitution of the
Commonwealth of Australia sets out
Government, the Prime Minister, the powers of the Commonwealth
Australia was one of the first countries From the 1850s to the 1890s, when
few other countries in the world were
and other ministers. and states. Each state has its own
to establish democracy in the modern democratic, the Australian colonies The Prime Minister leads a cabinet
written constitution. The High Court
of Australia and the Federal Court
progressively established universal of ministers, each of whom has
world. In the mid-nineteenth century, male suffrage, and were also among responsibility for a portfolio of
of Australia have the authority to
interpret constitutional provisions.
Australian colonies set about writing the first to give women the vote. government duties. Commonwealth
ministers, including the Prime
Under the Constitution, the legislative PARLIAMENT AND GOV-
ERNMENT
constitutions which produced Australian democracy has
at its heart the following core
Minister, are appointed by the
power of the Commonwealth is
vested in the federal parliament.
Governor-General on the advice
democratically elected parliaments. defining values:
of the leader of a political party or
The parliament makes laws,
>> f reedom of election authorises the Government to Australians vote for
coalition which represents a majority federal representatives
and being elected spend public money, scrutinises
of the House of Representatives
government activities, and is a
Parliament House forecourt, Canberra >> f reedom of assembly in the federal parliament. Similar
(Lincoln Fowler, Tourism Australia) forum for debate on national issues.
and political participation systems operate in the states and federal representatives
>> f reedom of speech, expression territories. There are also more All Australians citizens over the
and religious belief than 560 local councils across age of 18 must vote in both
the country. federal and state elections.
>> rule of law senators in the Senate

>> other basic human rights.


The Australian Government DID YOU KNOW?
members in the House
follows the British (Westminster) Australia is a constitutional monarchyconstitutional because the of Representatives
tradition. The Governor-General, powers and procedures of the Australian Government are defined
representing the Crown, exercises by a written constitution and monarchy because Australias head
the supreme executive power of of state is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
support needed to
the Commonwealth. In practice, form government

16 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF The land and its people The land and its people 17
AUSTRALIA IS A GLOBAL LEADER IN FIVE SIGNIFICANT
AND DIVERSE SECTORS: AGRIBUSINESS, EDUCATION,
TOURISM, MINING AND WEALTH MANAGEMENT.

ECONOMY
Known as one of the great agricultural, Underpinning Australias strong economy

Source: (Austrade, Why Australia Benchmark Report June 2014 Update, Section 1, Growth, pg 9)
is its open and transparent trade and MERCHANDISE EXPORTS: AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
mining and energy producers, Australia investment environment, business-
US$38.6 BILLION, 2014
TOP 14 EXPORTER IN THE WORLD
friendly regulatory approach and its
has one of the worlds most open and trade and economic links with emerging
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT CATEGORIES

varied economies, with a highly educated economies, particularly in Asia.

workforce and an extensive services sector. Australias economy is considered


one of the strongest, most stable and
diverse in the world. In 2015, Australia
entered its 25th year of uninterrupted
annual economic growth, averaging AUSTRALIAS
3.3 per cent a year. GLOBALLY FOREIGN STUDENTS IN TERTIARY EDUCATION
SIGNIFICANT 6.4% OF THE WORLDS TOTAL, 2013
INDUSTRIES THIRD LARGEST IN THE WORLD
The services sector is the largest part of AUSTRALIAS INVESTMENT FUND ASSETS
the Australian economy, accounting for US$1.6 TRILLION, JUNE 2015
THIRD LARGEST IN THE WORLD
60 per cent of gross domestic product
and four out of five jobs. Australia is an
important and growing financial centre,
with a sophisticated financial services
DID YOU KNOW? sector and strong regulation.
Australia is rated triple A by all three global A continuing process of reform to further
rating agencies and enjoys levels of net public open the economy and strengthen
Stock Exchange market board
debt that are among the lowest in the OECD. (Australian Securities Exchange) its competitiveness has been a key
ingredient of Australias success.
INTERNATIONAL TOURISM RECEIPTS MERCHANDISE EXPORTS: FUELS AND MINING
US$32 BILLION, 2014 US$153 BILLION, 2014
11TH LARGEST IN THE WORLD IN THE TOP 5 EXPORTERS IN THE WORLD

18 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF The land and its people The land and its people 19
DID YOU KNOW?
The BBC has declared
Australia the lifestyle
super power of the globe. Gunlom (Waterfall Creek), Kakadu National Park
Kangaroos
(Tourism Australia) (Ellenor Argyropoulos, Tourism Australia)

20 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF The land and its people The land and its people 21
ENVIRONMENT
Australia has around 10 per cent of the DID YOU KNOW?
worlds biodiversity and is one of the Australia is about the size
of the United States mainland.
17 megadiverse countries that together
account for almost 70 per cent of the Great Ocean Road, Victoria
A LEADING ANTARCTIC NATION
worlds species. It is a land like no other. (Chris Kapa, Tourism Australia)

