Australian Citizenship Test. Exam day

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

• Australia's first inhabitants are the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have the oldest continuous cultures and traditions in the world
• The archaeological record indicates Aboriginal peoples arrived in Australia between 65,000 and 40,000 years ago
• Aboriginal people are historically from mainland Australia and Tasmania
• Torres Strait Islander people are from islands between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a deep connection with the land, expressed in their stories, art and dance
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make up approximately three per cent of the Australian population

Early days of European settlement

• European settlement started when the first 11 convict ships, known as the First Fleet, arrived from Great Britain on 26 January 1788
• The First Fleet was made up of 11 convict ships
• The British Government decided to transport convicts to the new colony of New South Wales
• The first Governor of the colony of New South Wales was Captain Arthur Phillip
• Early free settlers came from Great Britain and Ireland
• British and Irish heritage has had a major influence on Australia's recent history, culture and politics

The gold rush

• In 1851 a gold rush began when gold was discovered in the colonies of New South Wales and Victoria
• Chinese people arriving during the gold rush were the first large group of migrants not from Europe
• In 10 years the gold rush more than doubled Australia's population

The nation of Australia

• In 1901 the separate colonies were united into a federation of states called the Commonwealth of Australia
• The national parliament, government and High Court were established in 1901 under the new Australian Constitution
• In 1901 Australia's population was about four million
• The 1901 population figure did not include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• It was not until after a Referendum in 1967 that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were included in official estimates of the population
• A wave of non-British migration came after World War II, when millions of people in Europe had to leave their homelands

Language and diversity

• Australia's national language is English
• Migrants should learn and use English to help them participate in Australian society
• Australia values other languages, including more than 100 distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages

States, territories and capital cities

• Australia is a federation of six states and two mainland territories
• Canberra is Australia's capital city
• Sydney is the capital city of New South Wales
• Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria
• Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland
• Perth is the capital city of Western Australia
• Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia
• Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania
• Canberra is the capital of the Australian Capital Territory
• Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory

The states

• New South Wales was the first colony established by the British
• Sydney is the nation's largest city
• The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House are national icons
• Victoria is the smallest of the mainland states
• Victoria's icons include the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 12 Apostles and the Royal Exhibition Building
• Queensland is the second largest state
• The world-famous Great Barrier Reef runs along Queensland's eastern coast
• The Torres Strait Islands lie to the north of Queensland
• Western Australia is the largest state
• Western Australia's icons include the Ningaloo Coast, Margaret River and the Kimberley region
• South Australia's icons include the Barossa Valley and the Flinders Ranges
• Tasmania is the smallest state, separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait
• Tasmanian icons include Cradle Mountain, Port Arthur and the Bay of Fires

The territories

• The Australian Capital Territory is located between Sydney and Melbourne
• Parliament House and the High Court of Australia are located in Canberra
• The Northern Territory has a tropical environment in the north and dry red desert in the south
• Northern Territory icons include Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon

Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country

• A Welcome to Country is performed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian of the local region
• A Welcome to Country welcomes visitors to their traditional land
• A Welcome to Country can take the form of songs, dances, smoking ceremonies or speeches
• A Welcome to Country is usually the first item of proceedings to open an event
• An Acknowledgement of Country recognises that the gathering is on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander land
• Anyone can deliver an Acknowledgement of Country, generally the Chair or Master of Ceremonies
• These practices are performed to show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Australia Day

• Australia Day is celebrated on 26 January each year
• Australia Day is a public holiday in every state and territory in Australia
• Australia Day is the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet from Great Britain in 1788
• Australia Day is the biggest annual public holiday in Australia
• Australia Day is marked by events including special citizenship ceremonies
• During Australia Day celebrations the Prime Minister announces the Australian of the Year Awards in Canberra

Anzac Day

• Anzac Day is commemorated on 25 April each year
• Anzac Day is named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps
• The Anzacs landed at Gallipoli in Türkiye during World War I on 25 April 1915
• Anzac Day is a solemn day when Australians remember the sacrifice of all Australians who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations
• Anzac Day honours the courage and commitment of all servicemen and women

The Australian National Flag

• The Australian National Flag is blue, white and red
• The Union Jack in the top left corner of the Australian National Flag represents Australia's history of British settlement
• The Commonwealth Star sits under the Union Jack on the Australian National Flag
• The Commonwealth Star has seven points, one for each of the six states and one for the territories
• The Southern Cross on the Australian National Flag is a group of stars that can be seen in the southern sky
• The Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag are also officially recognised
• Each state and territory also has its own flag

The Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag

• The Australian Aboriginal Flag is black, red and yellow
• The top half of the Australian Aboriginal Flag is black and represents the Aboriginal peoples of Australia
• The bottom half of the Australian Aboriginal Flag is red and represents the earth, which has ceremonial significance
• The yellow circle on the Australian Aboriginal Flag represents the sun
• The Torres Strait Islander Flag is green, blue, black and white
• The green stripes on the Torres Strait Islander Flag represent the land
• The blue panel in the centre of the Torres Strait Islander Flag represents the sea
• The black lines on the Torres Strait Islander Flag represent the Torres Strait Islander people
• The white dancer's headdress on the Torres Strait Islander Flag is a symbol for all Torres Strait Islanders
• The points of the white star on the Torres Strait Islander Flag represent the island groups in the Torres Strait, and white symbolises peace

Australia’s symbols

• The Commonwealth Coat of Arms is the official symbol of the Commonwealth of Australia
• The Commonwealth Coat of Arms represents national unity and identifies the authority and property of the Commonwealth of Australia
• The shield in the centre of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms represents the six states and federation
• A kangaroo and an emu support the shield of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms on each side
• A gold Commonwealth Star sits above the shield of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms
• The background of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms is the golden wattle, Australia's national flower
• Australia's national flower is the golden wattle
• The golden wattle grows mainly in south-eastern Australia and has bright green leaves and golden yellow flowers in spring
• Australia's national colours are green and gold, the colours of the golden wattle
• The uniforms of Australia's national sports teams are usually green and gold
• The opal is Australia's national gemstone
• Each state and territory has its own floral emblem

Parliamentary democracy

• Australia's system of government is a parliamentary democracy
• The power of the government comes from the Australian people because Australian citizens vote for people to represent them in parliament
• Representatives in parliament must answer to the people, through elections, for the decisions they make

The Rule of Law

• All Australians are equal under the law
• The Rule of Law means that no person, group or religious rule is above the law
• Everyone, including people who hold positions of power, must obey Australia's laws
• The Rule of Law applies to government, community and religious leaders, business people and the police

Living peacefully and respect for all

• Australians believe that change should occur through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process
• Australians reject violence as a way to change a person's mind or the law
• Every individual, regardless of their background, has rights and equality under Australian law
• All Australians are expected to treat each other with dignity and respect, regardless of their race, country of origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, heritage, culture, politics, wealth or religion

Freedom of speech and freedom of expression

• Freedom of speech is a core Australian value and underpins Australia's democratic system
• Freedom of speech means people can say and write what they think and discuss their ideas with others
• People can criticise the government, protest peacefully against government decisions and campaign to change laws
• Freedom of expression means people can express their views through art, film, music and literature
• People are free to meet in public or private places for social or political discussion
• Even while engaging in freedom of speech, the laws of Australia must be obeyed
• Gatherings to protest must be peaceful and must not injure any person or damage property

Freedom of association and freedom of religion

• Freedom of association is the right to form and join associations to pursue common goals
• People in Australia are free to join any legal organisation, such as a political party, trade union, religious, cultural or social group
• People can decide not to join an organisation and cannot be forced into doing so
• Australia has a Judaeo-Christian heritage and many Australians describe themselves as Christians
• Australia has public holidays on Christian days such as Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day
• The government in Australia is secular, which means it operates separately from churches or other religious entities
• Australia has no official national religion
• People in Australia are free to follow any religion they choose, or not to follow a religion
• Where there is a conflict between an Australian law and a religious practice, Australian law prevails

Equality of opportunity and a fair go

• Australian laws ensure a person is not treated differently because of their gender, race, disability or age
• Men and women have equal rights in Australia
• It is against the law to discriminate against a person because of their gender
• Australians value equal opportunity in society, which is often called a 'fair go'
• A 'fair go' means what someone achieves in life should be the result of their talents, work and effort rather than their wealth or background
• Australian society has no formal class distinctions

