The Changing Face of Australia: Analyzing the 2016 Census on Cultural Diversity

The Changing Face of Australia: Analyzing the 2016 Census on Cultural Diversity

Australia is known for its diverse population, which has come about due to the country’s history of immigration. The 2016 Census, released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, confirmed that cultural diversity is on the rise in Australia, with an increasing number of people identifying as being from a non-European background. This has significant implications for Australian society, both now and in the future.

The census data reveals that the proportion of those born overseas in Australia has risen, with just under half of Australians born overseas or having at least one parent who was born overseas. This implies that the perception of Australia as a multicultural society is not only accurate but increasing.

The traditional image of Australia as a mainly Anglo-Saxon nation is rapidly evolving with growing numbers of people identifying as Asian, African and Middle-Eastern descent. Chinese, Indian and Filipino culture are among the most rapidly growing, and this growth can be seen in major Australian cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.

It is not just the composition of the population that is changing. The census also revealed that there is an increase in the number of people who speak a language other than English at home. Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese and Vietnamese are among the most widely spoken languages in Australian cities. This increase in cultural and linguistic diversity presents a host of new challenges for Australian social, economic and public policy.

For instance, language barriers are one of the primary impediments to equitable access to Australia’s healthcare system. This creates a challenge for healthcare providers, who must strive to provide healthcare services that are culturally sensitive and accessible to people who might face language barriers.

The recent survey has also thrown light on the employment sector insights, highlighting the discrimination that exists even today towards certain communities and thus amplifying the need for diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The increase of cultural identity also changes the way Australian people view themselves and shapes cultural relations inside the community. It is important to build the society based on mutual respect towards different origins, religions and cultures.

In conclusion, the 2016 census has provided valuable insights into the changing face of Australia and highlights the increasing cultural diversity the country is experiencing. This shift has tremendous implications for social policy, economic factors, and cultural perceptions, which require careful analysis and consideration. As Australia matures further as a multicultural society, it is important for Australians to embrace such variations, seeing change as an opportunity to learn and listen to each other’s perspectives.

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