The Vietnamese in Australia

1. The Vietnamese in Australia

2. Patterns of Migration • Before 1975: Colombo students and diplomats, some adoption of Vietnamese babies during the Vietnam War • July 1976: first boat of Vietnamese refugees arrives in Darwin • The acceptance of Vietnamese refugees by the Fraser Government • Family reunion, business/professional migrants and international students

3. Population • Third largest overseas-born group • Second largest NESB group (after the Greek) • 1991 Census: 124,800 • 2001 Census: 154,000 • 2011 Census: 185,000

4. Population Spread (2001)

5. Refugees • Most Vietnamese travelled to Australia by boat – only 1 in 10 made it • Difficult conditions, eg lack of food, hygiene, water. Problems with piracy. • “Turn back” policies in Indonesia and Malaysia • Many settled in Footscray and Cabramatta

6. Racism • Education interrupted by Vietnam War, so many could only find low paying jobs • Faced extreme racism “Asians go home” - made worse by recession in the 1980s • Blainey Debate 1984 • Militant racism movements, eg Australian Nationalist Movement & Romper Stomper (film)

7. Employment • Employment is at opposite ends of the spectrum. • Many Vietnamese with strong academic records and are doctors, pharmacists, engineers, ICT workers • At other end, there is high unemployment for male teens/20s: 11.3% in 2007 as opposed to national average of 4.4% • Many women still exploited in sweatshops

8. Issues in the Community • With high unemployment has come an increase in crime and drugs – in 1990s became a major heroin distribution point • Murder of MP John Newman in 1995 by political rival • Gambling is seen as an issue: Buddhist belief in Qua Bo (repayment) may be at the heart, also struggling with loss of status from migration. • Alcohol also an issue: many older Vietnamese traumatised by experiences.

9. Employment

10. Housing • Owners without a mortgage: 30.4% • Owners with a mortgage: 43.6% • Renters from State Housing: 8.6% • Renters – others: 17.4%

11. Expenditure • Food & Non-alcoholic Beverages: $490 mil. • Housing: $340 mil. • Domestic Fuels and Power: $ 62 mil. • Alcoholic Beverages: $ 20 mil. • Tobacco Products: $ 16 mil. • Clothing & Footwear: $106 mil. • Household Furnishing & Equipment: $ 94 mil. • Medical Care: $ 57 mil. • Transport & Communication: $375 mil. • Recreation & Travel: $210 mil.

12. Current Status • Strong family values and connections. • Sensitive on community and political issues. • Remarkable achievements by 1.5 generation. • Highest citizenship take-up rate among migrant groups: 96.5% • Unemployment and detention rates still high. • 2006 Census: Almost 90% of second generation Vietnamese speak their language at home

13. Prominent Vietnamese Australians Anh & KhoaDo Luke Nguyen

14. Karen Nguyen, Gymnast for Australia • Caroline Tran, radio presenter

15. Rob Nguyen, Formula 3000 driver • Tan Le, Young Australian of the Year 1998

16. Sources • http://www.racismnoway.com.au/ • http://www.immi.gov.au/media/publications/statistics/federation/body2.pdf • http://dictionaryofsydney.org/entry/vietnamese • http://museumvictoria.com.au/origins/history.aspx?pid=97 • http://www.multiculturalaustralia.edu.au/history/viet.php • http://www.immi.gov.au/media/publications/statistics/comm-summ/_pdf/vietnam.pdf