Australian culture is as broad and varied as the country's landscape. Australia is multicultural and multiracial and this is reflected in the country's food, lifestyle and cultural practices and experience.
Australia has an important heritage from its indigenous people, which plays a defining role in the cultural landscape. This diversity of influences creates a cultural environment in Australia that is lively, innovative, and outward looking.
Culture and Customs
The culture and customs consists of a rich tapestry of nationalities including traditions, legends, myths and folklore. The indigenous 'Dream time' forms the base of tens of thousands of years of spiritual aboriginal art and culture.
Language
In Australia over 200 different languages and dialects are spoken, including 45 indigenous languages. The most commonly spoken languages (other than English) are Italian, Greek, Cantonese, Arabic, Vietnamese and Mandarin.
Indigenous Australians
Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders made up all the people of Australia before the arrival of European settlers in 1788. They formed many groups with their lifestyle, religious and cultural traditions reflecting a deep connection with the land. They spoke one or more of hundreds of languages. Now, they make up only a small part of the total number of Australians. They continue to live in all places including cities, towns, the coast, rural areas and the outback. There is no single culture but a mixture of current day and traditional thoughts, ways and practices.
Many Cultures
The people of this nation value their success at building a tolerant and inclusive society that is rich in culture from many lands. We have come from many parts of the world yet we have many common values and principles uniting us.
We live by the Rule of Law. Religions and cultural practices from all parts of the world exist side by side with the secular legal system we have in Australia.
Voting Rights
We can vote in or stand for an election. Voting gives us the right to choose a representative in Parliament, and to influence how they run our country. An Australian citizen who is qualified has the right to stand for an election. Our democracy gives us the right to change ruling parties on a regular and peaceful basis by the use of elections.
We are all entitled to equal rights and to equal respect. Our laws make sure that no one is subject to discrimination because of their race, their colour, their religion or gender. Each of us has a right to participate in our community and achieve our full potential, no matter what our background is. All Australians have the right of freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and freedom of movement.
Values and Principles
In return for the rights and freedoms, all of us should have an overriding duty to Australia. We are to accept the principles and civic values of our community. They are:
The rule of law
- The democratic principles of government (and institutions such as the Constitution and parliamentary democracy)
- Acceptance of cultural diversity (tolerance)
- Equality of sexes and ethnic backgrounds
- Equality of opportunity
- Freedom of speech and religion
- English as the national language
Tolerance
As a community, we agree that to express one's own culture and beliefs means that we accept the right of others to express their views and values. It is unlawful to insult, humiliate, offend or intimidate another person or group in public because of their race.
