Concepts
Know every concept before the test
What each key Australian citizenship concept means and why it matters. Learn the values, government, symbols and history once and you can answer any question on the day.
Australian Values
Respect for the freedom and dignity of the individualRespect for the equal worth, dignity and freedom of the individual is one of the shared values listed in "Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond". It means every person is treated with respect regardless of their background, beliefs or circumstances.Freedom of speech and expressionFreedom of speech and expression lets people share their opinions, discuss ideas and debate openly, as long as it is done peacefully and within the law. It is one of the shared Australian values in the official handbook.Freedom of religion and secular governmentFreedom of religion means everyone in Australia is free to follow any religion they choose, or none at all, so long as they obey the law. Government in Australia is secular and treats all faiths equally.Equality of all people under the lawAustralians value equality of opportunity and the equal treatment of all people under the law, regardless of race, religion, sex, sexuality, age, disability or origin. Everyone has the same rights and the same protection of the law.A "fair go", mutual respect and compassionA "fair go" means everyone deserves the chance to succeed through their own hard work, not through their wealth or background. Alongside it Australians value mateship, mutual respect, tolerance, and compassion for those in need.Peaceful resolution of differences and democratic changeAustralians value the peaceful resolution of differences through discussion, the democratic process and the law. Changes to government and to laws are achieved through voting and lawful means, never through violence.Commitment to Australia and parliamentary democracyAmong the shared values in "Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond" is a commitment to Australia and support for its parliamentary democracy and the rule of law. New citizens pledge their loyalty to Australia and its people.English as the national languageEnglish is the national language of Australia. While Australians come from many backgrounds and speak hundreds of languages, English is a unifying element that helps people take part fully in Australian society.
Government & Democracy
Parliamentary democracyAustralia is a parliamentary democracy. Citizens vote to elect representatives to parliament, and those representatives make laws on the people's behalf. Power ultimately rests with the Australian people.The three levels of governmentAustralia has three levels of government: federal (national), state or territory, and local (councils). Each level has its own responsibilities, from defence and immigration to schools, hospitals, roads and rubbish collection.The Australian ConstitutionThe Australian Constitution is the set of rules by which Australia is governed. It came into effect on 1 January 1901 and can only be changed by a referendum in which a majority of voters in a majority of states agree.The Parliament: Senate and House of RepresentativesThe federal Parliament is made up of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. A proposed law (a bill) must be passed by both houses and receive Royal Assent before it becomes law.Constitutional monarchy and the Governor-GeneralAustralia is a constitutional monarchy, which means the King of Australia is the head of state but acts within the limits set by the Constitution. The King is represented in Australia by the Governor-General.The rule of lawThe rule of law means that all people, including those who govern, must obey the law. No one is above the law, and everyone is treated equally under it, with the same rights and protections.The Prime MinisterThe Prime Minister is the leader of the Australian Government. The Prime Minister is the leader of the political party, or coalition of parties, that has majority support in the House of Representatives.The courts and an independent judiciaryThe courts in Australia are independent of the government and the parliament. They apply the law fairly and equally to everyone. The High Court of Australia is the highest court and is the only court that can interpret the Constitution.Political parties and the OppositionPolitical parties are groups of people with shared ideas who work to get their members elected to parliament. The party or coalition with majority support forms government; the largest party not in government forms the Opposition.The secret ballotIn Australia people vote by secret ballot. This means voting is done in private and no one can find out how you voted unless you choose to tell them. It protects voters from pressure and keeps elections fair.
National Symbols
The Australian National FlagThe Australian National Flag has three elements: the Union Jack in the top corner, the Commonwealth Star beneath it, and the Southern Cross. Each part reflects part of Australia's history and place in the world.The Australian Aboriginal FlagThe Australian Aboriginal Flag was designed by Harold Thomas and is an official flag of Australia. Its black top half represents the Aboriginal people, the red bottom half the land, and the yellow circle the sun.The Torres Strait Islander FlagThe Torres Strait Islander Flag represents the peoples of the Torres Strait. It features green panels for the land, blue for the sea, black lines for the people, a white dhari (headdress) and a five-pointed star.The Commonwealth Coat of ArmsThe Commonwealth Coat of Arms is the official symbol of the Commonwealth of Australia. It features a kangaroo and an emu supporting a shield with the badges of the six states, set against a background of golden wattle.The national anthem: Advance Australia Fair"Advance Australia Fair" is the national anthem of Australia. It is sung at official and community events. In 2021 the first verse was changed from "for we are young and free" to "for we are one and free".The golden wattle: national floral emblemThe golden wattle is Australia's national floral emblem. From it come Australia's national colours, green and gold, which are worn by Australian sporting teams. Wattle blooms widely across the country in spring.The Southern CrossThe Southern Cross is a constellation of stars that can be seen in the night sky of the southern hemisphere. It appears on the Australian National Flag and has long been used in Australia as a symbol of the land and to navigate by.
History & Heritage
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoplesAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the first peoples of Australia and have one of the world's oldest continuous living cultures. They have lived on this land for tens of thousands of years.Federation in 1901Federation is when the six separate British colonies in Australia joined together to form one nation. This happened on 1 January 1901, when the Commonwealth of Australia came into being and the Constitution took effect.Migration and multicultural AustraliaSince 1788, and especially after the Second World War, people have migrated to Australia from all over the world. Today Australia is one of the most culturally diverse nations on Earth, and this diversity is a source of national pride.ANZAC Day and the ANZAC spiritANZAC Day, on 25 April, honours the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who landed at Gallipoli in 1915, and all Australians who have served and died in wars and peacekeeping operations.Australia Day, 26 JanuaryAustralia Day is celebrated on 26 January. It marks the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove (Port Jackson) in 1788. Today it is a national public holiday and the day on which many citizenship ceremonies are held.The Eureka Stockade, 1854The Eureka Stockade was a rebellion by gold miners at Ballarat, Victoria, in 1854. The miners protested against mining licence fees and a lack of political rights. It is often seen as an early milestone in the growth of Australian democracy.
Citizenship Responsibilities
Voting in electionsVoting is both a right and a responsibility of Australian citizenship. It is compulsory for all citizens aged 18 and over to enrol and to vote in federal and state or territory elections and in referendums.Jury service and defending AustraliaAs well as obeying the law, Australian citizens have responsibilities that include serving on a jury if called, and defending Australia should the need arise. These duties help keep society fair and safe.Rights and responsibilities of citizensAustralian citizenship brings both privileges and responsibilities. Citizens can vote, stand for parliament, apply for an Australian passport, and seek help from an Australian official overseas — and in return they accept shared responsibilities.The Australian Citizenship PledgeAt a citizenship ceremony, new citizens make the Australian Citizenship Pledge. In it they pledge loyalty to Australia and its people, promise to respect its rights and liberties, and to uphold and obey its laws.Enrolling to voteAustralian citizens aged 18 and over are required to enrol on the electoral roll. Enrolling to vote is a responsibility of citizenship and the first step before taking part in elections, which are compulsory.