Life in Australia – a survey of newly arrived migrants
and refugees
During September and October 2013, AMES conducted a survey of 400 newly-arrived migrants and refugees in
Melbourne and Sydney. We surveyed people from 51 different nations, asking about their hopes, fears and
experiences and expectations of settling in Australia.
The following provides an overview of the responses given by those surveyed.
1. What for you was the most important reason in making a decision to come to Australia?
*The most common ‘other’ response (5%) was ‘to get married’.
2. Do you feel welcome in Australia?
3. Do you find the government and official institutions welcoming?
4. Do you find ordinary people welcoming?
5. Have you been the victim of racism?
On being asked to elaborate, the common response (3%) was that respondents had been told to “go home”.
6. What is the one piece of advice you would give to people in your home country who were thinking of
coming to Australia?
The most common response (21%) was that people “should learn English”.
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7. What is your main goal over the next two to five years?
*Other: The most common ‘other’ responses were studying at university (3%) and starting a family
(2%).
8. What achievement would you like to look back on after 20 years in Australia?
*Other: The most common ‘other’ response (2%) was to be happy.
9. What is the most important thing in settling successfully into Australia?
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10. What is your biggest worry at the moment?
*Other: The most common ‘other’ response (4%) was mastering English .
11. What are the best aspects of living in Australia?
*Other: The most common ‘other’ response (2%) was a clean environment.
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12. What are the worst aspects of life in Australia?
13. What is the biggest fear you have relating to your life in Australia?
14. Do you intend to return to your home country?
A commonly expressed reason for returning home (6%) was “to look after family members”.
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15. Is life in Australia as you thought it would be before you left your home country?
Two per cent of respondents did not answer this question.
16. Name one thing that symbolises Australia?
Five per cent of respondents did not answer this question.
17. Which group of people do you admire most in Australia?
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18. Who do you think is the most famous Australian?
The most common ‘other’ responses were John Howard and Fiona wood (both 1%).
19. Are you happy with your new life in Australia?
20.
Has AMES helped you settle into Australia?
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21. If yes, in which of the following ways has AMES helped you settle into Australia?
22. What is one thing you think Australians don’t know about migrants and refugees?
The most common response was that “Australians don’t understand the culture and traditions of many
new arrivals” (27%).
Another common response (12%) was that “Australians do not appreciate the conditions” in many of
the countries from which the respondents have come.
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