Cultural diversity

Proficiency in English

About this topic

Proficiency in English records how well people say they speak English, with the question mainly relevant for people who use a language other than English at home. It is a self-assessed measure of spoken English rather than a formal test.

This topic helps identify where interpreting, translated information, and targeted service communication may be needed. It is most informative when read alongside language used at home, birthplace, and year of arrival.

Interpretation notes

  • ABS treats this as a self-assessed indicator of spoken English, not a formal test, so results should be interpreted with care.
  • The detailed English-proficiency categories mainly relate to people who use another language at home; people who speak English only are included as a separate category.

Key insight

In 2021, English only was the most common English-proficiency response among residents in Flinders (M) (Tas.), accounting for 90.1% (831 people). This share was higher than Regional Tas. (88.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in another language and English well or very well, which increased by 19 people and 2.1 percentage points.

Section overview

Proficiency in English

Flinders (M) (Tas.) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises proficiency in english for Flinders (M) (Tas.) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Tas. and change since 2016.

Proficiency in English change

Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.

2016
2021

Total Speaks English Only

-8

-2.5pp

Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Very Well Or Well

+19

+2.1pp

Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Not Well Or Not At All

0

0.0pp

Total Not Stated

+9

+0.9pp

Data table

Proficiency in English for Flinders (M) (Tas.). Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Tas..

Proficiency in English for Flinders (M) (Tas.). Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Tas..
Proficiency in English for Flinders (M) (Tas.). Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Tas..
Category20212016Change
Count%Regional Tas.%Count%Regional Tas.%Countpp
Total Speaks English Only83190.1%88.9%83992.6%89.8%-8-2.5pp
Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Very Well Or Well313.4%5.0%121.3%3.2%+19+2.1pp
Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Not Well Or Not At All00.0%0.6%00.0%0.6%00.0pp
Total Not Stated596.4%5.4%505.5%6.4%+9+0.9pp
Total922100.0%100.0%906100.0%100.0%+160.0pp