Abstract: In the 1980s, based on the concept of multilingual education and multiculturalism, Australia produced its national language policy and became the first among English-speaking countries to have such a policy. Since then, Australia has adopted a series of policies to protect and maintain aboriginal languages. In the 21^st century, however, under the pressure of globalization, the Australian administration has strengthened English education both at home and abroad. While continuing supporting their languages, the government also wants Australian aboriginals to improve their English. Due to the policy adjustment, many aboriginals have shifted to the dominant language, i.e., English, and consequently this shift has caused the death of aboriginal languages at a more rapid rate. Despite many differences, there are similarities between Australia and China in terms of language issues in a multiethnic and multilingual country. Both of these two countries have one dominate common language-English in Australia and Putonghua in China; both of them have many dialects and minority languages. The challenges that Australia faces in terms of aboriginal language protection are also problems that China and many nations in the world face.

Key words: Australia, rights of indigenous peoples, national policy on languages, protection of indigenous languages