Australia is a leading Antarctic


nation, driving international efforts
to preserve Antarctica as a natural
DID YOU KNOW? More than 80 per cent of Australias Australias national reserve system reserve devoted to peace and science.
Snow gums in Mount Buller
mammals, reptiles, frogs and covers 17.88 per cent of Australias About 80 scientists and support
(Tourism Australia) Australia stretches about 4,000
flowering plants are unique to land massmore than 137 million staff live and work on Australias
kilometres (2,485 miles) across
about the same distance as New Australia, along with many of its hectares (339 million acres) across Antarctic stations during winter
York to Los Angeles, London freshwater fish and almost half its 10,000 propertiesand includes and as many as 200 in the summer
to Tehran, Bangkok to Tokyo, birds. There are more than 140 a range of habitats from lush months. Marine scientists also work
Singapore to New Delhi or species of marsupials (animals that rainforests to savannas and deserts. on Australian research vessels in the
Hong Kong to Mumbai. carry their young in a pouch) such The Commonwealth marine reserve Southern Ocean. Australias world-
as kangaroos, koalas, wombats estate, with 60 reserves, including class Antarctic research program
and the Tasmanian Devil. Australia the Great Barrier Reef Marine contributes to understanding
is also home to two monotremes, Park, covers 3.1 million square environmental systems in Antarctica
the platypus and the echidna. These kilometres, approximately one and the effects of global climate
egg-laying mammals are so unusual third of Commonwealth waters. change. It involves cooperation with
Penguins in Antarctica
that they are sometimes referred hundreds of institutions in more than (Todor Iolovski, Australian Antarctic Division)
to as living fossils. 25 countries. >

22 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF The land and its people The land and its people 23
Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
the worlds largest coral reef system
(D. Bergmark, Tourism Australia)

AUSTRALIAN SITES
ARE LISTED ON THE
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST.

whc.unesco.org/en/list
Australian fossil mammal site, Naracoorte,
South Australiasome of the richest fossil
deposits in the world (SA Department of Fraser Island, Queensland Royal Exhibition Building, Victoria
Environment, Water and Natural Resources) the worlds largest sand island one of the last remaining world fair buildings
(Maxime Coquard, Tourism Australia) which is still used for exhibitions (Tourism Victoria)

Sydney Opera House UluruKata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory


an internationally significant building a culturally sacred landscape for Aboriginal people
Tasmanian Wildernessone of the three Shark Bay, Western Australia2.2 million hectares of (Camille Nuttall, Tourism Australia) (Masaru Kitano snaK Productions, Tourism Australia)
largest temperate wilderness areas unspoilt coastal landscape (Anson Smart, Tourism
remaining in the Southern Hemisphere Australia)
(Graham Freeman, Tourism Australia)

24 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF The land and its people The land and its people 25
Australia and the world Skyline, Melbourne
(Roberto Seba, Tourism Australia)

DID YOU KNOW?


Australia had the worlds sixth
highest GDP per capita in 2015
(US$64,863).
LOOKING OUTWARD Australia is a vibrant, multicultural
country. We are home to the worlds
oldest continuous cultures, as well as
Australians who identify with more than
Australia is an outward-looking country 270 ancestries. Since 1945, almost seven
million people have migrated to Australia.
Australia is active in many global
and regional institutions. It was a
that is strongly engaged with the rest of Approximately one quarter of Australia's founding member of the United
the world. For more than two centuries, population (6.7 million people) was born
overseas and approximately half have an
Nations and is among the leading
overseas born parent . contributors to the UNs regular and
Australia has been building strong and One in 10 Australians speak an Asian peacekeeping budgets.
enduring ties with many countries. language at home and almost 1.3 million
speak a European language other than In its international economic
These bonds have been forged through English. engagement, Australia aims to build
greater prosperity for Australia and
history, through common strategic the world. To achieve this, Australia
DID YOU KNOW? supports efforts to liberalise trade,
interests, through trade and through In 2014, Australia celebrated 40 years boost economic growth, encourage
people-to-people relations. of partnership with the Association investments and assist business
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). through economic diplomacy. >
Australia has a deep relationship with
ASEAN in a range of areas including
security, culture, education and
development.

26 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Australia and the world Australia and the world 27
AUSTRALIA IS STRONGLY COMMITTED TO BUILDING A >> Australias foreign and trade links with the United Kingdom
RULES-BASED INTERNATIONAL ORDER WHICH ADVANCES policy focuses on strengthening its and Europe. Australia is committed
AND PROTECTS THE INTERESTS OF ALL NATIONS AND already significant engagement with to a broad-based, creative
PEOPLES. AUSTRALIA PLAYS AN ACTIVE ROLE IN A WIDE countries in the dynamic Indo-Pacific partnership with the European
region. As a founding member of Union, addressing the contemporary
ARRAY OF GLOBAL AND REGIONAL GROUPS, INCLUDING
APEC and an active participant in the challenges of economic
THE:
East Asia Summit, Australia is helping management and international
>> United Nations (UN) to build regional institutions that trade, development, security,
foster stability, security and prosperity and international governance.
>> Group of twenty major economies (G20)
across the region.
>> World Trade Organization (WTO) Australia has significant people-
>> East Asia Summit (EAS) Australia has close, longstanding to-people links and growing trade
>> East Asia Summit (EAS) bilateral ties with Indonesia, as and investment interests in the
well as strong ties with the other strategically important Middle East.
>> Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
member nations of ASEAN. Australia In Africa, Australia has longstanding
>> AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
also has significant relations with bilateral ties, especially with fellow
>> Commonwealth India and with the major states of Commonwealth nations, and
>> Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Northeast AsiaChina, Japan and growing trade and investment
>> Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) the Republic of Koreawhich are interests, particularly in the
>> Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) also major markets. resources sector.
>> Forum for East AsiaLatin America Cooperation (FEALAC) Beyond its region, Australia enjoys Australias connections with Latin
>> International climate change negotiations strong economic, security, political, American countries are expanding
>> AsiaEurope Meeting (ASEM) Australian Foreign Minister, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, and social and cultural ties with the in a range of international forums,
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon share an exchange United States and Canada, and including in the WTO. Australia also
during the Security Councils High-Level Meeting on
Small Arms, 26 September 2013 (Trevor Collens, DFAT) continues to build on its strong and has warm relations with Caribbean
longstanding political, cultural, trade, countries built on strong historical
investment, and people-to-people and cultural foundations.

