This guide is for people preparing for the Australian Citizenship Test in English. It explains the four testable subject areas in Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, moving from national foundations to civic decisions. Each concept includes an original example and a specific mistake to avoid. Use it alongside the Home Affairs booklet to connect facts about Australia with the responsibilities, freedoms and values they support.
Australia's people, history and places
1. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are Australia's first inhabitants. Aboriginal peoples historically come from mainland Australia and Tasmania; Torres Strait Islander peoples come from the islands between northern Queensland and Papua New Guinea. Their cultures are diverse, with enduring connections to land expressed through traditions, stories, art and dance. These cultures are central to Australia's national identity.
Worked example: A display describes a community from islands between Queensland and Papua New Guinea. Identifying its heritage as Torres Strait Islander correctly connects the community with its geographical origins.
Mistake to avoid: Treating all Indigenous Australians as one community with identical traditions.
2. The First Fleet and European settlement
European settlement began with the arrival of the First Fleet from Great Britain on 26 January 1788. Its 11 ships brought convicts to establish the colony of New South Wales. Britain used transportation partly because its prisons were overcrowded. Captain Arthur Phillip became the colony's first Governor. This event concerns European settlement; Australia's Indigenous history began far earlier.
Worked example: A timeline places the First Fleet in 1788 and describes Arthur Phillip as the first Governor of New South Wales. Both entries correctly identify the beginning of the British colony.
Mistake to avoid: Calling 1788 the beginning of all human settlement in Australia.
3. The gold rush and population change
Gold discoveries in New South Wales and Victoria started a gold rush in 1851. People arrived from many parts of the world seeking opportunities, and Australia's population more than doubled over the following decade. Chinese arrivals formed the first large migrant group from outside Europe. The gold rush therefore helps explain both rapid population growth and increasing cultural diversity.
Worked example: A museum links Chinese migration in the 1850s with gold discoveries in Victoria. That connection explains how an economic opportunity contributed to a more diverse population.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming that all major nineteenth-century migrant groups came from Britain or Ireland.
4. Migration after World War II
After World War II, displacement in Europe contributed to a substantial wave of non-British migration to Australia. Later migration and refugee programs brought people from across the world. Reasons included joining family, establishing a new life and escaping war or persecution. Australia's population developed through several migration periods, rather than through one continuous pattern of arrivals from a single region.
Worked example: One family arrived from Europe after the war; another later arrived to reunite with relatives. Both histories fit the different migration pathways described in Our Common Bond.
Mistake to avoid: Explaining every migrant's arrival as having the same cause.
5. Why the colonies federated
Before federation, six British colonies governed themselves separately. Different arrangements for defence, trade, transport and law enforcement created practical difficulties. A growing shared Australian identity also encouraged union. On 1 January 1901, the colonies formed the Commonwealth of Australia as a federation of states. Federation united them nationally while preserving a role for state government.
Worked example: A historical account describes costly trade between colonies and weak separate defence systems. These are reasons people supported federation, which took effect in 1901.
Mistake to avoid: Confusing federation in 1901 with the First Fleet's arrival in 1788.
6. The 1967 referendum and population counting
The 1967 referendum removed the constitutional exclusion of Aboriginal people from official population reckoning. Aboriginal people had already been enumerated in censuses before 1967, but were excluded from official population estimates. The booklet's description of allowing people to be counted in the Census needs this distinction: the change concerned inclusion in official population totals, rather than permission to enumerate people for the first time.
Worked example: A historical record lists Aboriginal people in a census before 1967. This is consistent with their later inclusion in official population totals following the referendum.
Mistake to avoid: Claiming Aboriginal people were first enumerated in a census after 1967.
Source: Home Affairs Our Common Bond testable resource; ABS Census Dictionary: Indigenous Status (2011 historical explanation)
7. The six states and their capitals
Australia has six states: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. Their capitals are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Hobart respectively. Recognise each state and capital as a pair. Canberra is the national capital, so it should not replace any of these six state capitals when identifying Australia's political geography.
Worked example: An itinerary visits the capitals of Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. The correct city sequence is Perth, Adelaide and Hobart.
