Between the years 1986 to 1991, Australia's Buddhist population increased by a massive 74%. This is a larger percentage growth than any other religion in Australia. Due largely to the decrease in immigration numbers in recent years, the percentage growth for Buddhists has decreased to 43% but the rate of increase in Buddhist numbers is still higher than that of any other religion. In New South Wales, Buddhists account for 1.4% of the population and show the highest percentage growth.

It is interesting to note that, of the eight Christian religions listed in our analysis for New South Wales, only three show an increase (Baptist, Catholic and Orthodox), whilst five (Anglican, Church of Christ, Lutheran, Presbyterian and Uniting Church) have decreased in numbers. The rate of growth for Christian churches has declined over the past five years. The numbers of Anglican adherents in New South Wales has dropped in line with the drop (2.9%) throughout Australia. The Catholic Church, having now overtaken the Anglicans as the largest Christian denomination in Australia, is showing a steady increase in numbers.

Buddhism, together with a number of other non-Christian religions, is disadvantaged in the census. Unlike the majority of Christian denominations, Buddhism is not listed as a box to check on the census form. Buddhists who wish to record their religious affiliation must enter this information in writing. As many non-Christians are not fluent in reading or writing English, there could have been a substantial under-count of the numbers of adherents to non-Christian religions such as Buddhism. 1,550,585 people throughout Australia did not state their religion on the 1996 census form. How many of these may have been Buddhists unable to indicate their religious adherence? Hopefully, the Australian Bureau of Statistics will show more awareness of Australia’s cultural diversity when preparing the 2001 census forms.