Australia Awareness Guide (Laws & Ethics)

Australia is a beautiful and diverse country. It is a country where law and order are maintained with great precision and the crime rates are low. It is one of the safest nations in the world. This is why every person in Australia, whether a local or a visitor, is expected to abide by the laws at all times. If you are travelling to Australia soon, be aware of the local laws and ethics so that you can follow them and have a smooth trip. Read on to know more.

Local laws and rules in Australia

Did you know?

You can rent a car and drive it yourself as a tourist in Australia. However, as per the laws of the country, you need to be at least 18 years old and have an international driving licence for this.

Listed below are some of the main and most important local Australian laws and rules that all tourists should know:

1. Laws on driving

The legal age for driving in Australia is 18 years. You can drive in the country if you have an international driving permit. You need to be strapped to the seat at all times and drive on the left side of the road. You must stop at the traffic signals and park at designated parking spots only. Road rage is strictly prohibited and may even lead to arrest. If you have a child below the age of 7, he or she needs to be put in a car seat.

A travel tip: Driving through a school while the school is working is prohibited in all parts of Australia. So, check the map carefully to avoid all such routes when driving a vehicle in the country.

2. Laws on medications

Treatment for minor injuries or major illnesses needs to be carried out at a registered medical centre. You cannot seek prescription medication over the counter in the country. The drug laws are extremely strict in Australia and you are prohibited from entering the country with any form of drug. If you have been prescribed some specific medicines, ensure you carry your doctor’s prescription and carry a copy of it in your purse at all times.

A travel tip: Do not carry any loose medicines with you to Australia. Always have them in their original package and carry the prescription to justify what you are having and why you are doing so.

3. Laws on photography

There are no prohibitory laws against photography in Australia. However, ethically, it is accepted that the privacy of a person is never breached. Hence, refrain from taking pictures of random people without their permission. Also, do not block any tourist attraction or view when clicking photos, as that is not considered to be polite. There are some specific rules about photography inside monuments and museums and you have to abide by those rules.

A travel tip It is highly illegal to click photos around any military base in Australia. Keep your cameras inside your bag when you are in such an area or even when crossing it in a vehicle.

4. Laws on immigration

Australia has some unique laws immigration laws. When you enter the country, you will be stopped at the airport if you carry any live plants. This rule is in place to stop the transmission of pests to the native plants of Australia. Apart from this, you are also not allowed to carry food in any form when you enter Australia.

Local culture in Australia

Did you know?

Australia is the melting point of various cultures. You can find a mix of the indigenous Aboriginal culture, the presence of very strong British &Irish cultures, Greek cultures, Italian cultures and some strong Asian cultures such as Chinese and Vietnamese cultures.

Here are some interesting facts about cultural details in Australia:

1. People

Australia has people from many ethnic groups across the world. Statistics show that a majority of the people in Australia have a British and Irish heritage, while others belong to European heritages such as Greek and Italian. There is also a large percentage of people belonging to the Chinese ethnicity.

2. Language

English is the official language of Australia, though many other languages are spoken here including Italian and Chinese.

A travel tip: People in Australia are very friendly and it is a common practice to exchange smiles with people, even if they are not known to you. So respond with a smile and a nod of the head when a passerby greets you. Ignoring the gesture is considered to be rude and disrespectful.

3. Religion

Christianity is the largest religion in Australia with over 54% of the people following Christianity. Islam is the next most followed religion with about 2.6% of the population following it. Other religions in the country include Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism.

A travel tip: If you visit a church in Australia, greet fellow churchgoers with a warm handshake and ‘hello’. Australia has a very warm culture and everyone is expected to be friendly and mix up with others.

4. Food

Food is a huge part of Australian culture. You can find a variety of foods in the country, ranging from traditional Aboriginal cuisine to the more modern, fusion foods. Barbecues are another rich part of Australian culture and family and friends gather together at barbecues for all major celebrations.

A travel tip: Australia lies in the Southern Hemisphere and celebrates Christmas in summer. If you happen to visit the country at this time, don't forget to experience a Christmas barbecue at the beach. This is something completely unique and unforgettable as most people are used to the idea of a cold and snowy Christmas.

Local ethics in Australia

Did you know?

As compared to many other countries, Australia has a more relaxed culture and ethics. From dressing casually to using friendly banter, the ways used by the people of Australia are very warm and friendly. As a tourist, you are expected to mix in and reciprocate the emotions and feelings.

Here are a few instances of the local ethics that visitors can follow when travelling to Australia:

1. Equality and fairness are very important to the people of Australia. No form of racial or social discrimination is allowed or tolerated. It is expected for everyone in the country to treat others with dignity and respect, irrespective of their ethnicity, socio-economic background or religion.

2. Smiling and greeting one another is another important ethical factor. You must smile at people when you come face to face with them. Also, say things such as thank you and please whenever you can and you will be treated with great love and warmth in Australia.

Do Note: Shaking hands and exchanging hugs are quite common in Australia, even with people you just met. However, if you are not comfortable doing so, just smiling and nodding can also get the job done.

3. It is very common to address people by their first name in Australia, even if they are elderly or work in a senior job position. Adding the titles of Mr or Mrs is seldom required and the locals prefer being called by their first names.

Do Note: Though the use of titles such as sir or madam is quite outdated in Australia, you can address someone by it if you want to show respect.

Laws to abide by in Australia

Did you know?