Mistake to avoid: Calling Sydney the national capital because it is the capital of New South Wales.
8. The two mainland territories
The two mainland territories covered in the booklet are the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. Canberra is the capital of the Australian Capital Territory and of Australia. Darwin is the Northern Territory's capital. Canberra contains national institutions including Parliament House and the High Court of Australia. Distinguish these territories from the six states.
Worked example: A visitor wants to see the national Parliament House and then travel to the Northern Territory's capital. The destinations are Canberra followed by Darwin.
Mistake to avoid: Treating the Australian Capital Territory as a state or assuming Darwin is Australia's capital.
9. Recognising states through geography
Geographical distinctions help separate similarly described places. Western Australia is the largest state, while Queensland is the second largest and has the Great Barrier Reef along its eastern coast. Victoria is the smallest mainland state. Tasmania is the smallest state overall and is separated from the mainland by Bass Strait. The word mainland changes which comparison is correct.
Worked example: A description asks for the smallest state on the mainland. Victoria fits; Tasmania does not, because Tasmania is an island state across Bass Strait.
Mistake to avoid: Using 'smallest state' and 'smallest mainland state' as interchangeable descriptions.
10. Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country
A Welcome to Country is delivered by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian of the local region to welcome visitors to traditional land. It can involve speech, song, dance or other cultural forms. An Acknowledgement of Country recognises Traditional Custodians and pays respect, including to Elders past and present. Anyone can deliver an Acknowledgement of Country.
Worked example: A meeting organiser who is not a local Traditional Custodian gives an Acknowledgement of Country. A local custodian separately delivers the Welcome to Country.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming anyone who chairs an event can deliver a Welcome to Country.
11. Australia Day and Anzac Day
Australia Day falls on 26 January and marks the anniversary of the First Fleet's arrival in 1788. It includes reflection on Australia's history and contributions to national life. Anzac Day falls on 25 April, the anniversary of the 1915 Gallipoli landing by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Its remembrance extends to Australians who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping.
Worked example: A solemn ceremony on 25 April honours Australians involved in peacekeeping as well as wartime service. That broader remembrance fits Anzac Day.
Mistake to avoid: Restricting Anzac Day's meaning to the Gallipoli campaign alone.
National flags and symbols
12. Reading the Australian National Flag
The Australian National Flag combines the Union Jack, Commonwealth Star and Southern Cross. The Union Jack represents British settlement and inherited laws and institutions. The seven-pointed Commonwealth Star represents the six states, with one additional point for the territories collectively. The Southern Cross is a group of stars visible in the southern sky. Each element therefore conveys a different connection.
Worked example: Someone counts seven points on the Commonwealth Star and concludes there are seven states. The correct interpretation is six states plus one point representing the territories.
Mistake to avoid: Assigning a separate Commonwealth Star point to each mainland territory.
13. Distinguishing the two Indigenous flags
The Australian Aboriginal Flag uses black for Aboriginal peoples, red for the earth and yellow for the sun. The Torres Strait Islander Flag uses green for land, blue for sea and black for Torres Strait Islander people. Its white dancer's headdress represents Torres Strait Islanders; the star's points represent island groups, and white symbolises peace. Both flags are officially recognised.
Worked example: A flag has a yellow circle between black and red fields. It is the Australian Aboriginal Flag, and the circle represents the sun.
Mistake to avoid: Transferring the Aboriginal Flag's colour meanings to the Torres Strait Islander Flag.
14. The Commonwealth Coat of Arms
The Commonwealth Coat of Arms is the official symbol of the Commonwealth of Australia. It represents national unity and identifies Commonwealth authority and property. Its central shield represents the six states and federation. A kangaroo and an emu support the shield, a gold Commonwealth Star appears above it, and golden wattle forms the background. Recognise the complete arrangement and its purpose.
Worked example: An emblem shows a state shield supported by a kangaroo and an emu. Identifying it as the Commonwealth Coat of Arms connects the image with Commonwealth authority.
