The supporters are native Australian fauna - a kangaroo and an emu. A yellow-flowered native plant, wattle, also appears in the design. Phillip formally took possession of the eastern part of the continent for England and established a settlement, now Australia s largest city, Sydney. Air travel and the great variety of Australia s attractions are combining to bring more international tourists to Australia every year. Overseas tourists are drawn by Australia s sunshine, sandy beaches, the vast outback, rainforests, the Great Barrier Reef, unique flora and fauna, the Gold Coast of Queensland, and the attractions of the cities, Australia s friendly, multicultural society, and the safe and welcoming environment.
Tourism is one of Australia s largest and fastest-growing industries.
In 1992, 2.6 million international tourists visited Australia, a quarter of them from Japan and another quarter from other countries of East Asia. Australian workers have achieved one of the lowest rates of industrial disputation in OECD countries. In 1992, the level of industrial disputes was the lowest for 50 years. Wage restraint has delivered real unit labour costs almost eight per cent lower than 10 years ago. Moderate wage outcomes have also been a major factor in achieving low inflation.