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Chapter 4: Australian values
Respect for every individual
Australian values start with respect for the equal worth, dignity and freedom of each person. Every person matters, whatever their background, and everyone should be treated with dignity. Australians are free to make their own choices about how they live, as long as they obey the law and do not harm others. These values are shared by people from many cultures. They help hold Australian society together and give everyone a sense of belonging. When you become a citizen, you make a pledge to share these values and to respect the rights and liberties of other people in Australia.
Freedom of speech, religion and association
In Australia, people are free to say what they think, to meet in groups and to join or leave any lawful group, such as a club, trade union or political party. People can follow any religion, or no religion at all. These freedoms have limits. You must not use speech to encourage violence against people or to encourage others to break the law, and you must not defame others with false statements. Religious laws have no legal standing in Australia, and any religious practice must obey Australian law. Groups that people join must also act within the law. Freedom comes with the responsibility to respect the freedoms of others.
Rule of law and parliamentary democracy
Australia is a parliamentary democracy. Citizens vote to elect the people who represent them in parliament, and these representatives make laws on their behalf. If people disagree with a law, they can work to change it through peaceful means, such as speaking to their member of parliament or taking part in a lawful protest. The rule of law means that all people in Australia must obey the law, and nobody is above it, including people in government, the police and religious leaders. Disagreements are settled peacefully, through discussion and the courts. Violence, threats and taking the law into your own hands are never acceptable.
Equality and a fair go
Australians believe in equality of opportunity. Everyone should have the same chance to succeed, regardless of their race, religion, ethnic background, gender or sexual orientation. Men and women have equal rights. Women can work in any job, own property, vote and stand for parliament, just like men. It is against the law to treat people unfairly because of things like their race, sex or disability, for example at work, in housing or when they use services. Australians also value a "fair go". This means people should get ahead because of their own effort and talent, not because of their wealth or family background. This spirit of egalitarianism means no person is better than another because of their background or status.
Respect, compassion and shared responsibilities
Australians value mutual respect, tolerance and compassion for those in need. People help their neighbours and communities, often as volunteers, and support each other in hard times. Respect also means obeying laws that protect people at home. Family violence and forced marriage are against the law in Australia, and people must normally be at least 18 years old to marry. English is the national language. It is an important part of national identity and helps unite people from many backgrounds. Learning English helps people find work, get an education and take part fully in community life. Becoming a citizen also brings responsibilities: obeying the law, voting in elections, serving on a jury if asked, and defending Australia should the need arise.
Practice questions on this chapter
Tap a question to see the answer and explanation.
Is this statement TRUE or FALSE? It is acceptable to use violence to change someone's opinion in Australia.
- TRUE
- FALSE
Answer: B. FALSE
Australians are committed to peacefulness. Change should come through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process.
Is this statement TRUE or FALSE? Freedom of speech in Australia allows people to incite violence against others.
- TRUE
- FALSE
Answer: B. FALSE
Freedom of speech has limits: it is against the law to incite violence or to defame others.
Which of these is an Australian value?
- Obedience to religious leaders above the law
- Mutual respect and tolerance
- Settling disputes through force
Answer: B. Mutual respect and tolerance
Australian values include respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual, the rule of law, and mutual respect and tolerance.
Your neighbour writes a letter to a newspaper criticising a government decision. Which statement is correct?
- This is allowed. Freedom of speech includes the right to criticise the government peacefully
- This is against the law because people must always support the government
- This is only allowed for members of parliament
Answer: A. This is allowed. Freedom of speech includes the right to criticise the government peacefully
Australians are free to say and write what they think, including criticising the government, as long as they obey the law.
Australia has a secular government. What does this mean?
- The government has no official religion and is separate from religious groups
- The government bans all religion in public places
- Every citizen must belong to a religious group
Answer: A. The government has no official religion and is separate from religious groups
Australia has no official national religion. People are free to follow any religion, but the government itself is not religious.
Test yourself on every question in this chapter in the app, with explanations in English and translations in Hindi, Arabic, Punjabi, Chinese, Urdu and French.