AUSTRALIA The Place to Be

Australia’s egalitarian values, political stability, relaxed lifestyle, high standard of living, free healthcare and world-class education, tolerant and multicultural culture, hot summers and mild winters, and beautiful and unique landscape, are just a few reasons why Australia is an enviable place to live. What’s more, Australia’s economy is booming. Now in its twenty-second consecutive year of economic growth, it can truly be stated that Australia has it all.

Drawbacks? The country has a 45% personal income tax rate. With Australia's chronically strong dollar, according to the 2013 Worldwide Cost of Living Survey from the Economist Intelligence Unit, Sydney and Melbourne ranked as two of the world's five most expensive cities to live in Yet…

…you get what you pay for. Practical Robust Economy Social Security Benefits High Health Standards Social ‘Fair Go’ Culture Varied Population Democratic Values Multi-lingual Freedom of Religion Leisure and Interests Natural Striking Landscapes Low Population Density Pleasant Climate

Australia’s International Standing

‘Fair Go’ Culture Australian society is built on a foundation of egalitarianism. This means that there are no formal social classes. Therefore, no one is privileged or disadvantaged as a result of their wealth, ethnicity, or any other differentiating factor. In turn, with ambition and hard work, people can achieve their goals, regardless of whether they have influential connections.

Leisure and Interests Sports-loving nation Arts and culture hub Preeminent culinary destination

Social Security Benefits Australia is recognised as having one of the fairest taxation systems in the Western world. As part of its taxation system, there is also a specific tax which supports Australia’s world- class, free public health care system. According to the 2007–2008 United Nations Human Poverty Index, Australia has the 13th lowest rate of poverty in the developed world.

High Health Standards 56% of Australians aged 15 and over rate their health as excellent or very good; a further 29% as good; and 15% as fair or poor. 60% of people making a GP appointment for a matter they felt required urgent medical care were seen within 4 hours of making their appointment (2009). The median waiting time for elective surgery is 36 days. For patients with cancer, it is 20 days. Australia spent $121.4 billion on health in 2009–10, which accounted for 9.4% of GDP.

Striking Landscapes Sydney Melbourne

Low Population Density and Pleasant Climate Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, yet it has one of the lowest population densities per square kilometres. It is divided into six states and two territories: New South Wales (NSW), Victoria (VIC), Queensland (QLD), Western Australia (WA), South Australia (SA), Tasmania (TAS), the Northern Territory (NT), and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Australia is the world’s second-driest continent (after Antarctica). Most Australian cities enjoy mild winters and warm summers. Most of the continent receives nearly 70% of the total possible sunshine per year.

Varied Population

Robust Economy 12th largest national economy by nominal GDP. World’s 8th largest stock exchange (in terms of market capitalisation). Notable international trader – its global two-way trading activities were valued at over $627 billion for the last financial year. – Australia’s largest trading partners, in order of size, are: China, Japan, the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore. The strength of Australia’s economy is exemplified by its remarkable response to the 2008 Global Financial Crisis: – Along with Canada, Australia was the only advanced G20 country that did not require a Government injection of funds into its banking system – Australian banks had almost no holdings of the “toxic” securities that severely affected other global banks.

Multi-lingual In Australia, over 200 languages and dialects are spoken, including 45 indigenous languages. Apart from English, the most widely spoken languages are Italian, Greek, Cantonese, Arabic, Vietnamese and Mandarin.

Freedom of Religion

Democratic Values The common principles and values that underpin Australian society allow freedom and democracy to flourish. They include: – respect for the equal worth, dignity and freedom of the individual; – freedom of speech; – freedom of religion and secular government; – freedom of association; – support for parliamentary democracy and the rule of law; – equality under the law; – gender equality; – equality of opportunity; – peacefulness; and – a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces tolerance, mutual respect and compassion for those in need.

The Major Cities and States Sydney, New South Wales

Melbourne, Victoria