Key facts
- There are 5 values questions on every citizenship test, and all 5 must be answered correctly to pass.
- Australian values are based on freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity.
- Under the Rule of Law, no person, group or religious rule is above the law.
- Freedoms of speech, association and religion all operate within the law.
Australian values questions test whether you understand the principles in Part 4 of Our Common Bond: the Rule of Law, parliamentary democracy, freedom of speech, association and religion, equality, a “fair go”, mutual respect, and English as the national language. There are 5 values questions on the test and you must answer all 5 correctly to pass, so these deserve more practice than any other topic.
For a longer, section-by-section explanation, see our Australian values guide.
Why are values questions so important?
Because the rule is all or nothing. You can score 19 out of 20 and still fail if the one question you missed was a values question. Treat 100% as your target in practice.
What are the Australian values?
| Value | What it means in one line |
|---|---|
| Rule of Law | Everyone must obey the law, and no person, group or religious rule is above it. |
| Parliamentary democracy | Laws are made by parliaments elected by the people. Voting is compulsory. |
| Freedom of speech | You can say and write what you think, within the law. Promoting violence is never acceptable. |
| Freedom of association | You can join or leave any legal group, and cannot be forced to join. |
| Freedom of religion | There is no official religion. You can follow any religion or none. Australian law prevails over religious law. |
| Equality under the law | Equal rights regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, race or origin. |
| A fair go | Success should come from hard work and talent, not wealth or background. |
| Mutual respect and tolerance | Listen to and respect other views. Violence, including verbal abuse, is illegal. Racism has no place. |
| Our community | Contribute, help people in need (mateship), and help keep society safe. |
| English as the national language | People living in Australia should make an effort to learn English. |
Practice questions
Should people in Australia make an effort to learn English?
Answer: Yes. English is the national language, and it helps people get an education, find a job and integrate into the community.
Can you encourage violence against a person or group if you have been insulted?
Answer: No. Promoting violence is against Australian values and the law.
Should people tolerate one another where they disagree?
Answer: Yes. Peaceful disagreement reflects the Australian value of mutual respect.
Are people free to follow any religion, or none?
Answer: Yes. Australia has no official national religion, and the government treats all citizens equally whatever their beliefs.
Is violence against a spouse or partner a crime?
Answer: Yes. Physical violence against a spouse or partner is never acceptable and is a criminal offence.
Who must vote in federal and state or territory elections?
Answer: Australian citizens aged 18 years or over. Voting is compulsory for them.
Can two men or two women marry each other in Australia?
Answer: Yes. Under Australian law, two people can marry each other, including two men or two women.
What are the common traps?
“Is it acceptable because it’s my culture or religion?” If the practice breaks Australian law, the answer is no. Australian law must be followed by everyone in Australia.
“Should a certain group have more or fewer rights?” No. Equality under the law applies to everyone.
“Can people criticise the government?” Yes. Freedom of speech includes criticising the government and protesting peacefully, as long as you obey the law.
“Is protest allowed?” Yes, if it is peaceful and does not injure anyone or damage property.
“Should I obey a lawful request from the police?” Yes. The lawful actions of the police should be supported.
How should you practise values questions?
- Read Part 4 of Our Common Bond twice.
- Work through the values guide.
- Practise values questions until you get every one right, several sessions in a row.
- Take mock tests. Values questions are labelled, so you can see how you’re tracking.
Rule of thumb: the right answer reflects equality, respect, peaceful behaviour and following Australian law.