Syrian refugees told to read this government book before being resettled in Australia

There are some cultural differences but it doesn't take people long to work them out 

Australians use tongs to handle food, do not blow their nose on to the footpath and say "yes please" if they would like a cup of tea, according to official guidelines on Australian behaviour Syrian refugees will be asked to read before being granted a visa.

The 'Life in Australia' document supplied by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection also includes a statement on the nation's values, which the 12,000 new arrivals must sign before being granted humanitarian entry.

The booklet, provided to all people seeking permanent residency, reveals the extent of cultural orientation refugees are expected to undergo as they settle in Australia.  

 

It explains the meaning of common slang that has bamboozled many a new arrival, including arvo, barbie, bloke, cuppa, ocker and BYO.

New residents are instructed on what it means to bring a plate, be feeling crook, shout a round or go for your life.

Refugees aged over 18 will be asked to sign a statement confirming their respect for concepts like the freedom and dignity of the individual, equality of men and women and the importance of English language as a "unifying element of Australian society".

They are told Australians value the precept of a fair go: that what someone achieves in life should be a product of their talents, work and effort rather than their birth or favouritism.

But that does not mean everybody has equal wealth or property and "the cost of houses and apartments … is relatively high, particularly in Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Canberra".

Settlement Services International humanitarian services manager David Keegan said refugees can find it difficult to find shops, recreation facilities and churches, and may also struggle with language, using transport and buying groceries.

"Understand[ing] how life works in Australia and the expectations of Australian residents are something that refugees are keen to learn more about," he said.

The guide says it is forbidden to kill animals on someone else's property and that "people who do not know each other generally do not kiss or hug when meeting".

Read more: sydneymorningherald  Illustration: Cathy Wilcox