Mistake to avoid: Confusing the Coat of Arms with a state flag or a decorative wildlife illustration.
15. Matching national symbols to their roles
Australia's national flower is the golden wattle, and the national colours are green and gold, reflecting its leaves and flowers. The national gemstone is the opal. The national anthem is Advance Australia Fair, sung at occasions including citizenship ceremonies and major sporting events. These symbols serve different roles, so recognise the category as well as the name.
Worked example: A display needs labels for a golden wattle branch, an opal and Advance Australia Fair. The correct labels are national flower, national gemstone and national anthem.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming the national colours must be the blue, white and red of the National Flag.
Democratic beliefs and freedoms
16. Parliamentary democracy and accountability
Australia is a parliamentary democracy. Citizens elect representatives to parliament, and government power comes from the Australian people. Representatives must answer to voters through elections for the decisions they make. This connects public authority with electoral accountability: citizens participate by choosing representatives, while those representatives debate and decide matters within the parliamentary system.
Worked example: A voter disagrees with a representative's decisions and supports another candidate at the next election. This uses electoral accountability to influence who represents the community.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming elected representatives hold authority without having to answer to voters.
17. The Rule of Law
The Rule of Law means everyone is subject to Australian law. Political leaders, police, business leaders and religious leaders must obey it just as other people must. No person's position, wealth or group membership puts them above the law. This principle concerns the limits on power as well as the obligations of individuals throughout the community.
Worked example: A community leader claims that an important position permits ignoring a law. The claim conflicts with the Rule of Law because leadership provides no exemption.
Mistake to avoid: Thinking the law binds ordinary residents but can be set aside by influential people.
18. Peaceful democratic change
Australian democratic beliefs support change through discussion, peaceful persuasion and democratic processes. People may disagree strongly with a policy and work to change it. Violence is rejected as a way to change another person's mind or the law. A protest must remain lawful and peaceful, without injuring people or damaging property, even when participants regard their cause as urgent.
Worked example: Residents oppose a development policy and hold a peaceful gathering explaining their objections. This is consistent with democratic change; damaging nearby property would not be.
Mistake to avoid: Treating agreement with a protest's purpose as permission for violence or property damage.
19. Freedom of speech and expression
Freedom of speech allows people to discuss ideas and say or write what they think within Australian law. Freedom of expression also covers forms such as art, music, film and literature. Criticism of government is permitted, and lawful expression by others must be respected. These freedoms do not authorise promoting violence against a person or group.
Worked example: An artist creates a lawful song criticising a government decision. Disliking its message does not remove the artist's freedom to express that political view.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming freedom of expression protects calls for violence against people with opposing views.
20. Freedom of association
Freedom of association allows people to form or join lawful organisations pursuing shared goals. Examples include political parties, trade unions and religious, cultural or social groups. Joining is voluntary: people can choose not to join, and they should not be compelled to join or forced to leave. The freedom applies within the law, including when groups organise public activities.
Worked example: A worker is invited to join a lawful community association but declines. Respecting that decision is part of freedom of association, just as respecting another person's decision to join is.
Mistake to avoid: Recognising the freedom to join while denying the freedom to refuse.
21. Religious freedom and secular government
Australia has no official national religion. People may practise a religion or choose none, and government operates separately from religious institutions. Citizens should receive equal treatment regardless of belief. Religious practice remains subject to Australian law; where the two conflict, Australian law prevails. Religious freedom therefore protects choice without creating a separate exemption from the legal system.
Worked example: Two neighbours follow different religions, while a third follows none. All are entitled to equal treatment; none can use belief as a reason to disregard Australian law.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming secular government requires individuals to abandon religious beliefs.
22. Gender equality
Men and women have equal rights in Australia, including equal access to education and employment and equal treatment in courts. Discrimination because of gender is against the law. Gender does not determine whose ambitions matter or who may take part in public life. Decisions about employment should recognise relevant qualifications and skills rather than assume one gender deserves preference.
Worked example: A qualified woman and a less-qualified man apply for the same role. Choosing the woman because her skills better match the job is consistent with gender equality.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming a man should receive priority simply because he is a man.