28 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Australia and the world Australia and the world 29
TRADE
Trade liberalisation and economic reform Until the 1960s, Britain and the United
States were Australias main trading
Australia continues to push ahead
with trade liberalisationunilaterally,
have been at the heart of Australian
51,000
partners. Today the emphasis of bilaterally and multilaterally. This will
Australias trade has shifted to Asia, with strengthen international economic
Government policy for decades. four out of five of Australias top trading collaboration, reduce the risks facing
partners located there. China, Japan, the global economy, and bolster
the United States, and the Republic of growth. Australia plays an active role
Korea are now Australias largest trading in the WTO, APEC, the G20 and other 51,000 AUSTRALIAN BUSINESSES EXPORT
THEIR GOODS AND SERVICES TO THE WORLD
partners. trade related forums. Australia has
also negotiated bilateral and regional
Australia has a very open market
trade agreements with a wide range
with minimal restrictions on imports
of countries to strengthen trade and
of goods and services. This has
investment flows. >
increased productivity, stimulated
growth and made the economy
more flexible and dynamic.
Australia has developed a competitive DID YOU KNOW?
edge in a range of goods and services, Australian agriculture feeds 60 million
from high-technology products such people around the world each year.
as medical and scientific equipment
through to high-quality wine and
processed food. Major services exports
DID YOU KNOW? include education and tourism, and
Iron ore ship at Port Hedland
(BHP Billiton) Australia is the worlds largest professional and financial services. Wheat harvest at Beverley
exporter of iron ore. Services by Australian companies (CBH)

operating overseas provide a major


contribution to Australias economy.

30 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Australia and the world Australia and the world 31
A$316.6b A$352.7b
Australian beef on
FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS sale in Korea (MLA)

Australia has ten FTAs currently in force,


with: New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand,
TOTAL VALUE OF EXPORTS TOTAL VALUE OF IMPORTS
US, Chile, the Association of South East
Asian Nations (ASEAN) (with New Zealand),
Malaysia, Korea, Japan and China. The
countries with whom Australia has
TOP 5 EXPORT MARKETS TOP 5 IMPORT MARKETS
these FTAs account for 67 per cent of
Australia's total two-way trade. Australia China China
and 11 other countries also successfully
concluded negotiations for the Trans- Japan United States

Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement in late United States Japan


2015 and signed the TPP in Auckland on 4
February 2016. Republic of Korea Republic of
AUSTRALIA TRADING WITH Korea
THE WORLD
Australia is engaged in six FTA negotiations India Thailand
two bilateral FTA negotiations with India
and Indonesia, and four plurilateral
FTA negotiations with the Regional
Comprehensive Economic Partnership
TOP 5 EXPORTS A$M TOP 5 IMPORTS A$M
Agreement, the Gulf Cooperation Council,
the Pacific Trade and Economic Agreement Iron ores and concentrates Personal travel services
(PACER Plus), and the Trade in Services 49,060 26,688
Coal Passenger motor vehicles
Agreement. 37,031 20,365
Education-related travel services Refined petroleum
18,801 18,436
DID YOU KNOW? Natural gas Telecom equipment and parts
16,456 11,676
73 per cent of Australias trade is Personal travel (excluding education) Freight services
with countries in the APEC group. 15,943 10,156

32 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Australia and the world Australia and the world 33
Coal mine in the Bowen Basin
(BHP Billiton) MINING AND RESOURCES

With abundant resources, skilled


professionals and cutting-edge technology,
Australia is a leader in the global mining
industry and is among the largest producers
of bauxite, iron and zinc ore, nickel and gold.
Australia is also a major supplier of energy,
including coal, natural gas and uranium.
In 2015, the mining sector accounted for
approximately 9 per cent of the Australian
economy (based on industry value added
at basic prices) and minerals and fuels
accounted for 42 per cent of Australias
exports.
DID YOU KNOW?
The scale of Australias resources industry
Over 90 per cent of Australias iron
has helped the country become a world
ore and metallurgical coal production
is exported with a combined value of
leader in the development and manufacture
A$70 billion in 2015. of mining equipment, technology and
services. Australian firms are competitive
across the supply chain, including in
exploration, engineering, processing,
environmental management, mine safety,
www.austrade.gov.au training, and research and development.
www.dfat.gov.au/trade

34 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Australia and the world Australia and the world 35
GROWTH
Economic growth, driven by the private
sector and supported by trade liberalisation,
DID YOU KNOW?
is a key objective of Australias engagement Australia is the leader of the
Flags of the G20 nations

with the world. Strong economies are an Cairns Group in the World Trade
Organization. The group of 19
important shaper of prosperity, security, countries from the Americas, Australias aid program promotes
AUSTRALIA AND THE G20
stability and peace. Africa, Asia and the Pacific works
to free up agricultural trade.
sustainable economic growth and
poverty reduction in developing As a member of the G20, Australia
countries. Aid investments help influences decisions relating to the
expand the capacity of countries global economy. Australias strong
Through its membership of to trade their products, encourage financial sector and effective system
international economic institutions, economic growth to create jobs, and of financial regulation means Australia
Australia actively promotes open empower women and girls to better is well placed to make a strong
trade to encourage global economic participate in the economy. contribution to the G20s work.
growth and job creation. Through its membership of the
Domestically, Australia is working
G20, Australia is also strengthening
As president of the G20 in 2014, to reduce government debt,
its engagement with the worlds
Australia led the push for G20 remove unnecessary taxes and cut
major economies.
DID YOU KNOW? members to grow their gross regulations and costs for business.
Australia is currently ranked
domestic product by an additional This will ensure Australia remains an
fifth on the Index of Economic two per cent by 2019. This would attractive destination for international
Freedom. add nearly US$2 trillion dollars to investment so our economy can
Workers on a building site the global economy and create continue to grow and develop new
(Austrade)
Sunset, Barossa Valley, South Australia millions of jobs. industries.
(Adam Bruzzone, Tourism Australia)

