As a nation, there are traits that have defined Australia for decades, but as the times shift and trends emerge McCrindle Research takes a look at the extent to which these are still relevant in defining us today.
1. The Lucky Country
Statistics show that Australia is doing better than ever when it comes to health, education, economic opportunities, and even political participation.
The economy is on a steady increase, even despite a recent global economic crisis. Cash flow is increasing with the net disposable income for everyday Australians now $10,000 more than it was a decade ago.
We value independence but in a community-minded way. As Aussies we recognise that individual achievement rarely occurs without a helping hand from others. After all we call this the lucky country—we don’t take the credit for it all ourselves. Despite our differences we know that when adversity strikes, whether in the form of personal tragedy, natural disasters or international conflict, there’ll usually be a fellow Aussie there to help out. It’s the tradition of the digger, the character of mateship, and it’s still the essence of the Australian community
Fast Facts
- Compared to the unemployment rate of the US, UK and France, Australia’s unemployment rate is lowest at just 5.8
- The EU, G20, OECD and USA have all experienced a recession during the last 7 years, whereby Australia has not
- Over the last 10 years Australia’s life expectancy has increased by 2 years
- Over the last 40 years our life expectancy has increased by 10 years
2. Big Australia
Australia’s population exceeded 23 million on 23 April 2013. Having doubled since 1966, this rise is fuelled by an increase in birth rate, life expectancy and migration. These factors have allowed Australia to grow at a rate of 1.7% per year, above the world average of 1.0%. Not only is Australia the fastest growing OECD nation, but its population is increasing faster than Indonesia, India, and Malaysia.
Fast Facts
- Australia’s population is growing by 1.7% annually
- Australia currently has a population of 23 million people, with an increase of 397,200 people
- Natural increase accounts for 40% of growth, adding 154,500 people to the population
- Net overseas migration accounts for 60% of the population increase, increasing Australia’s population by 228,000 people
- Australia’s population density is 2.99 people per km2
- Vertical communities – with record population growth comes increase densification, where we now live up and not out
- Traditional detached homes vs housing approvals. More new homes in greater Sydney are medium density than detached homes
3. The Clever Country
The Top 5 industries 30 years ago were all industrial (mining, utilities, manufacturing, construction, and transport) whereas today there has been a shift to professional industries (Top 5 are mining, technical, IT, financial, and utilities).
While once derogatorily referred to as the world’s quarry, it turns out that we are the clever country after all with more people than ever employed in science and technical roles. The Australian workforce has undergone significant structural change and we’ve moved from an industrial base to a knowledge base.
Fast Facts
- The average years of schooling Australian’s engage in is 12 years
- The number of patents granted by Australia annually is 17,877
- 1 in 5 Baby Boomers, 1 in 4 generation X’s, 1 in 3 generation Y’s have a university degree and 1 in 2 generation Z’s will have a university degree
4. The Land of the Middle Class
Australia is the land of the fair go, where people are taken at face value and class and values based on where people are from or where they were educated don’t rate highly in interactions. Lifestyles are busy and our lives are complex but our culture is down-to-earth, and mainstream recreations are simple. Regardless of income or social status, there are rich pleasures offered in Australia, and these are all the more appreciated in times of rising living costs.
It is a collaborative rather than individualistic culture and this teamwork, a mix of mateship and altruism, creates a context where neighbourhoods and communities are defined by diversity and connecting rather than class and hierarchies
Fast Facts
- Australia’s median household income is $47,736. This is 2.6 times Spain’s average household income and 47 times the income of more than 30 other countries with household income below $1,100 (Spain’s is $18,531, Greece $15,823)
- The average capital city house price in Australia is $2.5 million
5. The Small Business Nation
Australia has always been an entrepreneurial nation, with small business the backbone of the economy and the labour force. The Australian spirit of independence, a DIY attitude and the courage to give things a go are strongly demonstrated in these latest business statistics. The tough economic times and the terrain in which small business operates is having an impact, however, with only half (51%) of new business starts surviving 4 years in operation. For many Australians, the entrepreneurial dream is still alive but as demonstrated by the survival rates of new businesses, without better support, only a minority will achieve success.
Fast Facts
- There are 2.1 million businesses in Australia
- Just 39% are employing businesses
- 69% of employing businesses are micro and have 1-4 employees, 6.2% are small (5-19 employees), 24.3% are medium (20-199 employees) while just 0.5% of businesses are large and employ over 200 employees
- 50% of new businesses cease operation within 3.5 years of establishment
- 1 in 10 cease operation every year
6. Land of the Long Weekend
Australians enjoy between 11 and 12 public holidays in addition to the 4 weeks annual leave for employees, which is more public holidays than many countries, and twice the annual leave of the average worker in the US. However Australians also work amongst the longest hours when compared to other developed nations and some of the most years of schooling. The “no worries” attitude is strong but it is more “no worries- we’ll sort it out” rather than “no worries- she’ll be right”. The “can-do” culture balances the “long weekend” mindset to shape a people who enjoy time off and know how to holiday- but work hard to earn the break.
Fast Facts
- Australians enjoy 11 to 12 public holidays a year
- Full time workers receive 4 weeks annual leave
- On average, Australians work 38 hours per week, (41.0 for males and 35.8 for females)
7. The Tryanny of Distance
While Australia is warmly referred to as the land down under, the isolation and distance that the term once communicated is not the case today. While Australia is geographically a long way from the UK, it’s historical and population links with the “old country” remain strong. More importantly, it is closely located to the new epicentre of economic growth in Asia. Australia is a regional hub for many multinational organisations with operations in Asia, and is in its own right a globally connected, business influencer, cultural exporter and regional leader. The cultural cringe has given way to sophistication, cultural diversity and global influence.
Fast Facts
- Australia’s region of Asia is home to 60% of the global population and the fastest growing nations on earth
- China, India, Vietnam and the Philippines are all in the top 7 birth countries of Australians born overseas
- In a 12 month time period Australia chaired the UN Security Council, hosted the G20 and will host the Cricket World Cup
For more on the facts and figures of Australia, be sure to check out the Australia Street Video Animation and Infographic (see below).
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