The future of European languages in Australia

Australia is a migrant country, with the arrival of Anglo-European migrants dating from the 18th century. Up to the 1980s, Australian migration was Anglo- and Euro-centric. The change in Australia’s immigration policy over the last thirty years from a focus on family reunion to skills-based migration has resulted in the intake of a much more diverse migration population. The fastest growing demographic groups are of Asian heritage. Migrants bring languages. Though Australia does not have an official language policy, English is the common language. This paper examines the changes in Australia’s immigration policy and population to reflect on the future of European languages. Using Greater Sydney as a case study, this paper discusses how the changes in population have impacted languages education and public language service provision. Also discussed is where European languages are situated in a fast-changing Australia.