36 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Australia and the world Australia and the world 37
INVESTMENT
Foreign investment is crucial to Australias Australias highly skilled workforce, robust
economy, trusted legal system and stable
economy. It improves competition and society make the country an attractive
location for foreign investors. The stock
productivity, encourages innovation and of foreign investment in Australia was
gives Australia opportunities to diversify A$3 trillion at the end of 2015.

and expand its economy, create more A large number of foreign companies
are registered in Australia and many have
jobs and contribute more broadly to developed close links with local firms.
This has generated cooperation on
regional and global markets. research and development and resulted
in Australian companies becoming
integral parts of regional and global
Collaborative meeting in drug supply chains.
substance manufacturing
(Amgen) 25 YEARS OF WORLD-CLASS WORLDS FASTEST EASY TO RUN HIGHLY SKILLED
UNINTERRUPTED INNOVATION GROWING REGION A BUSINESS WORKFORCE
ANNUAL GROWTH
Australias quality With strong trade links, A well-regulated and Australias multilingual
Australias strong, diverse research institutions strategic location and transparent commercial workforce is among the
and growing economy adds and commitment to a highly educated, environment makes it easy most educated in the world.
up to more opportunities. innovation make it a multilingual workforce, to establish and operate
One of the worlds largest biotech companies, AMGEN
proven destination for Australia is uniquely a business in Australia.
from California, invests about A$35 million in local bringing new ideas to life. positioned as a location
research and development in Australia annually and to do business in
has been conducting clinical trials in Australia for over the Indo-Pacific.
20 years. The company markets eight products in
Australia for the treatment of cancer, kidney disease, www.austrade.gov.au
bone disease and other serious illnesses and employs
nearly 150 people in five cities around the country.
38 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Australia and the world Australia and the world 39
BUSINESS
Australias strong economic
performance, combined with
its proximity to and experience
in working with Asian nations, ALMOST 40 PER CENT OF AUSTRALIAS
WORKFORCE HOLDS A TERTIARY
makes Australia an excellent QUALIFICATION

place to do business. Its economic


resilience and strong growth rate
create opportunities for business
From the resources sector to high-end
in a safe, low-risk environment. agribusiness, higher education, the
services sector and medical research,
Australian businesses are keen to
collaborate with partners at home
and overseas.
Australia has one of the most educated,
DID YOU KNOW? multicultural and multilingual
workforces in the world.
In 2015, Australia was ranked by the World Bank as
one of the fastest places in the world in which to Its research institutions are world class
start a new businessit can take just three days. A business meeting on Kangaroo Island and there are generous tax incentives
(Adam Taylor, Tourism Australia) for research and development.

40 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Australia and the world Australia and the world 41
FOREIGN AID DID YOU KNOW?
Australias aid program is dedicated to promoting The focus of Australias aid program In 201617, Australia will provide $3.8 billion
is on its neighbourhood, where it can make in Official Development Assistance (ODA) to
prosperity, reducing poverty and enhancing stability the most difference. More than 90 per cent developing nations.

through sustainable economic growth. of bilateral and regional funding will be


invested in the Indo-Pacific region.
Australia works with the private sector,
and promotes private sector growth in
Weaver at the Australian Government partner countries, to create jobs, boost
supported Dhaka weaving centre, Nepal incomes and increase economic security.
(Jim Holmes, DFAT)
The priority areas for Australias aid
investments are:
>> Infrastructure, trade facilitation
and international competitiveness
>> Agriculture, fisheries and water
>> Effective governance
DID YOU KNOW? >> Education and health
The Indo-Pacific is the focus of Australia's
>> Building resilience
aid program. Contributing to sustainable
economic growth and poverty reduction >> G
 ender equality and empowering
in our neighbourhood is a key part of women and girls.
Australia's foreign policy, and compliments
our diplomatic, trade and security efforts.

An artists impression of the Cao Lanh bridge in Vietnams Mekong Delta.


Australia is investing $160 million in the design and construction of the
bridge which is expected to open in 2017 (Australian Embassy Vietnam)

42 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Australia and the world Australia and the world 43
TOURISM Freycinet Experience Walk, Tasmania
(Hugh Stewart, Tourism Australia)

The beauty of Australias natural


landscapes, from pristine coastal areas to
lush rainforests and red deserts, makes
Australia one of the most desirable travel
destinations in the world. More than seven
million visitors came to Australia last year,
attracted by world-class food and wine,
beautiful beaches, unique flora and fauna,
friendly people and a relaxed atmosphere.

DID YOU KNOW?


International visitors spent more than
248 million nights in Australia in 2015.

44 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Australia and the world Australia and the world 45
came from New Zealand, followed
by China, Great Britain, the United
States, Singapore and Japan. Around
Tourism is one of Australias biggest 40 per cent of all spending by tourists
export industries, adding more in Australia was by Asian visitors, and
than A$37.9 billion to the economy that market is continuing to grow.
in 2015-16 and employing nearly Chinese tourists are particularly
one million people. With 46 cents interested in Australia and over the
in every tourism dollar spent in past decade the number of Chinese
regional areas, tourism is important tourists has tripled. The number
Poachers Way
(Adrian Brown, Tourism Australia) to both metropolitan and regional of visitors from India is also rapidly
communities. increasing.
Seppeltsfield Wines
(Adrian Brown, Tourism Australia) In 2014-15, a record 7.1 million Food and wine tourism is
Yering Station winery
(Roberto Seba, Tourism Australia) people visited Australia from expanding, in line with Australias
overseas. The greatest number growing international reputation
as a producer of high-quality wines
and a supplier of fresh, regionally
produced food.

