States

Australia is one of the world's most urbanised societies (nearly 90% of the population live in urban areas along the coast).
The most populous city is Sydney (4.2 million) in state of New South Wales, followed by Melbourne (3.5m) in state of Victoria, Brisbane (1.7m) in state of Queensland, Perth (1.4m) in state of Western Australia, Adelaide (1.1m) in state of South Australia, Canberra (330,000) in the Australian Capital Territory, Hobart (200,000) in Tasmania and Darwin (100,000) in state of Northern Territory.
On 1st January 1901 the individual British colonies joined together to form the Commonwealth of Australia consisting of six states. New South Wales, Queensland on the eastern seaboard, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria on the southern seaboard with Western Australia in the West. There are two territories, Australian Capital Territory, where Canberra is situated and the Northern Territory.
State governments are modelled on the British Westminster system. Each state has a Premier who is the leader of the political party in power. All states have an Executive Council consisting of the Governor, State Premier and selected Ministers.
State parliaments deal with affairs such as education, transport, law enforcement, health services and agriculture, as well as sharing mutual responsibilities with the federal parliament.

Social aspects

Life

Australians are a unique mix of people. Of Australia’s total population about 25% were born overseas and is therefor known as being a culturally diverse country. Each individual is respected and encouraged to maintain and share their cultural beliefs and customs but to leave their political attitudes behind. The Australian Bureau of Statistics has an accurate population projection.

English is the national language and all Australians are encouraged to learn, speak and read it. Other languages most commonly spoken in Australia are Italian, Greek, Cantonese, Arabic, Vietnamese and Mandarin. In total there are over 200 languages spoken. Australians also have a form of language known as ‘Slang’, there are several websites to visit for Australian Slang.
Australians enjoy good health and a high standard of living, comparable with most European nations and the United States. Women and men are considered equal and have similar levels of education, fairly equal wages and important positions in the public and private sectors. Almost half the workforce is made up of women.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average Australian couple usually have a period of living together before marrying in their mid to late twenties. The average couple has two children. Nearly half of all couples have children. A small percentage of families are single parent families. Four out of five children stay at home with their family until they are 24 years of age.

Australian people enjoy their Public Holidays throughout the year. These days are special days of national meaning recognised with a holiday. Australia Day is an example, marking the founding and settlement in Australia by European people. Other important occasions include Christmas and Easter.

The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade have an interesting brochure all about Australia, you can veiw the brochure online at www.dfat.gov.au/aib/index.html.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics is a national statisical service providing information on a wide range of things including from population, climate and industries. You can visit their website at www.abs.gov.au .

Australia being a multicultural country offers a large variety of foods, traditions and people. Food is generally important in social events and can often require invited guests bring a plate of food to share with guests or bring your own drinks. BBQs and picnics are very popular. Dining out in restaurants is also popular with every cuisine in the world available. The coffee culture is now well entrenched with great coffees and lots of outdoor eateries!
People spend much of their free time outdoors. Australians love sports and making use of outdoors facilities is greatly encouraged such as tennis, golf, athletics, hiking, cricket, triathlon events, cycling, water sports and various forms of football to name a few.
Establishing working and social relationships with other Australian people is easy. You will discover this openness on your orientation tour. There is a great willingness to exchange information concerning farming and economics. Farmers are welcoming and supportive to other farmers moving into their areas, whether they are Australians from other areas of the country or migrants new to the country.