Australia has a stable democratic government, well developed infrastructure, a highly educated and skilled workforce and actively encourages business investment. It is a multicultural society where approximately 23% of its population was born overseas. Australians enjoy exceptionally high living standards, with a comprehensive health care system and excellent schools and world-class universities. Housing is affordable and of a high standard, with easily accessible public transport and facilities.

Australians can choose from a wide range of leisure and sports activities and cultural facilities. The natural environment is diverse and varies from mountains to desert, rain forest to reef, and has its own unique flora and fauna.

The Australian Federal Government encourages permanent or temporary migration of skilled individuals and business investors, and on State level various programs are available to encourage investment, and to attract employees to particular areas in professions which are in demand.

Students from all over the world are attracted to Australia’s private schools and universities which offer a diverse range of subjects and courses on all levels. Students who choose to study certain courses may be eligible to apply for permanent residence on completion of their studies.

Multicultural Australia

English is the main language of Australia, and is used in the schools, Parliament, media, for higher education and all business and official communications.

Australia prides itself on being a multicultural society.  Currently 17% of Australians come from a non-English speaking background. Over 200 languages are spoken. Certain cities and areas have large concentrations of migrants from similar ethnic backgrounds - for instance Melbourne is home to the second largest population of persons of Greek descent, outside of Greece.

All new arrivals are encouraged to learn to read and speak English. To assist new arrivals, the Commonwealth Government provides up to 510 hours of English language classes to eligible migrants through the Adult Migrant English Program. These classes are available in locations throughout the country, and are usually close to migrant communities.  English tuition is also available via distance learning or with the assistance of a volunteer tutor in the home environment.

Government agencies often provide interpreters to assist clients who do not speak English to ensure they can   access government services. Some Commonwealth agencies such as Medicare, Centrelink and Job Network also provide information in other languages.

Economy – overview

Australia’s economy is stable but growing – it did not experience the steep increase in share prices of the US markets, but has also not experienced the rapid decline in the same prices over the last few months. Australia’s economy continues to grow at a steady rate and has a relatively low unemployment rate of between 5 - 6%. The Australian dollar remains strong against the US dollar and euro, and the exchange rate generally does not fluctuate by more than a few points over a 12 month period.

Australia is a world leader in industries ranging from agriculture and manufacture to biotechnology and telecommunications and offers many opportunities to businesses wishing to invest in the more traditional industries and also encourages scientific research and development. Australia’s main trading partner is Japan and some 58% of goods and services are exported to the Asian Pacific region (including New Zealand).