DID YOU KNOW?


www.tourism.australia.com
Australia was one of the first western nations to be awarded approved
destination status by China. This scheme provides streamlined travel
arrangements for organised tour groups from China to Australia.
Yarra Valley Dairy
(Roberto Seba, Tourism Australia)

46 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Australia and the world Australia and the world 47
DID YOU KNOW?
STUDY IN AUSTRALIA Australia is the worlds third most popular
destination for international students
behind the US, and the UK.
Education is Australias largest services International students are attracted to
Australia by its high standard of teaching, its
export. In 2016, more than 440,000 internationally accepted qualifications, and its
welcoming and diverse society.

international students were studying Australia has more than one thousand
universities, training colleges, English
and living in Australia, adding A$19.5 billion language institutes and schools, offering
international students some 25,000
The inaugural Yudhoyono Fellow, Emma Roberts (centre) will
study in Indonesia in 2015 under the New Colombo Plan (ANU) THE NEW COLOMBO PLAN

to the Australian economy. courses. The quality of Australias vocational


education and training sector is recognised
The New Colombo Plan is a flagship
Australian Government initiative providing
around the world. opportunities for Australian undergraduate
students to study and undertake internships
Six Australian universities were named second, contributing 10.8 per cent and AUSTRALIA AWARDS in 38 locations throughout the Indo-Pacific
among the worlds top 100 higher education Vietnam third with 4.4 per cent. region.
International student institutions in the Times Higher Education Education has the power to transform lives
(Austrade, Future Unlimited) World University Rankings 201516. and create enduring social and economic The New Colombo Plan aims to lift
Australias two largest cities, Melbourne and impact. The Australian Government's knowledge of the Indo-Pacific region in
Sydney, were ranked among the top 10 best ENGLISH LANGUAGE TRAINING Australia Awards are prestigious Australia, build leadership skills, foster
student cities in the world according Australia's English language schools offer scholarships and fellowships that strive to people-to-people links and further develop
to the QS World University Rankings. various services. They range from short develop leadership potential and stimulate business and institutional relationships.
In May 2014, Sydney was ranked the most courses for students visiting Australia as lasting change.
popular city in the world for international part of a holiday; to formal courses to The program is supporting thousands of
Each year they offer about 4,000 of the students each year to study and undertake
students by global consultancy firm A. T. prepare for accredited levels of English best and the brightest emerging leaders
Kearney. recognised by education and immigration work-based experiences in the region
from around the world the opportunity to through student mobility grants and
authorities around the world. In 2014, undertake study, research and professional
students from all over the world came to scholarships.
development in premier tertiary
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Australia to study English. 66 per cent of institutions in Australia and the region.
DID YOU KNOW? overseas enrolments in English language Australia Awards recipients return home www.australiaawards.gov.au
More than half of Australias universities In 2015 there were almost 500,000 intensive courses in 2014 were from Asian as high profile members of an engaged www.dfat.gov.au/new-colombo-plan
international students studying in Australia (a countries, including China, Japan, South and influential alumni network that links
are listed in the Times Higher Education ten per cent increase over 2014 figures). Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and Taiwan. Australia, its regional neighbours and the
World University Ranking (2015-16) and international community.
Students from China contributed 27.3 per
six are in the top 100. cent of all international students in Australia,
the highest of any nationality. India was

48 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Australia and the world Australia and the world 49
DEFENCE AND SECURITY Australias response to security Australia also has longstanding and Australia will continue to contribute
challenges, such as the proliferation valuable defence ties with Malaysia, to Afghanistans security and
Australia works closely with other countries of weapons of mass destruction, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines stability post-2014. Australia is also
terrorism, cyber threats, maritime and Papua New Guinea. Australia has a leader in global efforts for non-
to promote security and stability in the security and weak and failing states, growing and productive relationships proliferation and disarmament,
immediate region as well as globally. is multi-dimensional, with many with India, China and Vietnam. and counter-terrorism.
areas of government playing a role.
Australia provides assistance to
HMAS Newcastle A versatile and modern defence Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea PEACE AND HUMANITARIAN MISSIONS
(Department of Defence)
force, strong bilateral links and an and other Pacific Island countries,
Since 1947, more than 65,000
ongoing commitment to a rules- helping them maintain stability and
Australians have served in more than
based global order and the United protect their security. Australia is also
50 peace and security operations
Nations, are all key elements of working with countries in South-
around the world. In its own
Australias approach. East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East
neighbourhood, Australia has helped
and Africa on law enforcement and
Bilaterally, the alliance with the build peace in regional missions
counter-terrorism to help build their
United States remains vital. Long- in Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste
capacity in this area.
term links with New Zealand, and the Autonomous Region of
and growing ties with Indonesia, Regionally and multilaterally, Bougainville (Papua New Guinea).
Japan and the Republic of Korea Australia continues to work with
As the nature of peace operations
are increasingly valued in pursuing others to address traditional and non-
has evolved, so too has Australias
common strategic interests. traditional security issues. Australia is
contribution, with an increasing focus
a significant non-NATO contributor
on policing and civilian components
to the NATO-led International
DID YOU KNOW? and on helping nations to build their Australian Volunteers from HMAS Parramatta help repair
Security Assistance Force in the Tuvaruhu Public School in Solomon Islands after
capabilities and national institutions. devastating floods in 2014 (Department of Defence)
Australias defence force has more than 80,000 Afghanistan, and recently announced
www.defence.gov.au
full time personnel and reservists, making it the further financial assistance to help
www.dfat.gov.au
largest military in the Oceania region. develop Afghanistan's security forces.

