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Australian Citizenship Test questions and answers

Every question in the bank, with the answer and an explanation. Written from Our Common Bond. Browsing is free and needs no account. But you will learn far more by taking a timed test than by reading answers.

1. 1.What are Australian values based on?

   • ALoyalty, obedience and service to the state
   • BFreedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity
   • CReligion, established custom and family heritage
   • DWealth, inherited tradition and social rank

   Australian values are based on freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity. (Australian values and the Rule of Law)

2. 2.To whom do Australian laws apply?

   • AOnly people born in Australia
   • BAll people in Australia
   • COnly adults over 18
   • DOnly Australian citizens

   Australian laws apply to all people in Australia, regardless of background or culture. (Australian values and the Rule of Law)

3. 3.What does the Rule of Law mean for Australians?

   • AReligious rules take priority
   • BAll Australians are equal in relation to the law
   • CThe government is above the law
   • DOnly citizens are equal before the law

   Under the Rule of Law all Australians are equal in relation to the law and no person or group is above the law. (Australian values and the Rule of Law)

4. 4.When should you follow the law in Australia?

   • AOnly in public places
   • BOnly when it suits your circumstances
   • CAt all times, even if no one is watching
   • DOnly when police are present

   You should follow the law even if no one is watching. (Australian values and the Rule of Law)

5. 5.Who determines Australia’s laws?

   • AThe High Court of Australia, sitting in Canberra
   • BThe Cabinet alone, without reference to Parliament
   • CThe King of Australia, advised by the Governor-General
   • DParliaments elected by the people

   Australia's laws are determined by parliaments elected by the people. (Parliamentary democracy as a value)

6. 6.What does compulsory voting show about Australian values?

   • AThe importance of participating in elections
   • BThat elections are rarely held
   • CThat only citizens may hold opinions
   • DThat citizens distrust politicians

   Voting is compulsory in Australia, which shows the importance of participating in elections. (Parliamentary democracy as a value)

7. 7.How are Australian citizens involved in how the country is governed?

   • AThey vote for people to represent them in parliament
   • BThey are consulted by the Governor-General
   • CThey vote directly on every law
   • DThey elect judges to the High Court

   Voting is compulsory in Australia, which shows the importance of participating in elections. (Parliamentary democracy as a value)

8. 8.What is a limit on freedom of speech in Australia?

   • APeaceful protest requires a permit from the police
   • BCriticising the government is not permitted at all
   • CIt is never acceptable to promote violence against another person or group
   • DNewspapers may not comment on elections or parties

   It is never acceptable to promote violence against another person or group of people. (Freedom of speech and freedom of association as values)

9. 9.Why is tolerance of peaceful public protest important in Australia?

   • AIt reduces the work of the police
   • BIt is required by the Constitution
   • CIt is an essential part of democracy
   • DIt replaces the need to vote

   Tolerance of peaceful public protest is an essential part of democracy. (Freedom of speech and freedom of association as values)

10. 10.Which of these is illegal in Australia?

    • APublishing an editorial in a newspaper
    • BJoining a trade union or a political party
    • CMaking false allegations or encouraging others to break the law
    • DCriticising a decision made by the government

    It is illegal to make false allegations or encourage others to break the law. (Freedom of speech and freedom of association as values)

11. 11.What does Australian law say about joining an organisation?

    • ARegistered political parties may compel membership
    • BIndividuals cannot be compelled to join one or forced to leave it
    • CEmployers may require staff to join an approved body
    • DA court may order a person to join an organisation

    Individuals cannot be compelled to join an organisation or forced to leave it. (Freedom of speech and freedom of association as values)

12. 12.What freedom do newspapers, television and radio have in Australia?

    • ANo freedom to comment on the actions of government
    • BGreater freedom than individuals to say what they think
    • CFreedom to comment only during an election campaign
    • DThe same freedom to say and write what they think

    Newspapers, television and radio outlets have the same freedom of speech as individuals. (Freedom of speech and freedom of association as values)

13. 13.What legal status do religious laws have in Australia?

    • AThey override state laws
    • BThey apply to members of that religion
    • CThey have no legal status
    • DThey apply in family matters only

    Religious laws have no legal status in Australia. (Freedom of religion as a value)

14. 14.Which of these practices is against the law in Australia?

    • APolygamy
    • BAttending a place of worship
    • CWearing religious dress
    • DObserving a religious holiday

    Polygamy, being married to more than one person at the same time, is against the law in Australia. (Freedom of religion as a value)

15. 15.What is polygamy?

    • ARefusing to marry at all
    • BBeing married to more than one person at the same time
    • CMarrying without a ceremony
    • DMarrying someone from another religion

    Polygamy, being married to more than one person at the same time, is against the law in Australia. (Freedom of religion as a value)

16. 16.What can forced marriage result in under Australian law?

    • AA caution from the police
    • BA civil fine only
    • CNo penalty if both families agree
    • DSevere legal penalties, including imprisonment

    Forced marriage is against the law in Australia and can result in severe legal penalties, including imprisonment. (Freedom of religion as a value)

17. 17.How does the Australian government treat citizens of different religions?

    • AIt requires registration of religion
    • BIt favours the Christian majority
    • CEqually, whatever their religion or beliefs
    • DIt restricts minority religions

    The government treats all citizens equally, whatever their religion or beliefs. (Freedom of religion as a value)

18. 18.What is not acceptable in Australian society?

    • AFollowing a minority religion
    • BAttending religious services
    • CChoosing not to follow a religion
    • DReligious intolerance

    Religious intolerance is not acceptable in Australian society. (Freedom of religion as a value)

19. 19.What does Australian law say about the rights of men and women?

