Tasmania's economy
Tasmania has a diverse modern economy. Some of the largest industries in the Tasmanian economy include:
The island is particularly famous for its fine produce, including seafood, livestock, fruit and dairy products. For many years in the mid 20th century, Tasmania was one of the world’s largest Apple exporters, and the state earned the nickname of the ‘Apple island’.
Small business is a large contributor to the Tasmanian economy. Tasmania also has hundreds of exporters, small and large, with exports mainly going to Asia. Japan is Tasmania’s single largest customer.
Two of the biggest employers in Tasmania are the State and Federal Governments. One of the largest private employers is the Federal Group, owner of several luxury resorts, casinos and attractions throughout the state. Many national companies have also based their call centres in Tasmania after securing cheap access to high speed internet.
Politics
Australia is a modern Western capitalist democracy and is considered one of the most stable democracies in the world. Its governments and elections are generally free of major upheavals.
Voting in Australia is compulsory for all citizens aged 18 and over (not for overseas students). Although public protests and peaceful demonstrations are a relatively common occurrence in any nation where free speech is a right, violence is not tolerated.
Politics is a common topic of conversation in Australia. Although many people are passionate about their views, it is okay to politely disagree with any opinion. You should feel free to ask political questions.
Religion
Tasmania is a largely secular society that practices religious, racial and sexual tolerance. Christian, Buddhist, Confucian, Islamic and other believers are all welcome. Religion has no formal role in Australian politics has a much smaller profile than, for example, in the United States of America. Generally speaking, Australia does not experience the sorts of social divides that may exist between religious communities in other countries.
In the 2006 population census, 63.8% of Tasmanians identified themselves as Christian. Anglicanism is the most common form of Christianity in Tasmania and one of its best known churches is St David’s Anglican Cathedral in Hobart, a fine example of religious architecture from the late 1800s that remains in use today.
Tasmania has small communities of Hindus, Muslims, Mormons, Buddhists, Baha’i and a small Jewish population that has lived in Tasmania since its foundation. Australia’s oldest operational synagogue is in Hobart.
Sex and sexuality
Attitudes to sex can vary greatly in Australia. In some ways, Australians are very open-minded and will talk about sex openly. But in other ways, Australians can also be quite conservative.
Here are a few facts to help you to understand a little about Australia’s laws about sex and to help keep you safe:
In Tasmania, it is a crime for anyone to have sex with you if you are under the age of 17. If you are over 17, you may have sex with another person who is over 17, if they agree to have sex with you.
Under Australian law, men and women are considered equal in every way. Women have the same rights as men and it is illegal to force a woman to have sex when she does not want to.
Whistling at girls, making sexually suggestive comments or gestures and otherwise harassing people who want to be left alone are all considered rude. In many cases this behaviour may be illegal.
In Australia, you can seek confidential advice from a doctor regarding sex, contraception or any health related matter. Providing the doctor is satisfied that you understand the advice, they are not allowed to tell anyone else what has been discussed.
Sex education is presented to high school students in Tasmanian and the rest of Australia, in mixed groups of both boys and girls. Sex is presented as a health-related topic and the information is discussed openly.
Homosexuality is not illegal in Tasmania. While gays and lesbians are currently not allowed to marry in Australia, their de facto relationships have many of the same legal protections as marriage. Though many homosexuals live openly and proudly in Tasmania, there are still some pockets of intolerance.
If you come to Tasmania to study, you may be living in a homestay with an Australian family. You will be expected to follow the rules of that house and to respect the wishes of your host parents. For example, you may not be allowed to have visitors while your homestay parents are not at home, or have someone stay overnight in your room.
If you need advice on a sex-related subject, there are many places to get advice. You can talk to your international student advisor or homestay host, if you feel comfortable doing so. Many young Australians use the services of a government funded organization called Family Planning. Their staff and doctors can provide information, advice and support for young people regarding their sexual health.