Some Questions and Answers about Migrants, Immigration and Multiculturalism
How diverse are Australians? 
According to the 2011 Census
•	46% of Australians are migrants or the children of migrants 
•	27% of Australians were born overseas 
•	People from over 200 countries live in Australia 
•	About 8.5% of Australians were born overseas in non-English speaking countries 
•	19% of Australians over five years of age speak a language other than English at home
•	495 755 people identified as Indigenous
•	There are 50 separate major Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages 
What is the composition of Australia's migrant population? 
According to the 2011 Census, 27% of people living in Australia were born overseas. 21% of the overseas born population were born in the UK and Ireland, 9.1% in New Zealand, 6% in China, 5.6% in India and 3.5% in Italy. In recent decades Australia's overseas born population has diversified. In 1947, 81% of the overseas-born population came from English speaking countries, mainly from the United Kingdom and Ireland. In 2011, less than 33% of the overseas-born population came from the main English speaking countries.
What is multiculturalism? 
Australia is made up of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Multiculturalism seeks to recognise and celebrate this diversity, and to address the challenges and opportunities arising from it. 
The Principles of Multiculturalism is a New South Wales state policy based on rights and responsibilities. It is about the inclusion and recognition of all Australians. It recognises the right of all Australians to enjoy their ethnic identity and cultural heritage (including language and religion), and the right to equal treatment and opportunities regardless of their backgrounds. Multiculturalism also aims to ensure the diverse skills and talents of all Australians are developed and used to produce economic, social and cultural benefits. 
The Principles of Multiculturalism are summarised by the Community Relations Commission For a multicultural NSW as follows: 
We are diverse and accepting
We have shared values
We participate and contribute to NSW
We respect diversity in an Australian setting
We ensure access to programs and services for all Australians
We consider diversity an asset
View the poster Principles of Multiculturalism published by the Community Relations Commission For a multicultural NSW at http://www.crc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/20147/Principles_of_Multiculturalism_Poster.pdf