Responsibilities of Australian citizenship

• As an Australian citizen you must obey the laws of Australia
• As an Australian citizen you must vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum
• As an Australian citizen you must defend Australia should the need arise
• As an Australian citizen you must serve on a jury if called to do so
• Voting is a responsibility for Australian citizens aged 18 years or over
• Voting is compulsory in federal and state or territory elections
• It may not be compulsory to vote in local government elections in some states
• Service in the Australian Defence Force is voluntary, but defending Australia should the need arise is a responsibility of citizens
• Jury service is a responsibility for Australian citizens aged 18 years or over
• Australian citizens who are on the electoral roll can be called to serve on a jury
• A jury is a group of ordinary Australian men and women who listen to the evidence in a court case and decide if a person is guilty or not guilty
• A referendum is a vote to change the Australian Constitution

Privileges of Australian citizenship

• As an Australian citizen you can vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum
• As an Australian citizen you can apply for children born overseas to become Australian citizens by descent
• As an Australian citizen you can apply for a job in the Australian Public Service or in the Australian Defence Force
• As an Australian citizen you can seek election to parliament
• As an Australian citizen you can apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely
• As an Australian citizen you can ask for consular assistance from an Australian official while overseas
• Australian citizens aged 18 years or over who are not dual citizens can seek election to parliament
• If you travel overseas as an Australian citizen you are free to return to Australia without the need for a visa
• Australian officials overseas can help with an emergency passport, and advice and support in the case of an accident, serious illness or death
• When in another country you must obey the laws of that country

Participating in Australian society and paying tax

• Australia encourages all citizens to actively participate in society
• Paying tax is an important way to contribute to the Australian community and is required by law
• Tax is paid out of the money you earn from a job, a business or investments
• Tax is collected by the Australian Taxation Office
• There are also taxes on many goods and services
• Taxes are spent on services including government-funded healthcare and education, defence, roads and railways, and social security
• State and territory governments and local councils also collect taxes to pay for services

Voting and the Australian Electoral Commission

• Australian citizens aged 18 years or over must enrol to vote in federal, state and territory elections and referenda
• If you are not correctly enrolled you are not able to vote in an election
• The Australian Electoral Commission is a Commonwealth agency responsible for conducting federal elections and referendums
• The Australian Electoral Commission maintains the Commonwealth electoral roll
• The Australian Electoral Commission is independent of the government
• Political parties or people in government cannot influence the decisions of the Australian Electoral Commission
• Voting in an Australian election is by secret ballot
• No one is allowed to know whom you have voted for unless you choose to tell them
• If you do not vote and do not have a good reason you may have to pay a fine
• Compulsory voting is a way to make sure that the people have a say in who will govern them

Raising matters with your representatives

• Australian citizens can contact their elected representative to raise concerns about government policy
• All Australians can have a say in forming the laws and policies of a government
• If a citizen tells their elected representative a law needs to be changed, the representative should consider what has been suggested

Federation

• Before 1901 Australia was made up of six separate, self-governing British colonies
• Each colony had its own constitution and laws relating to defence, immigration, postage, trade and transport
• Trade and transport between the colonies was expensive and slow, and enforcing the law across borders was difficult
• The separate colonies had weak systems of defence
• On 1 January 1901 the colonies were united into a federation of states called the Commonwealth of Australia
• Before federation, sporting teams were representing Australia internationally and an Australian culture was developing in popular songs, poems, stories and art

The Australian Constitution

• The Australian Constitution is the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900
• The Australian Constitution sets out the basic rules for the government of Australia
• The Australian Constitution was originally passed as part of a British Act of Parliament in 1900
• The Australian Constitution came into effect on 1 January 1901
• The Australian Constitution established the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, consisting of a House of Representatives and a Senate
• The Australian Constitution established the High Court of Australia
• The High Court of Australia has the ultimate power to apply and interpret the laws of Australia
• The Australian people can change the Australian Constitution by voting in a referendum
• In the 1967 Referendum more than 90 per cent of Australians voted 'Yes' to allow Aboriginal peoples to be counted in the Census
• In a referendum there needs to be a 'double majority' for the Australian Constitution to be changed
• A double majority means a majority of voters in a majority of states and a majority of voters across the nation

How the power of government is controlled

• The Australian Constitution divides the power of government between legislative, executive and judicial powers
• The division of power stops one person, or one group, from holding all the power
• Legislative power is the power to make laws and belongs to Parliament
• Parliament is made up of representatives who are elected by the people of Australia
• Executive power is the power to put the laws into practice
• The Executive includes the Prime Minister, Australian government ministers and the Governor-General
• Ministers are responsible for government departments
• Judges have the power to interpret and apply the law
• Courts and judges are independent of parliament and government