Possession and sale of illegal drugs are highly prohibited in Australia. There are severe and harsh punishments for the same which range from fines to death sentences, depending on the type of drug in question.

As a foreign traveller, you must be aware of the following laws of Australia:

1. Smoking

Smoking is strictly prohibited in all public places in Australia. You are not permitted to smoke at offices, restaurants, airports, hospitals, etc. The only places where you can smoke are inside a private residence or at a designated smoking area within a property. If you are found smoking anywhere else, a heavy fine will be imposed on you.

Do Note: Cigarettes are available at all supermarkets in Australia. This is a good place to buy them from, as the airport duty-free rates are much higher.

2. Driving

Everyone inside a vehicle needs to be wearing a seatbelt in Australia. Even the passengers at the back need to be strapped up. All children under the age of 7 need to be safely secured in a car seat.

Do Note: Travelling in a car without a seatbelt can attract fines of up to $400. For repeat offences, the fines are even higher and can also lead to detention.

3. Drinking

Anyone over the age of 18 can drink alcohol in Australia. Underage drinking is not allowed. If you are caught, a fine of $110 is imposed. If a minor is caught buying alcohol, a fine of $220 is imposed.

4. Visa

You are issued an Australian tourist visa for a period of either 3, 6 or 12 months. You can visit the country for as long as you have a valid visa. If your visa is about to expire, you can apply for an extension. You can get a bridging visa while your visa is being renewed. However, the extension is not given to everyone and only those with a genuine reason can opt for this.

Reasons why you should respect the local laws in Australia as a tourist

Did you know?

In some parts of Australia, such as Queensland, it is illegal to be drunk inside a pub! Though this law is hardly ever imposed, it is a valid law and you can be charged under it.

Here are some reasons why you should respect and follow the local laws in Australia:

• By following the laws of the country and being accepting of their culture, you show respect to Australia and the local people. This earns you a lot of respect and goodwill among the people there, making your trip smooth and memorable.
• When you follow all the laws and regulations, you stay out of trouble and stay clear of fines, arrests and legal perils.
• Following the local rules and laws gives you a better understanding of the life and culture of Australia, which allows you to experience the country in a more authentic and memorable manner.

What to do if you run into legal trouble in Australia?

Did you know?

There are community legal services that offer legal help at an affordable rate. They are very approachable too and are a great place to go to if you need emergency legal assistance in Australia.

If you get into legal trouble in Australia, here is what you can do:

• Keep calm and speak respectfully to the authorities who come to question or detain you.
• Do not try to resist or run away if you are being arrested. Cooperate and go with the officers.
• Contact the local embassy or consulate as soon as possible.
• If there is a criminal charge against you, the consulate will arrange for an attorney who will represent you in court.

Where to find help in Australia as a tourist?

Did you know?

Getting a good travel insurance plan always helps, especially in the time of an emergency. If you have lost your passport or have a medical need, you can simply call up your insurance provider and they will guide you on where to go and who to contact.

Australians are very helpful and as a tourist, here are a few places where you can find help in the country:

• The emergency calling number in Australia is 000. Call on this number from any telephone and help will reach you at the earliest.
• A visit to the local police station can also help.
• Contact your country’s consulate or embassy in the case of a major emergency or problem.

Things to avoid when in Australia / Tips

Keynote for new visitors:

You may notice some wildlife, such as kangaroos, roaming freely in some parts of Australia. Do not get startled or go too close to them. Just allow them to pass, without making any fuss. This would ensure your safety, as well as the safety of the animal.

Here are some important things to avoid and tips to follow in Australia: that tourists must know about

1. Do not be overdressed for events in Australia. Unless it is specifically mentioned, dressing in elaborate gowns or tuxedos is not required. Australians enjoy being casually dressed and it is common for people to show up in shorts and t-shirts even at weddings.

2. Do not ask personal questions, as Australians are generally more reserved. They are friendly and warm but do not like speaking openly about their personal matters.

Travel Tip: To converse freely with a local, ask them questions about the history and culture of Australia. The people of the country are very proud of their heritage and happily speak about it for hours!

3. Do not be late. Punctuality is extremely important for the people of Australia. If you have been invited to someone’s house or are meeting someone at a designated place, try to be on time. Making someone wait is considered to be extremely rude.

4. Do not take anything personally in Australia. The locals use a lot of banter and slang words, but it is all done in good humour. Do not get angry or offended if you are at the receiving end of some friendly banter.

Conclusion

It is very important to learn about and respect the laws of a foreign country when you visit it as a tourist. Being respectful towards the locals and their heritage is extremely important. Not only will that allow you to have a safe trip, but it will also make you happier and you will enjoy your holiday even more. So keep all the points mentioned above in mind and have the best time in Australia!

FAQs

1. What topics should be avoided when having conversations in Australia?

Try not to discuss politics and religion in Australia, as people are very sensitive about these topics. Sports and food, on the other hand, are very popular conversation topics.

2. Is photography allowed inside the tourist attractions in Australia?

Yes, most tourist attractions allow photography as well as videography. Some places do not permit it, and that is clearly stated at the entrance.

3. Where is the Indian Embassy located in Australia?

The Indian High Commission is located in Canberra. There are Indian consulate offices in Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth.

4. Is smoking allowed inside a moving vehicle in Australia?

Smoking is strictly prohibited in all vehicles in Australia, even if you have hired a private taxi. You can only smoke at designated smoking areas.