A recent international survey by Ipsos found that 72 per cent of Australians believe migrants who are citizens of Australia and speak English are "real" Australians.
SBS Gujarati asked Gujaratis about their opinion on the concept of "real" Australians.
Sima Patel, a permanent resident of Australia, said: "The migrants who left their country, settled here, help the community, follow all the government rules and regulations and pay their taxes really should be considered as a "real" Australian".
Sima Patel, a resident of Melbourne. Source: Sima Patel
According to the survey, 38 per cent said that the migrants who have not become citizens are also "real" Australians.
An index collected by Ipsos ranked Australia the fifth most inclusive country in the world, behind Canada, United States, South Africa and France.
"Just migrating from your country and settling in Australia cannot be considered as "real" Australian," says Nima Thakkar.
"The person has to accept, maintain and show respect to the culture of Australia, but sharing their homeland's culture with the diverse community can be "real" Australian".
The survey says only 42 per cent considered those with "extreme political views" to be a "real" Australian.
Nima Thakkar, a resident of Australia. Source: Nima Thakkar
But it also suggests 72 per cent believe migrants who are citizens with fluency in the English language are "real" Australians, but Gujaratis have a different opinion.
Jay Parikh, a student in Melbourne, said: "Language is not a barrier, but the person must know and use English.
Jay Parikh is an international student in Melbourne. Source: Jay Parikh
"Australia is a multicultural country and every person living here in this country, contributing and helping the community by means of paid or unpaid work, is a "real" Australian. They cannot be judged according to their nationality."
"I have seen many people who are citizens of Australia but give more importance to their homeland's culture, festivals and rituals," said Ruta Gupta, an international student at Swinburne University.
Ruta Gupta is a student in Swinburne University in Melbourne. Source: Ruta Gupta
"Those who have served in the armed forces and those helping community are "real" Australians", same as 80 per cent of the people that have been surveyed by Ipsos.