The Head of State and constitutional monarchy

• Australia's Head of State is the King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III
• The King of Australia appoints the Governor-General as his representative in Australia, on advice from the Australian Prime Minister
• The Governor-General acts independently of all political parties
• The King does not have a day-to-day role in government
• In each of the states there is a governor who represents the King
• Australia is a constitutional monarchy, which means the King is Head of State but has to act in accordance with the Constitution
• Because the King does not live in Australia, his powers are delegated to the Governor-General
• The leader of the Australian Government is the Prime Minister

The role of the Governor-General

• The Governor-General is not part of the government and must remain neutral
• The Governor-General signs all Bills passed by the Australian Parliament into law, which is called Royal Assent
• The Governor-General performs ceremonial duties
• The Governor-General approves the appointment of the Australian Government and its ministers, federal judges and other officials
• The Governor-General starts the process for a federal election
• The Governor-General acts as Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force
• The Governor-General has special powers known as 'reserve powers' that can only be used in specific circumstances

Australia’s leaders

• The Prime Minister is the leader of the Australian Government
• A Premier is the leader of a state government
• A Chief Minister is the leader of a territory government
• A government minister is a Member of Parliament chosen by a government leader to be responsible for an area of government
• A Member of Parliament is an elected representative of the people in the Australian Parliament or a state parliament
• A Senator is an elected representative of a state or territory in the Australian Parliament
• A Mayor or Shire President is the leader of a local government
• A Councillor is an elected member of a local council
• A Governor is the representative of the Head of State in each Australian state

The House of Representatives

• The House of Representatives is also called the Lower House or the People's House
• Australia is divided into federal electorates, and Members of Parliament represent the people in their electorate
• The number of MPs for each state and territory is based on the number of people in that state or territory
• There are over 150 members elected to the House of Representatives
• The role of the House of Representatives is to consider, debate and vote on proposals for new laws or changes to the laws, and to discuss matters of national importance

The Senate

• The Senate is sometimes called the Upper House, the House of Review or the States' House
• All states are equally represented in the Senate regardless of their size or population
• There is a total of 76 senators
• Each state elects 12 senators
• The Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory elect two senators each
• Senators consider, debate and vote on new laws or changes to the laws, and discuss matters of national importance

State, territory and local government

• Each state government has its own parliament and constitution
• State and territory governments are based in their capital cities
• In each state a Governor represents the King of Australia
• In the Northern Territory an Administrator is appointed by the Governor-General
• The role and responsibilities of the Administrator are similar to those of a state Governor
• States have rights recognised by the Constitution while territories do not
• States have the power to pass laws in their own right
• Self-governing territory laws can be altered or revoked by the Australian Government at any time
• Local government areas may be called cities, shires, towns or municipalities
• Councils are responsible for planning and delivering services to their local community
• Citizens in each local government area vote to elect their local councillors

What the three levels of government do

• The Australian Government is responsible for taxation and national economic management
• The Australian Government is responsible for immigration and citizenship
• The Australian Government is responsible for defence and foreign affairs
• The Australian Government is responsible for social security, including pensions and family support
• The Australian Government is responsible for postal services and the communications network
• The Australian Government is responsible for airports and air safety, and trade and commerce
• State and territory governments are primarily responsible for hospitals and health services
• State and territory governments are primarily responsible for schools
• State and territory governments are primarily responsible for police and ambulance services
• State and territory governments are primarily responsible for roads and railways, forestry and public transport
• Local governments are responsible for rubbish collection
• Local governments are responsible for local roads, footpaths and bridges, and street signs and traffic controls
• Local governments are responsible for parks, playgrounds, swimming pools and sports grounds
• Local governments are responsible for local libraries, halls and community centres, and building permits

