You could be forgiven for thinking socialising and earning money are issues most important to young Australians, and while they are essential in life, what young people really value is safety, according to preliminary findings from a landmark national identity study being conducted by the University of Western Sydney.

The study is the first part of a large-scale research project that is designed to measure the national identity of over 10000 Australians, and to answer the question 'What does it mean to be Australian today?'

The ARC funded study has already surveyed 2500 young Australians aged 15-25 and early findings indicate that safety, mateship and democracy are the three most important Australian characteristics to young people.

Dr Genevieve Nelson from the Centre of Educational Research (CER) at UWS says preliminary findings suggest young Australians identify 'safety' as being the most 'Australian' and the most important concern in their lives.

"The concept of identity is fundamental to a diverse range of national interest issues including social cohesion, multiculturalism, defence, social reform, immigration and promoting industry," Dr Nelson says.

"The question 'What does it mean to be Australian?' raises issues of deep significance about our values, goals, loyalties, behaviours and our international image."

Survey participants were asked to compare a number of categories and rate them based on how 'Australian' the categories are, from their own and other's perspectives, and how important the categories are in their lives.

In addition to safety, mateship and democracy, some of the other categories are family, health, prosperity, education, diversity, academic factors, and lifestyle.

"Of the young people surveyed so far those who emphasised 'safety' as an Australian characteristic and those who perceived their own beliefs to be in line with other Australians' beliefs, had higher worth and pride in being Australian," Dr Nelson says.

"However young people that rated academic factors, diversity, and health as being important in their lives had lower feelings of patriotism, and young people who valued diversity, the environment and a 'fair go' were more likely to be altruistic."

These interesting results provide just a snapshot of the insight CER will gain at the conclusion of the study about the national and personal identity, worth and values of Australians today.