A Nation of Migrants

Aborigines were the first people to inhabit Australia arriving here over 60,000 years ago.

Most people, apart from Aborigines, who now live in Australia are immigrants or decedents of immigrants. The First Fleet arrived in Australia from England in 1788 and were the original 'boat people' in Australia. Since then people from almost every nation have immigrated to Australia.

Australia's national identity derives from the rich mix of cultures that millions of migrants have brought to Australia over the past 200 years.

Migrants have brought new ideas and technology to areas including medicine, science, information technology, mining and business. They have also brought new skills that benefit other Australians.

Migrants have also brought different cultural influences. Each migrant shares some of their ways of living including music, art, cooking, religion and language with other Australians. This provides opportunities for Australians to experience other cultures and appreciate different ways of living.