Political parties and forming government

• A political party is a group of people who share similar ideas about how a country should be governed
• The main political parties in Australia are the Liberal Party of Australia, the Australian Labor Party, the Nationals and the Australian Greens
• Parliamentarians who do not belong to any political party are called independents
• People in Australia are free to join a political party if they choose
• After a federal election the government is generally formed by the party or coalition of parties with the majority of members in the House of Representatives
• The leader of the party or coalition with a majority in the House of Representatives becomes the Prime Minister
• The party or coalition with the second largest number of members in the House of Representatives forms the Opposition
• The leader of the Opposition is called the Leader of the Opposition
• The Prime Minister recommends members of the House of Representatives or Senators to become ministers
• The Governor-General approves the appointment of the Prime Minister and ministers
• An area of government a minister is responsible for is called a portfolio
• Ministers with the most important portfolios make up the Cabinet, which is the key decision making body of government

How laws are made

• The Australian Parliament has the power to make or change laws in Australia
• A proposal to introduce a new law or change an existing one is called a Bill
• The House of Representatives and the Senate consider, debate and vote on whether they agree with a Bill
• If the majority of members in each House of Parliament agree to the Bill, it goes to the Governor-General
• The Governor-General signs a Bill so that it becomes law, which is called Royal Assent
• State and territory parliaments make their own laws in a similar way

The courts, judges and juries

• The courts in Australia are independent
• A court will decide if a person has or has not broken the law and decide the penalty
• Courts can only base their decision on the evidence before them
• The judge or magistrate is the highest authority in a court
• Judges and magistrates are independent and no one can tell them what to decide
• Judges and magistrates are appointed by the government, but the government cannot take their jobs away if it disagrees with their decisions
• In Australia people are considered innocent until they are found guilty in a court
• Every person has the right to be represented by a lawyer in court
• A jury is a group of ordinary Australian citizens randomly chosen from the general population
• The judge explains the law to the jury
• The role of a jury is to decide in court if a person is innocent or guilty
• In a criminal trial, if the jury finds a person guilty, the judge decides the penalty

The police

• The police maintain peace and order in the community and protect life and property
• The police are independent of the government
• If the police believe someone has broken the law they can arrest them and bring them before a court of law
• The police may give evidence in court, but the court decides if a person is guilty or not
• The states and the Northern Territory have their own police forces dealing with crimes under state and territory laws
• Australia has a national police force called the Australian Federal Police
• The Australian Federal Police investigates crimes against federal laws such as drug trafficking, crimes against national security and crimes against the environment
• The Australian Federal Police is responsible for general police work in the Australian Capital Territory
• In Australia it is a serious crime to bribe the police
• It is a crime to even offer a bribe to a police officer

Criminal and traffic offences

• If you break an Australian law that you did not know about you could still be charged, as not knowing the law is no excuse
• Serious crimes in Australia include murder, assault, sexual assault, armed robbery or theft, and fraud
• Violence towards another person is illegal in Australia and is a very serious crime
• Domestic and family violence includes behaviour or threats that aim to control a partner by causing fear or threatening their safety
• A person who commits domestic or family violence can go to jail, whether they are a man or a woman
• Road and traffic rules are controlled by state and territory governments
• People can be fined or sent to prison for breaking traffic laws
• To drive a car in Australia you must have a local driver's licence and the car must be registered
• Everybody travelling in a car must wear a seatbelt
• Babies and young children must be in an approved car seat
• It is illegal to drive after taking drugs or if you are above the blood alcohol limit
• It is against the law to use a hand-held mobile device while driving

Australian values and the Rule of Law

• Australian values are based on freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity
• Australian laws apply to all people in Australia, regardless of background or culture
• All Australians are protected by Australia's laws and legal systems
• Under the Rule of Law all Australians are equal in relation to the law and no person or group is above the law
• You should follow the law even if no one is watching
• Australian citizenship is about living out Australian values in your everyday life and in your local community

Parliamentary democracy as a value

• Australia's laws are determined by parliaments elected by the people
• Australian citizens are involved in how the country is governed
• Voting is compulsory in Australia, which shows the importance of participating in elections

Freedom of speech and freedom of association as values

• People in Australia should be able to express their ideas freely, so long as it is within the law
• Newspapers, television and radio outlets have the same freedom of speech as individuals
• Australians are allowed to peacefully protest against the actions of the government
• Tolerance of peaceful public protest is an essential part of democracy
• It is never acceptable to promote violence against another person or group of people
• It is illegal to make false allegations or encourage others to break the law
• Other people's freedom of speech and freedom of expression must be respected, as long as such expression is lawful
• In Australia people are free to join or leave any group voluntarily as long as it is within the law
• Individuals cannot be compelled to join an organisation or forced to leave it
• All protests must be within the law, which means they must be peaceful and must not injure any person or damage property

