Key facts
- Australian citizens have four responsibilities: obey the law, vote, defend Australia should the need arise, and serve on a jury if called.
- Privileges include voting, an Australian passport, seeking election to parliament and consular help overseas.
- Voting is both a responsibility and a privilege, and is compulsory for citizens aged 18 or over.
- Only citizens aged 18 or over who are not dual citizens can seek election to parliament.
Australian citizens have four responsibilities: obey the laws of Australia; vote in federal and state or territory elections and in referendums; defend Australia should the need arise; and serve on a jury if called to do so. Citizenship also brings six privileges, including voting, applying for an Australian passport, and seeking election to parliament. Both lists are in Part 2 of Our Common Bond and often appear on the test.
What are the responsibilities of Australian citizens?
| Responsibility | What it means |
|---|---|
| Obey the laws of Australia | All citizens, and everyone else in Australia, must obey Australian laws. |
| Vote in elections and referendums | Compulsory for citizens aged 18 or over in federal and state or territory elections and referendums. Local government voting may not be compulsory in some states. |
| Defend Australia should the need arise | Service in the Australian Defence Force is voluntary, but citizens should be committed to defending the nation if necessary. |
| Serve on a jury if called | Citizens aged 18 or over on the electoral roll can be called for jury service. |
What are the privileges of Australian citizenship?
As an Australian citizen you can:
- Vote in federal and state or territory elections and in referendums.
- Apply for children born overseas to become Australian citizens by descent.
- Apply for a job in the Australian Public Service or the Australian Defence Force.
- Seek election to parliament, if you are aged 18 or over and not a dual citizen.
- Apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely, without a visa.
- Ask for consular assistance from an Australian official while overseas, for example in emergencies such as civil unrest or natural disasters.
Why is voting on both lists?
Voting is a responsibility because it’s compulsory. If you don’t vote and don’t have a good reason, you may have to pay a fine. It is also a privilege, because only citizens can vote in federal and state or territory elections.
What else do citizens contribute?
The booklet also encourages everyone to take part in society, for example by joining community groups, volunteering or taking part in political life. Paying tax is required by law and funds services such as healthcare, education, defence, roads and social security.
What trips people up?
- Having a passport is not a responsibility. Applying for one is a privilege.
- Attending council meetings is not a responsibility.
- Jury service is for citizens aged 18 or over, if called.
- Dual citizens cannot seek election to parliament.
Quick self-check
- Is serving on a jury a responsibility or a privilege? A responsibility, if you are called.
- Is applying for an Australian passport a responsibility or a privilege? A privilege.
- Who can seek election to parliament? Citizens aged 18 or over who are not dual citizens.
- Is service in the Australian Defence Force compulsory? No, it is voluntary. Defending Australia should the need arise is a responsibility.
Practise responsibilities questions, or see the full study guide.