23. Equality of opportunity and a fair go
A fair go means people should have an equal opportunity to pursue success regardless of background. The booklet connects achievement with talent, work and effort rather than inherited wealth or social class. In employment, relevant skills and experience should guide selection. Equal opportunity concerns access and fair treatment; it does not mean that background should determine who deserves a position.
Worked example: An applicant from a modest background has the strongest relevant experience. Selecting that applicant over a wealthier but less-suitable candidate reflects a fair go.
Mistake to avoid: Using family wealth, ethnicity or social connections as a substitute for relevant ability.
Citizenship responsibilities and privileges
24. Enrolment and compulsory voting
Australian citizens aged 18 or over must enrol and vote in federal and state or territory elections and constitutional referendums. Correct enrolment is necessary to vote. Voting is both a responsibility and a privilege because it gives citizens a say in government. Local government rules need separate attention: the booklet notes that voting in local elections is not compulsory in some states.
Worked example: A citizen turns 18 and assumes voting is optional because a local election elsewhere was voluntary. Federal enrolment and voting obligations still apply.
Mistake to avoid: Extending an exception for some local elections to federal elections or constitutional referendums.
25. Jury service and the jury's task
Jury service, when called, is a responsibility of Australian citizens aged 18 or over. Citizens on the electoral roll can be selected. Some court cases use a jury to consider evidence and decide guilt. The judge explains the law; in a criminal trial where a jury finds the accused guilty, the judge decides the penalty. Jury service brings community participation into the court system.
Worked example: A jury returns a guilty verdict after considering the evidence. Choosing the punishment is then the judge's responsibility.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming the jury both determines guilt and sets the sentence.
26. Defence responsibility and voluntary service
Citizenship includes a responsibility to defend Australia should the need arise. Our Common Bond separately states that service in the Australian Defence Force is voluntary. Keep the general civic responsibility distinct from the ordinary basis of military service. The booklet describes a commitment to join together to protect Australia and its way of life if necessary.
Worked example: A new citizen asks whether citizenship automatically requires joining the Army. The booklet says Defence Force service is voluntary, while retaining the broader responsibility to defend Australia if needed.
Mistake to avoid: Turning the responsibility to defend Australia into a claim that every citizen must enlist.
27. Passports, return to Australia and overseas help
Australian citizens may apply for an Australian passport and return to Australia without a visa. While overseas, they may ask Australian officials for consular assistance, including help during emergencies and advice after serious illness or accidents. These privileges do not remove the obligation to obey the destination country's laws. Asking for assistance is different from being exempt from local legal requirements.
Worked example: An Australian overseas loses a passport during a natural disaster. Seeking assistance from an Australian official fits the consular role described in the booklet.
Mistake to avoid: Believing an Australian passport allows its holder to disregard another country's laws.
28. Citizenship privileges that involve applications
Citizenship permits applications for children born overseas to become citizens by descent. It also brings the privilege of applying for work in the Australian Public Service and the Australian Defence Force. Notice the action specified: a citizen can apply. The booklet's statement of an application privilege should not be turned into a claim that a job or citizenship outcome is automatically granted.
Worked example: An Australian parent has a child overseas. The supported conclusion is that the parent can apply for citizenship by descent for the child.
Mistake to avoid: Replacing 'can apply' with a guarantee of automatic approval or appointment.
29. Tax and shared public services
Paying tax is a legal obligation and a contribution to the community. The Australian Taxation Office administers the tax system, including tax connected with income from work, business and investments. Taxes also apply to many goods and services. Revenue supports services such as healthcare, education, defence, transport infrastructure and social security. State, territory and local governments also collect taxes.
Worked example: A person says only wages are relevant to taxation. The booklet also identifies business and investment income, so that understanding leaves out other sources.
Mistake to avoid: Treating tax as a voluntary donation or assuming only the federal government collects it.
30. What the citizenship pledge commits you to
The Australian Citizenship Pledge is a public commitment to Australia and its people. It includes sharing democratic beliefs, respecting rights and liberties, and upholding and obeying Australian laws. A person may choose whether to include the words 'under God'. The commitment is therefore civic and continuing, while allowing personal choice about religious wording.
