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Australian values

5 Feb 2019

Q. Which of the following values and characteristics, which would you describe as ‘Uniquely Australian’, ‘Australian, but shared with other countries’ or ‘Not Australian’?

  Uniquely Australian Australian, but shared with other countries NET: Australian value Not Australian
Mateship

Offering help to each other in times of need

52% 45% 97% 3%
Larrikinism

We have a sense of humour and don’t take authority too seriously

64% 29% 93% 7%
‘Fair-go’

People are judged on their merits and everyone has a chance to succeed

46% 47% 93% 7%
Education

Learning and self-improvement should be available to everyone

21% 72% 93% 7%
Freedom of speech

People can say what they what, how they want to

25% 67% 92% 8%
Democracy

The political system provides safety to live peacefully

21% 71% 92% 8%
Hard-working

Individual commitment and dedication is rewarded

25% 66% 91% 9%
Tradition

Care for the land, its wildlife and respect for Indigenous peoples

32% 58% 90% 10%
Innovation

Being creative, modern and moving with the times

19% 71% 90% 10%
Fairness

Everyone is treated equally, regardless of background

26% 63% 89% 11%

While over half of 18-34 years olds believe Larrikinism is a uniquely Australian characteristic (55%), it is lower than those aged 55+ (70%).

  Total

(Uniquely Australian)

18-34 35-54 55+
Larrikinism 64% 55% 65% 70%
Mateship 52% 50% 49% 55%
‘Fair-go’ 46% 42% 45% 50%
Tradition 32% 33% 31% 33%
Fairness 26% 28% 24% 27%
Freedom of speech 25% 26% 21% 28%
Hard-working 25% 29% 21% 25%
Education 21% 24% 18% 22%
Democracy 21% 26% 17% 21%
Innovation 19% 23% 16% 20%

While over half of 18-34 years olds believe Larrikinism is a uniquely Australian characteristic (55%), it is lower than those aged 55+ (70%).

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