Freedom of religion as a value

• Australia has no official national religion and people are free to follow any religion they choose
• The government treats all citizens equally, whatever their religion or beliefs
• Religious practices must not break Australian laws
• Religious laws have no legal status in Australia
• Australian law must be followed by everyone in Australia, including where it is different from religious laws
• Polygamy, being married to more than one person at the same time, is against the law in Australia
• Forced marriage is against the law in Australia and can result in severe legal penalties, including imprisonment
• Religious intolerance is not acceptable in Australian society

Equality of all people under the law

• Australian society values the equal rights of all people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, race, or national or ethnic origin
• The law is applied in Australia so that people from different backgrounds are not given preferential treatment, nor discriminated against
• Under Australian law two people can marry each other, including marriage between two men or two women
• Men and women have equal rights in Australia
• Men and women have equal access to education and employment, can vote at elections, stand for parliament, join the Australian Defence Force and the police force, and are treated equally in courts of law
• Both men and women have the right to make their own independent choices about personal matters such as marriage and religion
• Physical violence against a spouse or partner is never acceptable and is a criminal offence in Australia
• Divorce is acceptable in Australia
• Either a husband or a wife may apply for a divorce to the courts, even if the other spouse wishes to continue the marriage
• It is a right for a woman to get a job ahead of a man if she has better qualifications and skills

Equality of opportunity and a fair go as a value

• Australians believe that everyone deserves a 'fair go' and should not be limited by any kind of class distinction
• Everyone, regardless of their background, is given an equal opportunity to achieve success in life
• Ensuring that everyone has the same legal rights is an important aspect of fairness in Australian society
• What someone achieves in life should be a result of their hard work and talents
• A person should get a job based on their skills and experience, not because of their gender, wealth or ethnicity
• When an organisation needs to fill a job, the law supports selecting the person with the best skills and experience
• Many new migrants in Australia have become leaders in business, their profession, the arts, public service and sport through their hard work and enterprise

Mutual respect and tolerance for others

• In Australia individuals must respect the freedom and dignity of others, and their opinions and choices
• It is against the law to be violent towards another person
• Violence of any kind, including verbal and physical abuse, is illegal in Australia
• Australians believe in peaceful disagreement and in the right to be safe and free from violence and intimidation
• The age of sexual consent in Australia is 16 or 17 depending on which state or territory you reside in
• The lawful actions of the police should be supported, and you should obey a lawful request from the police
• Mutual respect and tolerance means listening to others and respecting their views and opinions even when they are different from your own
• Racism has no place in Australia
• Creating or sharing racially offensive material on the internet is not acceptable in Australia
• Making racially abusive comments in a public place or at a sporting event is not acceptable in Australia

Compassion, mateship and making a contribution

• Australians expect everyone living in Australia to participate in society and make a contribution to the community
• Everyone has a responsibility to try and support themselves and their families when they are able to do so
• Australians value 'mateship' and help each other in times of need
• Australia has a strong tradition of community service and volunteering
• Volunteering is an opportunity to share knowledge, learn new skills and increase your sense of belonging to the Australian community

English as the national language

• Australian society values the English language as the national language of Australia
• English is an important unifying element of Australian society
• People living in Australia should make an effort to learn English
• Learning English helps to get an education and a job and to better integrate into the community
• English is essential for economic participation and social cohesion
• Applicants for Australian citizenship must undertake to make reasonable efforts to learn the English language if it is not their native language

Helping to keep our society safe and loyalty to Australia

• People in Australia who suspect a friend or neighbour may be planning a serious crime should report it to Australian government authorities as soon as possible
• A person who sees or has knowledge of a child being abused should report this to the police
• Online abuse, sometimes called cyber abuse, is not accepted in Australia
• Examples of cyber abuse include sharing sexual photos or videos online without consent, stalking a person online, and making racially abusive comments about a person online
• Many forms of cyber abuse are illegal in Australia
• In the citizenship pledge Australian citizens pledge their loyalty to Australia and its people
• Australian citizens may hold the citizenship of another country if the laws of that country allow, known as dual or multiple citizenship
• An Australian citizen within Australia must follow all Australian laws at all times
• It is illegal for Australians to be involved in any sexual activity, here or overseas, with a child under 16 years of age
• Australian society is based on shared obligations not to undermine Australia's interests and security