Worked example: A person makes the pledge without the optional religious words. The commitments to Australia, democratic beliefs, rights and laws remain the same.
Mistake to avoid: Thinking religious wording is compulsory or that omitting it changes the civic responsibilities accepted.
How Australian government works
31. The Australian Constitution
The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900, called the Australian Constitution, sets out the basic rules of national government. It took effect on 1 January 1901. It established the Commonwealth Parliament, including the House of Representatives and Senate, and the High Court of Australia. The Constitution provides the framework within which these institutions exercise their powers.
Worked example: A learner wants the document establishing Australia's national parliamentary structure. The Constitution is the relevant document, rather than a political party's election policy.
Mistake to avoid: Treating the Constitution as an ordinary statement of whichever government's current preferences happen to be.
32. The referendum double majority
A constitutional referendum asks voters to approve a proposed change to the Australian Constitution. Approval requires a double majority: a majority of voters nationally and a majority of voters in a majority of states. With six states, a majority of states means at least four. Meeting only the national requirement is insufficient, even when the national Yes vote exceeds half.
Worked example: A proposal receives 54 per cent Yes nationally but wins in only three states. It fails because three out of six is not a majority of states.
Mistake to avoid: Counting a national majority alone as enough to change the Constitution.
33. Legislative, executive and judicial powers
The Constitution divides government power into three functions. Legislative power makes and changes laws through parliament. Executive power puts laws into practice through institutions including ministers and government departments. Judicial power interprets and applies laws through courts and judges. Dividing these functions helps prevent one person or group from controlling all government power.
Worked example: Parliament passes a law, a department administers it, and a court interprets it in a case. These actions illustrate legislative, executive and judicial functions respectively.
Mistake to avoid: Assigning the power to determine court cases to a minister because the minister administers related policy.
34. Constitutional monarchy and the Head of State
Australia is a constitutional monarchy. The supplied booklet identifies His Majesty King Charles III, the King of Australia, as Head of State. The monarch's powers are constrained by the Constitution, and the Governor-General represents the monarch in Australia. The Prime Minister leads the Australian Government. Distinguish the Head of State from the person leading day-to-day national government.
Worked example: A description asks for the leader of the Australian Government. The answer is the Prime Minister; a question about the Head of State has a different answer.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming the Head of State and the Prime Minister are the same office.
35. The Governor-General's role
The Governor-General represents the Head of State and must remain politically neutral. Duties include giving Royal Assent to Bills, approving appointments, performing ceremonial functions, starting the federal election process and serving as Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force. The booklet also identifies reserve powers, which apply only in specific circumstances. These duties are distinct from leading a political party.
Worked example: A Bill has passed both parliamentary Houses and is presented for Royal Assent. Signing it into law is a role of the Governor-General.
Mistake to avoid: Treating the Governor-General as a party leader or assuming reserve powers are unrestricted.
36. The House of Representatives
The House of Representatives is also called the Lower House or People's House. Australia is divided into federal electorates, and members represent the people in those electorates. Representation across states and territories is based on population. Members consider and vote on proposed laws and discuss national issues. Understanding electorate representation distinguishes this House from the Senate's state and territory representation.
Worked example: A resident identifies the federal member representing their electorate. That member sits in the House of Representatives and represents people from the local electoral division.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming every state has an equal number of House of Representatives members regardless of population.
37. The Senate and equal state representation
The Senate is also called the Upper House, House of Review or States' House. Each state elects 12 senators regardless of its population, while the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory elect two each. Senators debate and vote on legislation and national matters. The distinction between equal state representation and territory representation explains the total membership described in the booklet.
Worked example: Six states elect 12 senators each, giving 72. Adding two from each mainland territory gives 72 + 4 = 76 senators.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming the most populous state receives more senators than a smaller state.