50 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Australia and the world Australia and the world 51
Society and Culture STAGES OF AUSTRALIAS EDUCATION SYSTEM

EDUCATION VOCATIONAL PRIVATE


Indigenous school children from the Ngukurr EDUCATION EDUCATION UNIVERSITY
In Australia, education starts in the Australian students participate in formal
school education from the age of five or
School in the Northern Territory droving
community cattle (Newslines)
AND TRAINING AND TRAINING

years before formal schooling, with six to around 18, with many going on to Diploma
PhD; Masters
tertiary education. The public and private
many child care services and preschools education sectors are working together to
Associate
Diploma
Diploma
Graduate

receiving government funding. close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage


and improve outcomes in Indigenous Advanced
Associate
Diploma
Diploma

Bachelor
Certificate Certificate
education. SCHOOL OF THE AIR
Diploma
Certificate
Australias vocational education and Australia is home to some of the
training system provides students with the most geographically isolated and
skills required in a modern labour market, remote communities in the world.
and delivers competency-based training School of the Air allows children SECONDARY EDUCATION (YEAR 7 12)
that is practical and career orientated. in remote communities and living
The Australian higher education system on isolated properties to attend
has both public and private universities. school via a computer. Various
PRIMARY EDUCATION (KINDERGARTEN YEAR 6)
DID YOU KNOW? Some universities have campuses in other communication technologies
Australias secondary school countries. There are Australian branches are used to provide daily contact
School students
(Oliver Strewe, Tourism Australia)
enrolment rate is the third highest of overseas universities and other higher between students, home tutors
in the world after Belgium and
Finland. education providers as well. (often parents) and teachers.

52 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF
Society and Culture Society and Culture 53
INNOVATION
Australias development has been forged through AUSTRALIAN INVENTIONS
DID YOU KNOW?
its enterprising spiritthe resilience, creativity Five CSIRO scientists invented wireless
and unquenchable desire to succeed. Australian LAN technology, these days known as Australia has always been an early Black box flight recorder
WiFi, which is now used in over 5 billion
innovations have improved the lives of billions devices around the world. adopter of innovations and new
from the black box flight recorder to Google Maps, technologies and is a global leader Bionic ear
in many sectors, with 15 out of 20
from Wi-Fi technology to the bionic ear, from industries having productivity levels High speed Wi-Fi
Australias research institutions are
spray-on skin to a vaccine for cervical cancer. among the worlds best and offer
above global averages. An increasing
number of innovative international Google Maps
unsurpassed opportunities for
Australia has also developed and implemented a industry partnerships. Australian
companies have recognised these
National Innovation and Science Agenda that will scientists collaborate internationally
strengths and established facilities Gardasil cervical cancer vaccine
in Australia. In 2014, more than
drive smart ideas to create business growth, local in many fields from coral reef
18,000 international companies Influenza treatment drug Relenza
jobs and global success. management to medicine. In 2012,
were registered in Australia and
Australia won the right to co-host, Aspro
many are involved in specific
with South Africa, the worlds largest
product development initiatives with
radio telescope, the Square Kilometre Pacemaker
Australians for example Boeing,
DID YOU KNOW? Array, which will give astronomers
Canon, IBM, GE and Baosteel.
Australia has produced 14 Nobel laureates. new insights into the universe. Plastic disposable syringe

Some recent Australian laureates are: Business expenditure on research Dual-flush toilet
> Brian P Schmidt, Physics, 2011 and development is increasingly www.csiro.au
> Elizabeth H Blackburn, Physiology or Medicine, 2009 recognising Australias research www.industry.gov.au Anti-counterfeiting
excellence: it has more than tripled technology for banknotes
> Barry J Marshall, Physiology or Medicine, 2005
in the last decade reaching
> J Robin Warren, Physiology or Medicine, 2005 Australian scientist working in a lab
(Department of immigration and A$18.8 billion in 201314. Spray-on skin for burns victims
Border Protection)

54 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Society and Culture Society and Culture 55


THE SQUARE KILOMETRE ARRAY WILL BE Artists rendition of the Square Kilometre Array in
operation at night time (SKA Organisation)
THE LARGEST AND MOST CAPABLE RADIO
TELESCOPE EVER CONSTRUCTED. THE ARRAY
WILL BE CO-HOSTED IN TWO LOCATIONS
WITH CENTRAL ARRAY SITES IN AUSTRALIA
AND SOUTH AFRICA.

56 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Society and Culture Society and Culture 57


SPORT
Australians love sport. There are Community-based sport across
the nation underpins Australias
Almost all the worlds sports are
played somewhere in Australia, with
SPORTING EVENTS
Silver medal winner
in Canoe Slalom at
the 2012 London
more than 140 national sporting remarkable sporting achievements men and women well represented in Australia has a reputation for staging Olympics, Jessica Fox
(Australian Sports
at the elite level where many sporting activities across the nation. successful major sporting events. It
organisations and thousands of local, international champions have been Football (soccer) and netball are has hosted the summer Olympics
Commission)

