One of the defining features of Australian society today is the cultural diversity of its people and the extent to which they are united by an overriding and unifying commitment to Australia.
Another defining feature is the egalitarian nature of Australian society. This does not mean that everyone is the same or that everybody has equal wealth or property. It also means that with hard work and commitment, people without high–level connections or influential patrons can succeed.
Within the framework of Australia’s laws, all Australians are able to express their culture and beliefs and to participate freely in Australia’s national life. Australia holds firmly to the belief that no–one should be disadvantaged on the basis of their country of birth, cultural heritage, language, gender or religious belief.
In order to maintain a stable, peaceful and prosperous community, Australians of all backgrounds are expected to uphold the shared principles and values that underpin Australian society.
Laws and social customs:
Community behaviour in Australia is governed by a combination of formal laws and informal social customs.All people in Australia must obey the nation’s laws or face the possibility of criminal and civil prosecution. People are also expected to generally observe Australian social customs, habits and practices even though they are not normally legally binding.Australian laws are made by the Australian Commonwealth, state and territory parliaments. The police have the job of keeping peace and order in the community and to bring people they believe have broken the law before courts of law. People in their local communities and neighbourhoods also help each other in the event of trouble and report anything unusual or suspicious to the local police station.
Character requirements:
The Australian community expects that all visa holders abide by Australian laws and continue to satisfy the character requirements of their visa. Someone who has criminal convictions, is believed to have criminal associations, such as with outlaw motorcycle gangs or terrorist groups, or who presents a risk to the Australian community or an individual in the Australian community, can have their visa cancelled. Anyone who is or may be a risk to the health, safety or good order of the Australian community may have their visa cancelled.
- Australian workplace rights:People working in Australia, including both sponsored and non-sponsored visa holders, have rights and protections at work. These cannot be taken away by contracts.Minimum pay rates and workplace conditions are set by Australian law.The Australian Fair Work Ombudsman’s visa holders and migrants webpage provides information on what you need to know before you start work, pay rates, leave arrangements and employee entitlementsSource: Australian Home Affair department website.