38. States and territories have different constitutional positions
Each state has its own parliament and constitution, and state rights are recognised by the Australian Constitution. Self-governing territories have a different position: the Australian Government can alter or revoke their laws. State governments are led by Premiers; territory governments are led by Chief Ministers. Similar day-to-day government functions therefore do not mean states and territories have identical constitutional status.
Worked example: A comparison lists a Premier for a state and a Chief Minister for a territory. The different titles correctly identify their government leaders.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming a territory's lawmaking authority has exactly the same constitutional basis as a state's.
39. Local councils and local services
Local government areas may be called cities, shires, towns or municipalities. Residents elect councillors, and a mayor or shire president leads local government. Councils provide services such as rubbish collection, local libraries, parks, local roads and building permits. The booklet assigns these local functions to the Australian Capital Territory Government within the ACT.
Worked example: A neighbourhood wants improvements to a council playground and changes to rubbish collection. These are local service issues, so the relevant council is the appropriate government level to identify.
Mistake to avoid: Assigning routine rubbish collection to the federal immigration department.
40. Federal government responsibilities
The Australian Government, also called the Federal or Commonwealth Government, handles national responsibilities including immigration, citizenship, defence and foreign affairs. Its other responsibilities include social security, national economic management, postal services and air safety. Some government responsibilities overlap, so identify the main function described rather than assuming every public service belongs exclusively to one level.
Worked example: A policy concerns Australia's relations with another country and national defence arrangements. Both functions belong primarily to the Australian Government.
Mistake to avoid: Choosing a local council to determine national citizenship policy because applicants live in its area.
41. State and territory service responsibilities
State and territory governments are primarily responsible for hospitals and health services, schools, police and ambulance services, public transport, roads and railways, and forestry. The booklet cautions that responsibilities can overlap across levels of government. Use these allocations to identify the principal level involved without assuming that another level can never contribute.
Worked example: A proposal concerns the operation of public schools and ambulance services across a state. Both are listed as primary responsibilities of state and territory government.
Mistake to avoid: Treating all roads as exclusively state responsibilities when local government also handles local roads.
42. Political parties, independents and coalitions
A political party brings together people with similar ideas about how the country should be governed. Members work to turn those ideas into laws. A parliamentarian who belongs to no political party is an independent. A coalition joins two or more parties, commonly to form government or opposition. These terms describe different political arrangements, rather than different parliamentary Houses.
Worked example: Two parties agree to work together to form government. That partnership is a coalition; a separate member with no party affiliation is an independent.
Mistake to avoid: Calling every politician outside the governing party an independent.
43. Forming government and appointing ministers
The Australian Government is generally formed by the party or coalition with a majority in the House of Representatives. Its leader becomes Prime Minister. The Prime Minister recommends ministers, whose appointments are approved by the Governor-General. Ministers manage portfolios, and senior ministers form Cabinet, the government's key decision-making body. The main opposing party or coalition forms the Opposition.
Worked example: A coalition gains a House majority and its leader becomes Prime Minister. A member appointed to manage an area such as Treasury becomes a minister responsible for that portfolio.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming every parliamentarian automatically belongs to Cabinet.
44. From Bill to law
A proposal for a new law or a change to an existing law is called a Bill. In the federal process described by the booklet, the House of Representatives and Senate consider, debate and vote on it. After a majority in each House agrees, the Bill goes to the Governor-General for Royal Assent. Passing one House alone does not complete this process.
Worked example: A Bill passes the House of Representatives but has not passed the Senate. It has not yet completed the parliamentary approvals needed before Royal Assent.
Mistake to avoid: Calling a proposal an enacted law immediately after its first successful parliamentary vote.
45. Independent elections and the secret ballot
The Australian Electoral Commission conducts federal elections and referendums and maintains the Commonwealth electoral roll. It is independent of government, and political parties cannot direct its decisions. Voting uses a secret ballot: voters may choose whether to tell others how they voted. Administrative independence and ballot privacy support citizens' ability to make their own electoral choices.
Worked example: A party supporter demands to know a voter's choice. The voter may keep it private; choosing to disclose it is voluntary.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming a governing party controls AEC decisions or that voters must reveal their ballots.
