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%).