Australia Explained

Australias national day has its roots in the countrys colonial past. Many Indigenous Australians regard it as Invasion or Survival Day. How has the meaning of Australia Day changed over time?

Being able to drive in a car is a necessity for many new arrivals to Australia. Yet, knowing if you need an Australian drivers licence and how to get one can change from state to state.

It's hailed as the biggest health policy since Medicare. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) aims to provide the nearly half a million Australians who have a permanent and significant disability with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to enjoy an ordinary life.

Australias First Peoples are the world's oldest living civilization, dating back some 50,000 years, according to a recent genetic study by an international team of academics. Yet, many Australians know little about the history of our First Peoples.

The ASX, Gold, Crude Oil, shares and the Aussie dollar. We hear the finance report on the news every day. It may sound alien or foreign, and you might feel it has nothing to do with you. Do you know what it means?

Australia is welcoming more skilled migrants - arrivals with tertiary qualifications have almost doubled since 2001. When a lack of local experience and qualifications becomes a hurdle to getting a job what assistance is on offer?

Emotional abuse is recognised as a damaging element of family violence. The Australian Bureau of Statistics says 3.3 million Australians have experienced emotional abuse by a partner since the age of 15. In migrant communities there are additional barriers which can impact on how the abuse is experienced. So, what exactly is emotional abuse and what are its effects?

In many migrant communities providing daily care for family and friends is a way of life and not something you ask for help with. National Carers Week (16-22 October) is a chance to show support for the vital role of carers and highlight the needs of carers supporting diverse communities.

Cyber threats posed by technological developments are often one step ahead of the users and online intelligence services. Language barriers can be a significant impediment to identifying threats. So, what are the dangers of cyberspace and how can we protect our privacy online?

There are many reasons why a person may wish to change their name. While the process to change is relatively simple, there are concerns some migrants change their name to avoid discrimination.

According to the Australian Drug Foundation, nearly three in ten teenagers have had a glass of alcohol in the past year. For many migrant parents addressing drug use can be a daunting task. Experts advise to stay calm and be non-judgemental.

A stroke is not a heart attack. A stroke occurs when the supply of blood to the brain is suddenly disrupted. Getting urgent medical help is critical to survival and recovery.

Learning to speak and write English is a key skill for migrants to Australia. Many English learning programs are available for free, through hundreds of locations across the country.

Dementia is not a normal part of ageing and yet Alzheimers Australia predicts by mid-century almost a million people will be living with the illness. Patients from diverse backgrounds face additional challenges in getting an early diagnosis and care support which meets their needs. Carers and health experts advocate a cultural approach to dementia care

Reflecting our evolving population, AFL has become more multicultural with many new migrants taking up footy for a sense of belonging. These athletes often act as an inspiration and role model for their communities.

Australia is undergoing digital disruption that is set to dramatically change the workforce. Yet with a continued decline in student uptake of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) school subjects Australia will need to look overseas to bring in skilled migrants as we prepare the next generation for the digital future.

Every hour four people go missing in Australia. This year's National Missing Persons Week (31 July - 6 August) aims to raise awareness about the impacts on families and communities when a loved-one goes missing.

Australias census has a history of keeping personal information secure and private. However, this year the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) will make it compulsory for people to include their names and addresses. Privacy advocates are concerned that the move will not only lead to public backlash against the census but also undermine the accuracy and credibility of the census results.

The 2016 census on August 9 will be Australia's biggest ever survey. Run every five years, the census identifies key characteristics of the population to help plan for the country's future. And this year most people will complete it online.

Australia's major cities are housing most of our population - two in three of us live in a capital city. Growing urbanisation has prompted governments to find new ways to encourage migrants to settle in regional and rural towns. However living in the country has its challenges.

The federal election is just around the corner with the 45th Parliament of Australia set to be formed after election day on July 2. So how do elections determine our next government?