46. Raising concerns with elected representatives
Citizens can contact elected representatives about government policy and proposed legal changes. The representative should consider suggestions received. This gives citizens a way to contribute between elections, alongside their voting role. Raising a concern asks a representative to consider and act through the relevant democratic processes; the contact itself does not amend a law.
Worked example: A resident writes to their representative explaining why a law should change. The representative should consider the proposal, but any change still needs the applicable lawmaking process.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming a representative's agreement with a constituent immediately changes the law.
Courts, policing and everyday law
47. Independent courts and evidence
Australian courts are independent of parliament and government. Judges and magistrates decide cases using the evidence before the court, and no one can direct them to reach a particular decision. Although government appoints judges and magistrates, disagreement with a decision does not allow government to take away their jobs. This protects judicial decisions from political pressure.
Worked example: A minister dislikes a court's decision and wants the judge to change it for political reasons. Judicial independence means the minister cannot dictate the result.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming government appointment makes judges answerable to ministers for individual verdicts.
48. Presumption of innocence and legal representation
People are considered innocent until found guilty in a court. Every person has the right to be represented by a lawyer in court. An arrest or accusation therefore does not itself establish guilt. The court process determines whether the evidence proves that the person broke the law, rather than leaving that decision to public opinion or the arresting officer.
Worked example: A news report says someone has been arrested. The correct conclusion is that an arrest occurred; it does not establish that the person has been found guilty.
Mistake to avoid: Treating an allegation, an arrest and a court finding as equivalent.
49. Police functions and the ban on bribery
Police protect life and property, maintain peace and investigate suspected offences. State and Northern Territory police handle offences under their laws. The Australian Federal Police investigates federal offences and also performs general policing in the Australian Capital Territory. Police can bring suspected offenders before courts, but courts determine guilt. Offering a bribe to a police officer is itself a serious offence.
Worked example: A person offers an officer money to ignore an alleged offence. Even if the officer refuses, the offer itself is a crime.
Mistake to avoid: Thinking bribery becomes an offence only when the officer accepts payment.
50. Not knowing a law is no excuse
Our Common Bond explains that someone can be charged for breaking a law even if they did not know about it. The booklet identifies offences including theft, fraud, assault, dangerous driving and possession of illegal drugs. Personal unfamiliarity with Australian rules does not by itself remove responsibility. This is particularly relevant when conduct was understood differently in another setting.
Worked example: A person accused of theft says they never learned the Australian rule. Lack of knowledge does not, by itself, prevent them from being charged.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming a person cannot face legal consequences until someone has personally explained the law to them.
51. Domestic and family violence
Domestic and family violence is against the law, including within marriage. It can involve physical harm or behaviour and threats intended to control a partner through fear. The booklet includes isolating someone from family and friends and threatening children or pets. Recognising these forms matters because abuse is not limited to visible injuries. If someone is in danger, the booklet directs them to contact police.
Worked example: A partner threatens a person's pet to frighten them into obedience. This fits the booklet's description of controlling family violence.
Mistake to avoid: Dismissing threatening control as acceptable because it happens inside a family.
52. Road safety obligations
State and territory governments control road and traffic rules. The booklet requires seatbelts for people travelling in cars and approved car seats for babies and young children. It also identifies driving above the blood alcohol limit and using a hand-held mobile device while driving as unlawful. These are legal safety obligations, not choices that depend on the length or familiarity of a journey.
Worked example: A passenger plans to leave a seatbelt off because the destination is nearby. The short distance does not remove the seatbelt requirement.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming a familiar route makes hand-held phone use while driving acceptable.
Australian values in everyday decisions
53. Personal choice in marriage and relationships
Australian values recognise independent personal choices, including marriage and religion, with protection from intimidation and violence. Forced marriage is against the law. Australian law permits marriage between two men or two women. Either spouse may apply to a court for divorce even if the other wishes to remain married. These principles place personal choice and equal treatment at the centre of relationships.
Worked example: One spouse wants to apply for divorce while the other objects. The objection does not remove the first spouse's ability to apply to the courts.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming a spouse or family can override another person's independent marital choices.
