Australia’s demography is changing, and therefore, what an Australian looks like and sounds like is also changing, rapidly.       No longer can the term ‘Australian’ be confined to those with long-standing residence, or with particular kinds of ethnicity, family heritage or cultural traditions.  

It can’t be defined in relation to beaches or farms or natural resources or any kind of physical geography. It can’t be defined by education, trade or profession. It can’t be defined by sports or arts — although one’s personal idea of an Australian may include any and all of these. 

What is the essential, definable quality that truly makes one an Australian?

It is a willingness to unite under the democratic system of law and government that fosters and protects this unique, privileged Australian way of life. The multiplicity of languages and traditions that comprise modern Australia inevitably lead to a more diverse, culturally rich and vibrant society. These differences are to be celebrated.

Yet, consistent with a common set of laws that apply equally to all, there is one more essential for a functioning, cohesive society: a common language.

The essential systems of law and government in Australia are conducted primarily in the English language. This is not a matter of bias, rather of pragmatism based on hundreds of years of tradition, structure and application of the Westminster system by which means Australia has progressed as a tolerant and robust democracy.

Analogy: when a modern computer system with one set of machines and its various software applications tries to communicate with another system that uses a different language or code its normally fast and effective communication tends to break down or at least become slower and less effective. Computer engineers understand that to integrate one or more systems requires a common language or interface.

Application: Australia can accommodate every law-abiding citizen or visitor, and every honourable tradition, from every part of the world. In fact Australians come from almost every country in the world — around 200 countries — and some 200 languages, including 45 indigenous languages, are spoken here.

With such diversity, the common link, the only possible effective interface is the most common and traditional language, English.