Australia officially recognizes Syriac as distinct ethnic and cultural group in national statistics

CANBERRA — The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has officially recognized Syriac as a distinct ethnic and cultural group. Following its 2025 review, the ABS has included Syriac in the Australian Standard Classification of Cultural and Ethnic Groups (ASCCEG) under code 4917.

“This recognition is more than just a statistical entry — it is an official acknowledgment of our identity, our Syriac language, our rich culture, and our ancient history that spans thousands of years,” stated the Socio-Cultural Syriac Association, the group that initiated the recognition request.

Syriacs in Australia

Prior to this development, the ABS had already recognized Mandaean (4912), Assyrian (4908), and Chaldean (4911) as distinct ethnic and cultural groups. Their respective languages were categorized as Mandaean, Assyrian Neo-Aramaic, and Chaldean Neo-Aramaic.

In 2011, the ABS removed the general “Assyrian” language classification, which had previously encompassed multiple Neo-Aramaic languages, including Assyrian Neo-Aramaic, Chaldean Neo-Aramaic, and Mandaean. With the official recognition of Syriac as a cultural identity, its corresponding language will also be added to the language classifications.

Census Data and Religious Affiliations

According to the 2021 Australian census, 38,534 people reported speaking Assyrian Neo-Aramaic (up from 28,349 in 2016) and 21,684 reported speaking Chaldean Neo-Aramaic (up from 17,172 in 2016).

Australian census religious affiliation:

• Syriac Maronites: 47,014
• Melkite Catholics: 3,086
• Chaldean Catholics: 14,103
• Syriac Orthodox: 13,089
• Assyrian Apostolic: 2,172
• Assyrian Church of the East: 15,459
• Ancient Church of the East: 1,495
• Mandaeans: 9,178

These figures highlight the diversity and cultural significance of Neo-Aramaic-speaking communities in Australia.

About the ASCCEG

The Australian Standard Classification of Cultural and Ethnic Groups (ASCCEG) is the national statistical standard used to classify ancestry data based on geographic origin and cultural similarity. It was developed by the ABS to assist in the collection, aggregation, and dissemination of information related to Australia’s cultural diversity.

The inclusion of Syriac in the ASCCEG reflects the growing recognition of Australia’s rich multicultural fabric and affirms the presence of the Syriac community as a vital part of the national tapestry.