54. Mutual respect, tolerance and racism
Mutual respect means recognising other people's dignity, opinions and lawful choices even when they differ from your own. Tolerance allows disagreement without intimidation or abuse. The booklet states that racism has no place in Australia, including racially abusive public comments and offensive material shared online. Respect does not require adopting another person's beliefs; it requires treating the person with dignity.
Worked example: Two neighbours disagree about a cultural practice but listen without insults or threats. They can maintain different opinions while demonstrating mutual respect.
Mistake to avoid: Using disagreement as an excuse for racial abuse or intimidation.
55. Participation and supporting yourself when able
Australian values encourage people to participate in society and contribute to their communities. Everyone has a responsibility to try to support themselves and their families when able to do so. The condition about ability matters: the booklet also recognises compassion and assistance for people in need. Participation can include community organisations, cultural activities and involvement in public life.
Worked example: A person who can support their family takes responsibility for doing so while also contributing to a neighbourhood organisation. Both actions reflect the participation described in the booklet.
Mistake to avoid: Dropping 'when able' and treating every need for assistance as a failure of responsibility.
56. Mateship, compassion and volunteering
Mateship involves helping others and receiving help, especially during difficulties. Compassion includes practical support for people who are unwell, isolated or otherwise in need. Volunteering means giving time without expecting payment and is part of Australia's tradition of community service. These values turn concern for others into useful action that strengthens connections within the community.
Worked example: A resident volunteers to organise donated household supplies for families affected by a flood. Giving unpaid time to assist people in difficulty demonstrates both volunteering and mateship.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming a contribution only counts when it involves paid work or a large financial donation.
57. English and participation in community life
English is Australia's national language and an important shared means of communication. Learning it supports education, employment and participation in the community. Citizenship applicants whose native language is not English must undertake to make reasonable efforts to learn it. Other languages, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, are also valued. Learning English can therefore coexist with maintaining another language.
Worked example: A multilingual applicant continues speaking a family language while making reasonable efforts to learn English. These choices are compatible with the booklet's description of Australian values.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming learning English requires abandoning a person's first language.
58. Reporting serious threats and child abuse
Helping keep society safe includes reporting suspected plans for serious crime to Australian government authorities as soon as possible. The booklet also says that a person who sees or knows of child abuse should report it to police for investigation. These responsibilities concern passing on safety concerns to appropriate authorities, including when the suspected person is a friend or neighbour.
Worked example: Someone learns that a friend is planning a serious crime. The response described in the booklet is to report the concern promptly to government authorities.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming friendship or neighbourhood loyalty is a reason to conceal a serious threat.
59. Recognising cyber abuse
Cyber abuse uses technology to threaten, intimidate, harass or humiliate someone with the intention of hurting them. Examples in the booklet include online stalking, racial abuse and sharing sexual images without consent. Many forms are illegal. The glossary identifies reporting to police and the online service where the abuse occurred as responses to unlawful cyber abuse.
Worked example: A person repeatedly uses online messages to stalk and intimidate someone. The digital setting does not make the behaviour acceptable; it fits the booklet's description of cyber abuse.
Mistake to avoid: Treating harmful online conduct as harmless merely because the people are not physically together.
60. Loyalty, dual citizenship and national interests
Australian citizens may hold another citizenship when the other country's laws allow it. Multiple citizenship does not remove the obligation to obey Australian laws while in Australia, and some Australian laws also apply to citizens overseas. Loyalty includes obligations not to undermine Australia's interests and security. The booklet gives sharing official government secrets as an example of undermining those interests.
Worked example: A dual citizen claims another nationality permits sharing Australian government secrets online. Holding another citizenship does not cancel obligations to Australia or make that conduct consistent with loyalty.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming dual citizenship creates an exemption from Australian civic and legal obligations.
Supporting sources
Source check date:
- Citizenship test
- Home Affairs Our Common Bond testable resource
- Prepare for the citizenship test
- ABS Census Dictionary: Indigenous Status (2011 historical explanation)