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Chapter 2: Democratic beliefs, rights and liberties

Parliamentary democracy and the rule of law

Australia is a parliamentary democracy. This means the power of government comes from the Australian people. Australians vote to elect people to represent them in parliament, and these representatives make laws on their behalf. Members of parliament are accountable to the people for their decisions. If voters are not happy with them, they can vote for someone else at the next election. Australia also follows the rule of law. All Australians must obey the law, and no person or group is above it. This includes government, community and religious leaders, as well as business people and the police. The law applies to everyone in the same way. Laws are made through the democratic process, and people who break the law can be dealt with by the police and the courts.

Living peacefully and respecting everyone

Australians are proud of living together peacefully. We believe change should happen through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process. We reject violence as a way to change people's minds or the law. If people disagree with a law, they can work to change it through peaceful discussion and the democratic process, for example by talking to their member of parliament or taking part in a peaceful protest. Australia is home to people from many backgrounds, cultures and religions. Australians respect the equal worth, dignity and freedom of every person, whatever their race, religion or ethnic background. Mutual respect and tolerance help people from different backgrounds live and work together in harmony. Treating others with respect is expected of everyone who lives in Australia.

Freedom of speech, expression and association

Australians are free, within the law, to say and write what they think. They can discuss ideas openly and peacefully criticise the government. Freedom of expression also lets people share ideas through art, music, writing and film. These freedoms have limits. Laws protect a person's good name from false statements, and it is against the law to encourage violence against a person or group. Freedom of association means Australians can join or leave any legal group, such as a political party, a trade union, or a religious, cultural or social group. People cannot join groups that plan to break the law. Australians can also protest against laws or government actions, but protests must be peaceful. Protesters must not damage property or hurt other people.

Freedom of religion and equality

Australia has no official national religion, and the government is secular. People are free to follow any religion, or no religion at all. Religious practices must not break Australian law, and religious laws have no legal status in Australia. For example, being married to more than one person at the same time is against the law. All Australians are equal under the law, whatever their race, religion, gender or background. Men and women have equal rights, and it is against the law to treat someone unfairly because of their gender. Australians also believe in equal opportunity. What a person achieves should come from their talents, work and effort, not from their birth or favouritism.

Responsibilities and privileges of citizens

Australian citizenship brings both responsibilities and privileges. Citizens have a responsibility to obey the law. Citizens aged 18 or over must enrol and vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in referendums. They must be ready to defend Australia if the need arises, and to serve on a jury if they are called to do so. Citizenship also brings privileges. Citizens aged 18 or over can vote. They can apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely. They can seek election to parliament and apply for work in the Australian Public Service or the Australian Defence Force. (Since 2024, some permanent residents can also join the Defence Force, but the test follows the guide's list.) When they are overseas, they can ask an Australian official for help, which is called consular help. Citizens can also register children born overseas as Australian citizens by descent.

Practice questions on this chapter

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