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CitizenshipExam
Testable part 2 of 4

Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties

Quick answer

Part 2 covers what Australians believe about democracy and the freedoms and equalities they share. It also lists the four responsibilities of citizens: obey the law, vote, defend Australia and serve on a jury, and the privileges citizenship gives you.

Updated Based on Our Common Bond

What you need to know

  • The four democratic beliefs: parliamentary democracy, the Rule of Law, living peacefully and respect for all individuals
  • Freedom of speech and expression, association and religion, and their limits
  • What a secular government means
  • Gender equality and a ‘fair go’
  • The four responsibilities of Australian citizens
  • The privileges of citizenship, including the passport and consular help

What are Australia’s democratic beliefs?

At the citizenship ceremony you pledge to share Australia’s democratic beliefs. There are four.

  • Parliamentary democracy: government power comes from the people, who vote for representatives. Representatives answer to the people at elections.
  • The Rule of Law: everyone is equal under the law. No person, group or religious rule is above it, including government, community and religious leaders, business people and the police.
  • Living peacefully: change should come through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process. Violence is rejected as a way to change anyone’s mind or the law.
  • Respect for all individuals: everyone has rights and equality under the law regardless of race, country of origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, heritage, culture, politics, wealth or religion.

What do freedom of speech and freedom of expression allow?

Freedom of speech means people can say and write what they think and discuss ideas. You can criticise the government, protest peacefully and campaign to change laws. Freedom of expression covers views expressed through art, film, music and literature, and meeting in public or private for social or political discussion.

These freedoms always operate within the law, and you must respect other people’s freedom of speech and expression too.

What is freedom of association?

It is the right to form and join groups to pursue common goals, for example a political party, trade union, or religious, cultural or social group. People can also choose not to join and cannot be forced to.

People can gather to protest against a government action or an organisation, but protests must be peaceful and must not injure anyone or damage property.

What does freedom of religion mean in Australia?

Australia has a Judaeo-Christian heritage and public holidays on Christian days such as Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day, but people from all the large religions live here.

The government is secular: it operates separately from churches and other religious bodies. There is no official national religion. People may follow any religion, or none. Where Australian law and a religious practice conflict, Australian law prevails.

What equalities do Australians share?

Laws protect people from being treated differently because of their gender, race, disability or age. Men and women have equal rights, and it is against the law to discriminate against someone because of their gender.

Australians value equality of opportunity, a ‘fair go’. What someone achieves should come from their talents, work and effort rather than their wealth or background, so there are no formal class distinctions.

What are the responsibilities of Australian citizens?

As a citizen you must:

  • Obey the laws of Australia.
  • Vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum (a vote to change the Constitution). This applies to citizens aged 18 or over, and voting is compulsory. Voting in local government elections may not be compulsory in some states.
  • Defend Australia should the need arise. Serving 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 who are on the electoral roll can be called. A jury listens to evidence and decides if a person is guilty or not guilty.

What privileges does Australian citizenship give you?

As a citizen you can:

  • Vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum.
  • Apply for children born overseas to become Australian citizens by descent.
  • Apply for a job in the Australian Public Service (for example Services Australia or the ATO) or the Australian Defence Force.
  • Seek election to parliament, if you are 18 or over and not a dual citizen.
  • Apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely without a visa.
  • Ask for consular help from an Australian official overseas, such as at an embassy, high commission or consulate, for example in civil unrest, natural disasters, or to get an emergency passport. You must still obey the other country’s laws.

How do citizens take part in Australian society?

Australia encourages active citizenship: joining community organisations, volunteering, joining arts or cultural groups, and taking part in political life.

Paying tax is required by law. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) collects tax on income, and there are taxes on many goods and services. Taxes fund services such as healthcare, education, defence, roads and railways, and social security.

Key facts: Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties

  • Four democratic beliefs: parliamentary democracy, the Rule of Law, living peacefully, and respect for all individuals.
  • The government is secular and there is no official national religion. Australian law prevails over religious practice.
  • Protests are allowed if they are peaceful and do not injure people or damage property.
  • Responsibilities: obey the law, vote, defend Australia if needed, serve on a jury if called.
  • Voting is both a responsibility and a privilege for citizens aged 18 or over.
  • Dual citizens cannot seek election to parliament.
  • Citizens can re-enter Australia freely without a visa and can get consular help overseas.

Common confusions

Wrong answers on the test are often built from these mix-ups.

  • Not quiteFreedom of speech means you can say anything.

    ActuallyFreedom of speech must be used within the law and while respecting others’ freedom.

  • Not quiteA secular government means religion is discouraged.

    ActuallySecular means the government is separate from religion. People are free to follow any religion or none.

  • Not quiteServing in the Defence Force is compulsory.

    ActuallyService is voluntary. The responsibility is to defend Australia should the need arise.

  • Not quiteVoting is only a privilege.

    ActuallyVoting is both a responsibility and a privilege, and it is compulsory in federal and state or territory elections and referendums.

  • Not quiteAny citizen can stand for parliament.

    ActuallyYou must be 18 or over and not a dual citizen.

Knowledge check

Choose your answer, then open it to check.

Question 1

What is freedom of speech in Australia?

  1. Only politicians and journalists can express their opinions
  2. You can say anything you like, even if it breaks the law
  3. You can express opinions only if the government agrees
  4. You can express your opinions freely, but within the law
Show answer

Answer: D. You can express your opinions freely, but within the law

In Australia, you have the right to express your opinions freely, but this freedom is balanced with responsibilities and must be exercised within the law.

Source: Australia’s Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties
Question 2

What must people do at all times, even while engaging in religious practices?

  1. Keep their religion secret
  2. Ask the government for permission
  3. Obey the laws of Australia
  4. Pray in English
Show answer

Answer: C. Obey the laws of Australia

At all times, even while engaging in religious practices, the laws of Australia must be obeyed.

Source: Australia’s Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties
Question 3

Which of these is a responsibility of Australian citizenship?

  1. Obeying the laws of Australia
  2. Attending local council meetings
  3. Holding a current Australian passport
  4. Joining a political party
Show answer

Answer: A. Obeying the laws of Australia

The responsibilities of Australian citizens are to obey the laws of Australia, vote in elections and referendums, defend Australia should the need arise, and serve on a jury if called to do so.

Source: Australia’s Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties
Question 4

How does Our Common Bond describe serving in an Australian parliament?

  1. A way to be protected from the law
  2. A job for life that cannot be lost
  3. A role that is given out by the King
  4. An honour and a serious responsibility
Show answer

Answer: D. An honour and a serious responsibility

It is an honour and a serious responsibility to serve in an Australian parliament.

Source: Australia’s Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties

Revise with flashcards

Flip through democratic beliefs, rights & liberties facts in short sessions.

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Frequently asked questions

Which of these is an example of freedom of speech in Australia?

People can peacefully protest against a government action, criticise the government and campaign to change laws, as long as they obey the law.

What are the four responsibilities of Australian citizens?

Obey the laws of Australia; vote in federal and state or territory elections and referendums; defend Australia should the need arise; and serve on a jury if called.

Who can serve on a jury?

Australian citizens aged 18 or over who are on the electoral roll can be called for jury service.