Policy context

Country of birth is an important indicator of cultural diversity among children and young people in Australia. Children and young people who were born overseas may have different cultural, linguistic and migration experiences that influence their health, development, identity and wellbeing. Australia is one of the world's most culturally diverse countries, with approximately 9% of children in Australia aged 0–14 born overseas, and 39% having at least one parent who was born overseas¹ .

Some children and young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds may experience unique challenges related to settlement, language barriers, social inclusion and access to services1. These factors can influence the child’s developmental, educational and health outcomes²,³.

Monitoring the proportion of children and young people who were born outside Australia helps to understand the diversity of local communities and identify where culturally responsive services and supports may be needed. Country of birth data can help tailor services to the unique needs and risk factors of different populations, while also providing insights into educational needs and language proficiency.