How to arrive and

Etiquette

"Please" and "thank you" are helpful words which smooth your way through Australian society, especially when buying goods or services. Using these words will help in building a good relationship with people that you probably have to interact with often. Manners in Australia in some ways hark back to the era of English nobility – it is expected and there are conventions.

When asked if you would like something, it is polite to say "yes, please", or just "please" if you would like it, or "no, thank you" if you do not. Anything else can come across as somewhat rude. When you receive something or have been helped, it is polite to always thank the person by saying "thank you". Australians say "excuse me" to get someone's attention and "sorry" when accidentally bumping in to someone. Australians also say "excuse me" or "pardon me" when they burp in public. Manners don’t cost anything – having no manners can cost you.
Should a sensitive issue come up in conversation, not to participate if asked your opinion may seem rude. It is more polite to say "sorry, but I find it too hard to explain" than to ignore a question. This is a good ruse if you think your words would not go down well with your audience. As an immigrant you may be sounded out by others to see what your prejudices or opinions are. Do not be tempted to participate in the age-old topics of sex, religion and politics until you have been in Australia for quite some time and know how your outlook will go down with people.
Australians value punctuality – greatly. You must always be on time for meetings and appointments. If you realise you are going to be late, always try to contact the person to let them know this. A person who is constantly late may be considered to be unreliable which will be detrimental to the relationship, especially in the workplace.
Australians blow their noses or spit into handkerchiefs or tissues. Many people will also say "bless you" should you sneeze. You need to know that certain behaviour in Australia is not only impolite, but is also against the law. Examples include swearing in public, pushing in front of people in a queue (line), and urinating or defecating anywhere except in a public or private toilet.

The basic rights of all Australians

All Australians are entitled to equal rights and to be treated with equal respect. Many laws exist to make sure that people do not experience discrimination because of their race, colour, religion or gender. This applies especially to jobs and housing. Australians are protected by and are responsible for 5 fundamental freedoms. These are:

1. 
   Freedom of speech - Australians are free to say or write what they think privately or publicly, but within the bounds of the law. This can be about the government or about any topic or any issue. The media are not routinely censored and may criticise the government without fear of arrest. This freedom comes with responsibilities though. Free speech or expression must be based on facts and not rumours. The intention must be constructive and not to do harm. There are laws to protect a person's reputation and integrity against false statements, called the libel and slander laws. There are also laws against saying or writing things to incite hatred against others. Essentially freedom of speech cannot be used as a mechanism to harm other people.
   

2. 
   Freedom of association - Australians are free to join any legal organisation, union or group. Australians can choose whether or not to belong to a trade union or to a political party. Nobody can be punished or penalised because they are a member of an organisation, whether it is of a political nature or not.
   

3. 
   Freedom of assembly - Australians are free to meet with other people in public or private places, whether in small or large groups for legitimate social or political purposes. Protesting and demonstrating is an accepted form of free expression in a democracy. However, any protests and demonstrations must not be violent or break existing civil laws such as assault or trespassing on property. Ruling governments are changed regularly and peacefully through elections and not through violence.
   

4. 
   Freedom of religion - Australia has no official or state-designated religion. Australian law does not promote the religious doctrine of any religion. Australians are thus free to follow any religion of their choosing. People are also free not to follow or practise a religion. However, religious practices must comply with Australian civil laws.
   

5. 
   Freedom of movement – Australians are free to move between all the states and territories and to leave Australia at any time. Until eligible to become Australian citizens, some immigrants may have certain conditions attached to their visa, such as living in a particular location.
   

Public holidays

Most Australian states and territories observe official public and national holidays. Australia doesn’t always celebrate holidays nation-wide simultaneously and some states also have additional public holidays during the year such as Labour Day and the Queen's Birthday. Most places of work are usually closed on public holidays. In the larger cities, most shops, restaurants and public transport continue to operate but with altered opening times. In the smaller towns most businesses (including shops and restaurants) are closed. During these holiday periods accommodation can be hard to find, with train and bus timetables altered. Below are the nationally observed public holidays.

Australia Day 26 January is Australia's National Day and a public holiday. The day marks the founding of the first European settlement in Australia.

Good Friday Friday late March or early April

Easter Monday first Monday late March or early April following Good Friday

Anzac Day around Monday 25 April ): A day that honours Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) soldiers that were killed in battle

Queen's Birthday, June 14 (Except Western Australia): The actual birthday of the Queen is April 21. When King Edward VII decided to celebrate his birthday in the summer instead of on the actual date in November, official birthdays became separated from actual birthdays. By celebrating the holiday in June, most Australians get a break before winter. Western Australia celebrates this holiday at the end of September.

Christmas Day 25 December

Boxing Day 26 December

New Year's Day 1 January
The other notable public holidays are:

Labour Day – the date varies by state and was originally called ‘Eight Hours Day’. It exists to commemorate the unions’ achievement of shortening the working day. The date varies because the passing of the law occurred at different times in different states.

Melbourne Cup Day - held on the first Tuesday of November, is a world famous horse race. Most Australians outside of Melbourne be they at work, school or home, stop and watch the race on television. It is an official public holiday in metropolitan Melbourne.