There's no denying that religion plays an important role in the lives of people worldwide, both ancient and modern. Today, more than 80% of the world's population identifies with a religious group. Though religion may be less visible in Australia than in some other countries, it still carries much importance. In this article, we give you a brief overview of religion in Australia and why understanding it matters for your organisation.
What's the relationship between religion and politics in Australia?
Australia is a secular country, with a high degree of religious freedom and religious diversity. It does not have the strong public religious rhetoric found in other English-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom or America, where Christianity is often strongly linked to national identity. The principle of religious freedom is enshrined in section 116 of the Australian Constitution.
In terms of legislation, all states and territories except New South Wales and South Australia currently prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion. On the federal level, discrimination on the basis of religion alone is generally not unlawful under current federal anti-discrimination law.
There are some cases where people's religious affiliations may be protected by the definition of 'ethnic origin' in the Racial Discrimination Act (1975), such as for Jewish and Sikh people whose affiliation is considered ethno-religious. However, other religious groups such as Muslims and Christians — which do not constitute a single ethnic origin — are not protected by that Act.
Although religious groups are maintained as separate entities from the state, religious institutions continue to play a large role in Australian society. Many primary and secondary schools, hospitals, aged-care facilities and charity organisations are owned and funded by religious organisations.
How many Australians are religious?
The 2021 census recorded over 100 different religious affiliations. Australia remains a predominantly religious country. Just over half of Australians (approximately 52.1%) identified as Christian, making Christianity the largest affiliated religion — though the term 'Christian' covers a diverse group affiliated with a variety of churches and denominations. The largest Christian denominations identified in the census were the Catholic Church (20.0%) and the Anglican Church (9.8%).
Historically, there has always been a degree of religious diversity in Australia. However, it wasn't until the abolition of the White Australia Policy in the 1970s that non-European communities were able to significantly establish and grow. Since then, the country has seen a growing diversity of non-Christian religions, now numbering over 1.9 million people. Of those identifying with a religion other than Christianity:
- Islam — 3.2%
- Hinduism — 2.7%
- Buddhism — 2.4%
- Sikhism — 0.8%
- Judaism — 0.4%
What are the fastest-growing religions in Australia?
Christianity has been the most dominant religion in Australia since its introduction by British settlers during colonisation. Nonetheless, there has been a considerable decline over the last few decades — from 74% in 1991 to 52% in 2021. Some of the fastest-growing religions in Australia today are Islam and Hinduism, driven in part by migration. The religion with the highest proportional growth since the 2016 census was Yezidi.
At the same time, Australians are becoming less religiously affiliated. The category of 'no religion' is currently the fastest-growing religious category in the census, increasing to 38.9% in 2021 from 22.3% in 2011. This category includes atheist, agnostic, and other spiritual identities. The choice of having no religious affiliation is most common among young Australians between the ages of 18 and 34.
Religion in Australian workplaces
Australians are a diverse group when it comes to beliefs and worldviews. In the past, common advice suggested that religion should never be discussed at work. However, religion is often an important part of a person's identity, their views about the world, and the way they express and present themselves.
With ongoing migration and constant social change, religion will continue to play an important role in how people interact with one another. Workplaces that approach religious diversity in an accommodating manner are more likely to have higher retention and loyalty of staff. Companies responsive to religious diversity are also better positioned to prevent religious discrimination and harassment, minimising legal exposure and risk.
Organisations equipped with practical and thorough information on religious diversity will be better able to accommodate and adapt — for staff, clients, and communities alike.