How to arrive and

The Australian environment and you

Australians are very protective of the natural environment around them. They strive to preserve a clean and natural environment while protecting the animals. Consequently a raft of laws exist to meet this societal aim. It is therefore illegal to litter, to create pollution or to dispose of wastes without permission. There are also rules which apply to National Parks to prevent them being spoilt. Amongst others, the rules include your having to remove all rubbish when leaving and not allowing domestic animals such as dogs into the parks.

Wildlife including all animals, birds, snakes, other reptiles, fish and shellfish are all protected by law. Even native plants such as trees and ferns are protected. Do not even think of going hunting, fishing or collecting plants or wildlife before checking with the local overseeing authorities whether you need a permit. Indigenous wildlife can also not be kept as pets without a permit. Collecting or capturing native wildlife or plants in contravention of the wildlife laws can result in very large fines and even imprisonment.
The Australian authorities impose heavy fines for any person who tries to interact with wild animals. The rule is simple: each one is to stay in their own place, carry out their own biological and natural function under a minimum of environmental intervention. Any type of animal, whether dangerous or not, must be left alone by humans. Creatures are never to be killed by humans unless in situations of self-defence. This includes animals such as sharks, snakes and crocodile.
Mushrooms and other fungi found growing wild should not be eaten unless expertly identified. There are many poisonous varieties of mushroom in Australia. Apparently not all kinds have been fully identified even today. Many poisonous varieties look exactly the same as those used for eating found in other countries. Every year there are poisonings and even deaths of people new to Australia who have picked and eaten poisonous mushrooms and fungi. For safety sake, only eat mushrooms or fungi that are sold in shops.
Australia has a very high risk of bush and forest fires and especially so during the summer and under drought conditions. A total fire ban is enforced on days of extreme fire danger. This is when weather conditions and the dryness of vegetation increase the risk of fires starting and spreading. Such a ban is communicated through the media. During a total fire ban, fires cannot be lit in most outdoor areas. Lighting fires during this time can result in a large fine and imprisonment. Cigarettes can easily start a fire so they should be put out fully before disposal.

Considering others

There are laws that protect Australians from too much noise. The regulations vary across the states and depend on whether the area is zoned for commercial, industrial or residential use. Neighbours are generally tolerant of occasional noise, but if it is frequent, excessively loud or occurs at night, a complaint may be made to the local council, the state or territory environmental authority, or the police.

Smoking is banned in many places in Australia, including all airports, government offices, health clinics, and workplaces. Smoking in restaurants and shopping centres is also banned in most states and territories. Non-smoking areas are often indicated by a sign. It is against the law for a vendor to sell tobacco products to a minor (someone under 18 years old). Selling or giving tobacco to a minor is also prohibited in most states and territories. It is also against the law for any person to sell or give alcohol to a minor. It is also an offence for a minor to have alcohol in their possession except on private property such as a private home. Drinking and possession of alcohol is also banned in some public areas.

Looking after pets

Australia has laws to protect domestic animals from cruelty or neglect including suffering, injury and distress. There are usually local municipal laws on what kinds of domestic animals can be kept at home. In some states or council areas, domestic animals like dogs and cats need to be registered. You will need to contact your local council for further information. You need to look under ‘dog’ in the government section at the start of the White Pages telephone book. When in contact with them, if needs be, you can also ask them about keeping other animals at home such as chickens or other poultry.

Keeping pets such as dogs and cats is considered a big responsibility in Australia. It is expected that animals should be well looked after, be regularly vaccinated and to treated by a vet for injury or illness. Pets should be neutered if non-breeding and be adequately cared for when the owners are away. RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) inspectors have the power, when necessary, to enter the premises of a person who ill-treats animals and to confiscate suffering animals. They also can lay charges against a person which could result in heavy fines or imprisonment - sometimes both.

- Chapter 12 -

Australian social life, customs and etiquette

Social trends

Australians in a social setting tend to lean towards informality. First names, which are often shortened, are used from the start of an acquaintance. This casualness permeates Australian society and leads to a generally relaxed atmosphere between people. The most common greetings are 'How you doing?' or the world-famous 'G'day' (short for ‘Good day’). Australian humour is often laced with irony and sarcasm and they do make fun of themselves sometimes if they’re comfortable with your presence.

The country is a relatively classless society and has a strong egalitarian theme to it. There is also a discomfort with hierarchical structures and perceived authoritarianism. Anyone having a big opinion of themselves or being bossy will quickly become an object of derision and will be bombarded with humorous barbed comments.

Multiculturalism is being actively encouraged by the Australian government. The idea behind it that new blood is beneficial to the country and leads to new ideas, new perspectives and a dynamic economy. Immigrants are not forced to assimilate, but are given the right to rather maintain their own cultural identity. Television and radio programmes are broadcast in over 50 different languages, with a great many 'ethnic' publications available.

Racism in Australian society does exist and is directed particularly toward the Aborigines and immigrants from Asia. This is only a small affliction of Australian society for some from time to time and is not a strong or regular phenomenon. The vast majority of Australians see Aboriginal art as something unique about Australia and most Australian homes have such art in them.
In recent years Australians have felt a need for a greater sense of national identity and patriotism has bloomed in its wake. Many more Australians are supporting the Australian Republican Movement whose aim is to sever constitutional links with the United Kingdom. (The Queen of England is still the head of state in Australia.) A referendum was held in November 1999 in which Australians voted to keep the monarchy by the narrow margin of 55% to 45%. Despite closer and ever-growing economic and tourist links with Southeast Asia, few Australians would consider their country to be an extension of Asia.