AN INTRODUCTION TO THE AUSTRALIAN LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCE

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ENVIRONMENT

Australia was neither slower or faster than other industrialised nations to realise the potential catastrophic neglect of waste or destruction of the earths resources.

Australia concentrates on key environmental issues such as soil preservation, water quality chemical control and the depletion of the ozone layer. It is the only country to establish a Heritage Commission that lists all natural aboriginal and historic heritage that should be kept for future generations.

Most overseas visitors are amazed at how clean and tidy public places are in Australia, and how people in Australia personally make the effort to "do the right thing". This policy reflects in beautiful clear rivers and ocean and lush areas of natural bushland so near to the city. There is a bushfire hazard in the summertime in Australia, so be very careful with cigarettes or fires.

ANIMALS

Many of Australia's animals are unique due to the geographic isolation of Australia during their evolution, eg.. kangaroo, koala, wombat, possum. About half the native mammals are marsupials. This means they suckle their young in pouches. The echidna and platypus monotremes, which means they lay eggs and suckle their young. About 530 of Australia's 700 birds are considered native eg.. emu, lyrebird, kookaburra. Most of the worlds parrots are Australian natives. Many scientists believe there are still hundreds of Australian native creatures to be identified.

LAW, GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMY

The Australian legal system is based on British Common Law as in USA and Canada. Australia has a written constitution and laws administered in two streams, statute law (including criminal) and common law. Only judges decide questions of law and impose sentences. There has been an increasing emphasis recently on the protection of human rights and the elimination of inequalities in the society.

Law is enforced by the federal and state police forces. There is a ratio of about 1:550 people. They have specialised fields such as traffic, homicide, drugs, armed hold up, fraud, etc.

There are 3 levels of government ruled by the national and state constitutions. Australia retains links to Britain through the Governor General. Everyone over 18 accept criminals and the insane can vote for the representatives under a preferential voting system.

1. Federal - responsible for national interests eg. defence, trade, services, foreign affairs, tourism, etc.

2. State -responsible for education, housing, health, etc.

3. Local -responsible for town planning such as roads, sewerage water, public services, etc.

Australia is a democracy with 4 major political parties Liberal Party, National Party, Australian Labour Party and Australian Democrats. All of these support parliamentary democracy and liberty of the individual. In Australia, everybody is treated equal before the law and freedom of speech is guaranteed by law. It is now illegal however, to express any kind of racial prejudice or make racist statements. Australians are nicest and fairest people you will meet anywhere in the world. They respect peace and order and democracy and totally hate any sort of violence be it personal or political. Australians believe in burying the past and getting on with the future.

Fifty years ago the Australian economy relied mainly on primary production. Now nearly three quarters of production is in the service sector. After World War II a rapid expansion of industry, mining and energy projects began.

About three quarters of the public sector revenue is raised by the federal government through taxes and duties. There are about 35 banks or banking groups operating under the supervision of the reserve bank.

Australia encourages foreign investment in new businesses and some real estate acquisitions, it restricts investment in media, civil aviation, banking, uranium and residential real estate.

FOOD

Standard of hygiene are high in the preparation of food to the public and tap water is safe to drink in any Australian town. Fresh food is plentiful at shops and markets. Seafood's and all meats, fresh fruit, salad and vegetables are of high quality and quite safe to eat.

Due to the cosmopolitan population there are a variety of restaurants to suit all tastes from many different countries. They range from top class international cuisine to small coffee shops serving snacks.

Some service charges are added to bills on weekends or public holidays. Tipping is not encouraged or routine, however, good service can be rewarded in which 10% of the bill is adequate.

Australian have three meals a day of which dinner is the biggest. Breakfast is usually self serve and consists of toast, cereal, fruit and fruit juices, milk and tea or coffee. Time is limited in the morning but sometimes there may be a hot breakfast with ham, eggs, sausages, steak and eggs. Lunch is usually a sandwich or a light meal. Dinner varies greatly depending on the family, but usually includes vegetables and meat. Traditional Aussi meals are such dishes as sausages and mash potato, or rissoles and chips. Rice although popular, may not always be present at the meal table.

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