regional and state sports bodies. produced in many sports. The the biggest team sports in Australia. twice (Melbourne 1956 and Sydney
2000), the Commonwealth Games
nation unites when Australians play Three other football codes are also
on the international stage. Sport is popular throughout the country: four times (Sydney 1938, Perth 1962,
a powerful force in creating social rugby league, rugby union and Brisbane 1982 and Melbourne 2006),
harmony in a nation made up of Australias own unique brand of the 2015 Cricket World Cup, the
people from so many different Australian rules football. Cricket, 2015 World Netball Championships,
countries. tennis, golf, swimming, field hockey and the 2015 Asian Football
and cycling are also popular. Confederation Cup. Queenslands
Successive governments have
Gold Coast will also host the 2018
committed to supporting sport in The Australian Sports Commission
Commonwealth Games. Other
Australia from grassroots to elite, promotes and funds grassroots
international events are staged
increasing participation in physical participation in sport. It also invests
annually around Australia such as
and recreational activities to promote in high-performance sport, including DID YOU KNOW?
the gruelling Sydney to Hobart Yacht
physical and mental health, staging through scholarships for athletes
Race, the Formula One Grand Prix The Australian Institute of Sport is a
world-class major sporting events, in facilities such as the Australian
in Melbourne, the internationally world best practice model for high-
and using sport as a vehicle to Institute of Sport, based in Canberra.
accredited Tour Down Under cycling performance athlete development.
address disadvantage and social
event in South Australia, and a round It bases its activities on outstanding
inclusion challenges. athlete results combined with skilled
of the Moto GP on Phillip Island in
www.ausport.gov.au coaches, world-class facilities and
Victoria. The world tennis circuit
www.health.gov.au cutting-edge sports science and
The Nullabor Linksthe worlds longest golf course. It covers 1,365 kilometres begins each year with the Australian
along the Eyre Highway between Ceduna in South Australia and Kalgoorlie in sports medicine services.
Western Australia. There is a hole at each participating town or roadhouse Open in Melbourne. >

58 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Society and Culture Society and Culture 59


Australian Socceroo Brett Holman (right) playing
against Bahrain in the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar

(Australian Sports Commission) (Australian Sports Commission)

DID YOU KNOW? (Australian Sports Commission)


DID YOU KNOW?
In 2015, Australia hosted the AFC
Almost all of the worlds
Asian Cup. With 15 countries
sports are played in Australia.
vying for the title of Asias best
football team, it was the biggest
football tournament ever (Australian Sports Commission)
staged in Australia. The 23-day
event attracted approximately
45,000 international visitors
to Australia and reached a
television audience of more than
2.5 billion, making it the most
watched Asian Football Cup in
history.

60 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Society and Culture Society and Culture 61


CREATIVE AUSTRALIA
Australia has one of the oldest continuous Australia has many publicly run
galleries, museums and performance
cultures in the worldthat of the Aboriginal spaces, from the World Heritage
listed Opera House in Sydney and
peoplesand at the same time has one world-class national galleries and
of the most diverse cultures, being home museums in Canberra, to history
museums and galleries in country
to people from all corners of the globe. towns. The Australia Council
This unique make-up permeates Australias provides government funding to
artists and arts organisations and
culture and how it expresses its identity, Screen Australia supports Australias
film industry.
including in the creative arts.
Private sector arts philanthropy
is growing in Australia. Tasmanias
innovative Museum of Old and
Cate Blanchett at the Gday USA Gala 2014 (DFAT) New Art (MONA) is privately funded,
and generous private support helped
LR
to create the National Portrait Gallery
in Canberra. >

DID YOU KNOW?


In 2014, Australias Cate Blanchett won
an Academy Award for best actress. Bangarra performer Leonard Mickelo in of earth & sky
(Jason Capobianco, Bangarra Dance Theatre)

62 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Society and Culture Society and Culture 63


Australias creative industries troupe Chunky Moves, have toured fashion brands: Akira Isogawa,
have built a global reputation for the Middle East and the Bangarra Carla Zampatti, Alex Perry and
innovation, talent and energy and play Dance Theatre, Circus Oz and Wayne Cooper.
an important role in the Australian others are recognised internationally
Screen Australias support for
economy. Almost 95 per cent of the for the quality of their productions.
the film industry has resulted
population engages with the arts at
Australian music is another big export in many overseas film successes
least once a year.
and covers an extraordinary range, and Australian actors such as
Contemporary visual arts in from classical to contemporary Cate Blanchett, Hugh Jackman,
Australia encompass photography, and childrens entertainment. The Nicole Kidman, Guy Pearce,
multimedia, sculpture, installations, Australian Chamber Orchestra Geoffrey Rush and Naomi Watts
Circus Oz 2014: But WaitTheres More!
(Rob Blackburn) drawings, paintings and performance regularly tours Europe and Japan, continue to receive international
MONA, Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart (MONA)
art. Since the 1970s, the works of and guitarist Slava Grigoryan is one acclaim.
Indigenous artists have attracted of a number of prominent classical
Australias talented visual effects
international attention, featuring, musicians and composers who
Opera Australias The Elixir of Love The Aboriginal Memorial at the National Gallery of Australia, companies have worked on some
(Georges Antoni, Opera Australia) Canberra (Adrian Brown, Tourism Australia) for example, in the Muse du Quai regularly tour and work overseas.
of the worlds biggest and most
Branly in Paris. An eclectic group of Australian
high-profile movies including
contemporary artists have achieved
Australias performing arts The LEGO Movie, Gravity,
international success, including
groups, musicians, dance troupes Iron Man 3, Prometheus,
AC/DC, Gotye, Nick Cave, INXS,
and theatre performers display the The Avengers, Harry Potter and
Kylie Minogue, Keith Urban, and
energy and diversity of Australias The Deathly Hallows parts 1 and 2,
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu.
arts and many are involved in and The Matrix trilogy.
international exchanges. Opera Fashion Week in Sydney and
Australia and the Australian Ballet Melbourne showcases to the world
regularly undertake world tours. the best of Australian designers and www.australiacouncil.gov.au
Smaller companies, such as dance www.screenaustralia.gov.au

64 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Society and Culture Society and Culture 65


