Australia has a unique history that has shaped the diversity of its peoples, their cultures and lifestyles today. Three major contributors to Australia's demographic make-up are a diverse Indigenous population, a British colonial past and extensive immigration from many different countries and cultures. Today, Australia's population of about 23 million is one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse populations in the world.

Overall, growth of Australia's major trading partners (MTPs) is expected to be around its long-run average pace in 2015 and 2016 (Graph 6.1). This forecast is little changed relative to the November Statement. Commodity prices have fallen in the past three months. These price declines, particularly for oil, largely reflect supply-side factors, although weaker-than-expected growth of global demand for commodities has contributed. Most of Australia's MTPs are likely to benefit from lower oil prices because they are net oil and energy importers. However, this positive effect has been largely offset by other factors, most notably slower growth in China.

Australia is a representative democracy. In this political system, eligible people vote for candidates to carry out the business of governing on their behalf. Australia’s system of government—its institutions and practices—reflect British and North American traditions combined in a way that is uniquely Australian.

For further reading, see Australia’s System of Government fact sheet.

The Australian democracy has at its heart, the following core defining values: · freedom of election and being elected; · freedom of assembly and political participation; · freedom of speech, expression and religious belief; · rule of law; and · other basic human rights.

but Houses are old and badly maintained because people want to spend their money on drink instead. But that is not the real problem with houses. No. There is a government conspiracy. According to Fred “Actually the government forbids new buildings so as to keep the price high, but the quality drops!”