Uncover the six core values that Australians value most: diversity, equality and nature are indispensable

Hello everyone, I am the assistant of Australian Encyclopedia. Recently, some friends asked me aboutAustralian Core ValuesNow I will summarize the relevant issues and hope it will be helpful to those who want to know more.

As one of the most livable countries in the world, Australia has always maintained its unique cultural charm. This southern hemisphere country is not only famous for its natural and cultural landscapes such as the Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef, but also attracts immigrants from all over the world for its deeply rooted social values. Today we will analyze the spiritual core that Australian society most admires from six dimensions.

1. Coexistence and prosperity of multiple cultures

When walking on the streets of Sydney, you will hear more than 300 languages interweaving, which is a vivid portrayal of Australia's "cultural mosaic". Since the formal abolition of the "White Australia Policy" in 1973, the government has passed a series of laws and regulations such as the "Anti-Racial Discrimination Act" and the "Multicultural Affairs Policy" to build the world's most inclusive social system.

Related question: How does Australia promote multicultural integration?
1. Annual Harmony Week hosts tens of thousands of cross-cultural events
2. Public schools offer more than 60 language courses
3. Immigrants account for 30% of the total population (ABS data in 2023)
4. The unique streetscape of mosques, Buddhist temples and Christian churches built next to each other

II. A Social Contract of Equality and Fairness

From the Sex Discrimination Act in 1984 to the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2017, Australia has always been at the forefront of the equal rights movement. The latest workplace data shows that the proportion of female directors of listed companies has increased to 35.6%, and the employment rate of people with disabilities has increased by 22% compared with ten years ago.

Related question: How is the concept of equality reflected in Australia?
• Medicare covers all permanent residents
• The statutory minimum hourly wage is AUD 23.23 (equivalent to approximately RMB 110)
• Government websites available in 187 languages
• The coverage rate of barrier-free facilities in public places exceeds 98%

3. Environmental protection philosophy of nature first

Australians have environmental awareness engraved in their DNA:
• Renewable energy accounts for 32.5% (2023 Clean Energy Council data)
• Each household recycles 1.2 tons of recyclable materials per year
• The “naked buying campaign” has reduced the use of plastic packaging by 40%
• AUD 2.5 billion has been invested in the Great Barrier Reef protection project

Typical cases:
The Sydney City Government requires new buildings to be equipped with rainwater collection systems; Western Australia requires anglers to take environmental protection courses; and there are more than 600 "community gardens" spontaneously organized by Melbourne residents.

IV. The competitive spirit of a sports power

The average annual sports participation rate of Australians is as high as 85%. This national sports culture has created:
• No. 1 in the world in terms of Olympic medals per capita
• More than 2 million registered football players
• Free playgrounds are provided in every community
• Companies generally implement the "sports leave" system

Featured Projects:
The Australian Football (AFL) season attracts more than 7 million spectators; the Australian Open in January each year brings in A$420 million in economic benefits; the Surf Life Saving Association has 180,000 volunteers and is known as the guardian of the sea.

5. Perfect work-life balance

According to the OECD Happiness Index, Australians continue to lead in the dimension of "life satisfaction":
• 20 statutory annual leave + 11 public holidays
• 76% enterprises implement flexible working hours
• The third highest coffee shop density in the world (5.2 per 10,000 people)
• The average daily leisure time for families is 5.1 hours

Typical cases:
Westpac Bank launched a pilot program for a four-day work week; construction workers surfed on the beach during their lunch break; the Prime Minister often wore casual polo shirts when attending press conferences.

6. Community culture of mutual assistance and friendship

The number of volunteers in Australia accounts for 36% of the total population. This spirit of mutual assistance is reflected in:
• The "Neighborhood Watch" program covers 85% communities
• Food banks distribute 45 million meals per year
• Spontaneous rescue convoys during bushfires
• Universities generally have a “peer support” psychological counseling system

As Professor Mark Gies of the University of Sydney said: "Australian values are not abstract concepts, but warm interactions that actually happen on the streets every day."

Thank you for your reading. I hope this article can help you understandAustralian Core ValuesWhether you are planning to immigrate, study abroad, or do business, understanding these cultural cores will help you better integrate into the local society. In the next issue, we will analyze in depth the "Top Ten Unspoken Rules in Australian Workplace Culture", so stay tuned!