The Tasmanian Government is pleased to release a new report entitled The People of Tasmania, a presentation of information collected through the 2011 Census on the birthplaces, religions, languages and ancestries of Tasmanian residents.
The publication has been produced by the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection in partnership with the Tasmanian Government.
Cultural, linguistic and religious diversity are vital elements of a contemporary successful community and economy.
Migrants and former humanitarian entrants with different backgrounds, skills, attitudes and experiences have a unique point of view and can offer innovative ways of doing things.
They also bring expertise and provide global cultural and commercial connections that can enhance trade and investment opportunities for all Tasmanians.
The People of Tasmania publication will assist policy makers, service providers and researchers better understand the changing composition of Tasmania's increasingly diverse population and prepare for the future.
The report shows that:
- More than 57 650 people, or 11.6 per cent of the Tasmanian population, were born overseas, an increase of over 11 500 people since 2001.
- Over 24 per cent of Tasmanians, or 113 971 people, have one or both parents born overseas.
- Tasmania has residents from over 170 countries, with the top six countries of birth being England, New Zealand, Scotland, Netherlands, Germany and China.
- More than 75 languages are spoken across Tasmania with Mandarin, German, Italian, Greek and Dutch the most common languages spoken other than English.
- Four per cent of Tasmania's population identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, compared to 2.5 per cent of the national population.
Regardless of where Tasmanians were born or how long they have lived in our State, we want Tasmania to be a strong, confident and inclusive society where all people are treated fairly, with respect and without discrimination.
There are well-known social and economic benefits in attracting migrants and it is important that we foster a rich and culturally diverse community to assure the success of our State into the future.
Open the report
- The People of Tasmania
report
(PDF, 3.91 MB)
A limited number of hard copies are available, please email multicultural@dpac.tas.gov.au or phone 6232 7192 to request a copy.