The Vietnamese in Australia

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

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

Population Spread (2001)

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

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)

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

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.

Employment

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

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.

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

Prominent Vietnamese AustraliansAnh & Khoa DoLuke Nguyen

Karen Nguyen, Gymnast for Australia Caroline Tran, radio presenter

Rob Nguyen, Formula 3000 driver Tan Le, Young Australian of the Year

1998

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