HEALTH CARE
The Australian health system is world class Medicare is Australias public health
system, providing free public hospital
THE ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE

in effectiveness and efficiency: Australia care and subsidies for primary care. One of Australias best known and
Medicare ensures that all Australians respected institutions is the Royal
consistently ranks in the World Health have access to a broad range of Flying Doctor Service. The Flying
Organizations best performing group quality health services at little or no Doctor is a charity that operates a
fleet of more than 66 planes and 48
cost. The Australian Government
of countries for healthy life expectancy provides significant financing for the vehicles from 21 bases around the
country. Every day doctors, nurses
and health expenditure per person. health system, working closely with
state and territory governments with and paramedics fly large distances
responsibility for on-the-ground to attend to patients or conduct
delivery of hospital services. A private clinics in small towns or on remote
University of Melbourne physiotherapy student health sector complements the properties. Often they escort patients
in clinic with a patient (University of Melbourne) back to larger centres for hospital
public system.
and medical treatment. The Royal
The non-Indigenous Australian
Flying Doctor Service began in
population has a generally good
1928 and every year has more than
health status with an average life
290,000 patient contacts a yearthe
expectancy at birth of 83 years (80
equivalent of one every two minutes.
for men and 84 for women), one of
the highest in the world. There are
some groups with poor health status, www.flyingdoctor.org.au
and improving the life expectancy www.health.gov.au
of Indigenous peoples is a national
priority. Generally, the pattern of
disease in Australia is similar to that A medical evacuation from Mount Ive Station, South Australia
of other developed countries. (Royal Flying Doctor Service)

66 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Society and Culture Society and Culture 67


MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS Telstra telecommunications tower, Canberra
(VisitCanberra)

Australia has many media outlets. The ABC is Australias national public
broadcaster. Founded in 1929, the ABC
There are two national radio, television provides television, radio, online and
mobile services across the country.
and online broadcasters that receive Through its international charter, it also
public fundingthe Australian Broadcasting provides radio and television services
to overseas audiences.
Corporation (ABC) and the Special SBS broadcasts programs in English
Broadcasting Service (SBS). and a range of other languages, and
covers news from all over the world.
SBS also manages the National
Indigenous Television channel
(Austrade) (NITV), which broadcasts programs
produced primarily by Australias
Indigenous people.
Australia also has three commercial
free-to-air television networks, an
indigenous commercial television
station, hundreds of pay television
channels, and many print, radio,
digital and online media outlets.

DID YOU KNOW?


83 per cent of Australias population
has access to the internet.

68 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Society and Culture Society and Culture 69


Visiting Australia Wheat crop in Victoria
(Carolyn Johns, Tourism Australia)

VISA AND IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS QUARANTINE


Australia welcomes millions of overseas Australia is one of the few countries in To protect human health and Australias
agriculture and tourism industries as well
visitors each year. Anyone who is not the world that is free of the most serious as its unique environment, Australia has
stringent quarantine requirements.
an Australian citizen needs a valid visa pests and diseases. Australias reputation
All people, mail, cargo and vessels are
to enter and spend time here. as an exporter of high quality, clean screened before entering the country.
agricultural produce depends largely Travellers to Australia must declare
on the absence of these blights. The anything made from plants or animals,
including meat, dairy or other animal
There are different visas for family
and skilled migrants, tourists,
introduction of exotic pests and diseases products, wooden articles, fruit,
vegetables, seeds, nuts and live animals.
business people, sports people, could have serious environmental and The penalties for breaching Australias
students and others. Many visas DID YOU KNOW?
can be applied for online, and the Australians and New Zealanders are free
economic consequences for Australia. quarantine laws include hefty fines or
imprisonment.
Electronic Travel Authority can be to visit, live and work in either country
applied for through travel agents without restrictions. Freedom of travel
and airlines. New Zealanders are is facilitated through the Trans-Tasman www.daff.gov.au
granted an electronic visa on arrival Travel Arrangements of 1973. www.immi.gov.au
(Department of Immigration
in Australia. and Border Protection)

70 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF Visiting Australia Visiting Australia 71


This is the 51st edition of Australia in Brief, revised and updated in
August 2016. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is grateful
for assistance from other Government departments and agencies,
and various private organisations who have licensed the use of photos
and graphics. Money values are given in Australian dollars unless
otherwise indicated. Weights and measures are metric and imperial.
Creative Commons
With the exception of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms and where
otherwise noted, such as copyrighted images, this booklet is licensed
under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/.

The booklet should be attributed as Australia in Brief,


Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
ISBN 978-1-74322-161-7
ISSN 0815-9939
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used are detailed on the Its an Honour website
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72 AUSTRALIA IN BRIEF
Taku Rosie Tarko
As a young girl, Taku Rosie Tarko walked with her
auntie and sister along the Canning Stock Route
to Billiluna in Western Australia. The Canning
Stock Route runs through hundreds of kilometres
of rugged sandhill country. The long, reverberating
lines in this painting represent the high red sandhills,
or jilji, which are found throughout much of the
Great Sandy Desert and Japingka, which is the
artists country.

Cover Image from the collection


Jilji 2007 of the National
by Taku Rosie Tarco, Museum of Australia
Mangkaja Arts Photo George Serras,
Acrylic on canvas National Museum of
119 x 89cm Australia
Australia is a stable, democratic and culturally diverse
nation with a highly skilled workforce and one of the
strongest performing economies in the world.
With spectacular landscapes and a rich ancient culture, Australia
is a land like no other. It is the earth's sixth-largest country in
land area and is the only nation to govern an entire continent.
Australia in Brief provides an authoritative overview of Australia's
history, the land, its people and their way of life. It also looks at
Australia's economic, scientific and cultural achievements and
its foreign, trade and defence policies.

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