    • AEqual rights apply only to citizens
    • BMen and women have equal rights in Australia
    • CMen have priority in employment disputes
    • DRights differ between states and territories

    Men and women have equal rights in Australia. (Equality of all people under the law)

20. 20.Equality of opportunity in Australia applies regardless of what?

    • AHow long a person has lived in Australia
    • BGender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, race or ethnic origin
    • CWhich state or territory of Australia a person lives in
    • DWhether a person owns property or rents a home

    Australian society values the equal rights of all people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, race, or national or ethnic origin. (Equality of all people under the law)

21. 21.Who may marry under Australian law?

    • ATwo people, including two men or two women
    • BOnly Australian citizens
    • COnly a man and a woman
    • DOnly people of the same religion

    Under Australian law two people can marry each other, including marriage between two men or two women. (Equality of all people under the law)

22. 22.What does Australian law say about violence against a spouse or partner?

    • AIt is never acceptable and is a criminal offence
    • BIt is a private matter for the family
    • CIt is treated as a civil dispute
    • DIt is only an offence if reported

    Physical violence against a spouse or partner is never acceptable and is a criminal offence in Australia. (Equality of all people under the law)

23. 23.Who may apply for a divorce in Australia?

    • AEither a husband or a wife, even if the other wishes to continue the marriage
    • BOnly the husband, and not the wife
    • COnly where both spouses agree to make the application
    • DOnly the spouse who did not cause the marriage to break down

    Either a husband or a wife may apply for a divorce to the courts, even if the other spouse wishes to continue the marriage. (Equality of all people under the law)

24. 24.When may a woman be given a job ahead of a man in Australia?

    • AOnly if no man applies
    • BNever, as that would be discrimination
    • COnly in the public service
    • DWhen she has better qualifications and skills

    It is a right for a woman to get a job ahead of a man if she has better qualifications and skills. (Equality of all people under the law)

25. 25.What choices do both men and women have the right to make in Australia?

    • AChoices about which Australian laws apply to them
    • BChoices about whether to serve on a jury when called
    • CIndependent choices about personal matters such as marriage and religion
    • DChoices about whether to pay tax on their earnings

    Both men and women have the right to make their own independent choices about personal matters such as marriage and religion. (Equality of all people under the law)

26. 26.What should a person get a job on the basis of in Australia?

    • ATheir length of residence
    • BTheir gender
    • CTheir skills and experience
    • DTheir wealth and family connections

    A person should get a job based on their skills and experience, not because of their gender, wealth or ethnicity. (Equality of opportunity and a fair go as a value)

27. 27.What does the law support when an organisation fills a job?

    • ASelecting the person with the best skills and experience
    • BSelecting the applicant who asks for least pay
    • CSelecting the longest-serving applicant
    • DSelecting an Australian-born applicant

    When an organisation needs to fill a job, the law supports selecting the person with the best skills and experience. (Equality of opportunity and a fair go as a value)

28. 28.What should someone’s achievements in life be a result of?

    • ATheir political connections
    • BTheir place of birth
    • CTheir hard work and talents
    • DTheir wealth and background

    What someone achieves in life should be a result of their hard work and talents. (Equality of opportunity and a fair go as a value)

29. 29.What should not limit people in Australian society?

    • AAny kind of class distinction
    • BTheir place of residence
    • CTheir choice of profession
    • DTheir level of education

    Australians believe that everyone deserves a 'fair go' and should not be limited by any kind of class distinction. (Equality of opportunity and a fair go as a value)

30. 30.What is the age of sexual consent in Australia?

    • A18 in every state and territory
    • B16 or 17, depending on the state or territory
    • C15 in every state and territory
    • DThere is no legal age of consent

    The age of sexual consent in Australia is 16 or 17 depending on which state or territory you reside in. (Mutual respect and tolerance for others)

31. 31.What kinds of abuse are illegal in Australia?

    • APhysical abuse only
    • BVerbal and physical abuse
    • CAbuse causing visible injury only
    • DAbuse in public places only

    Violence of any kind, including verbal and physical abuse, is illegal in Australia. (Mutual respect and tolerance for others)

32. 32.What should you do when the police make a lawful request?

    • AAsk a court to review it first
    • BObey it
    • CIgnore it unless it is in writing
    • DRefer it to a lawyer first

    It is against the law to be violent towards another person. (Mutual respect and tolerance for others)

33. 33.What does mutual respect and tolerance mean in Australia?

    • AAgreeing with whatever view the majority holds
    • BKeeping your own opinions private and unspoken
    • CAvoiding political discussion with other people
    • DListening to others and respecting views different from your own

    Mutual respect and tolerance means listening to others and respecting their views and opinions even when they are different from your own. (Mutual respect and tolerance for others)

34. 34.Which of these is unacceptable in Australia?

    • AFollowing any religion you choose
    • BSupporting a minority political party
    • CMaking racially abusive comments at a sporting event
    • DDisagreeing with a government policy

    Making racially abusive comments in a public place or at a sporting event is not acceptable in Australia. (Mutual respect and tolerance for others)

35. 35.What do Australians believe in above all when people disagree?

    • AThe right to refuse to discuss the matter
    • BThe right to be safe and free from violence and intimidation
    • CThe right to be proved correct
    • DThe right to appeal to the Governor-General

    Australians believe in peaceful disagreement and in the right to be safe and free from violence and intimidation. (Mutual respect and tolerance for others)

36. 36.What do Australians call helping each other in times of need?

    • AMateship
    • BMutual obligation
    • CThe Rule of Law
    • DA fair go

    Australians value 'mateship' and help each other in times of need. (Compassion, mateship and making a contribution)

37. 37.What responsibility does everyone in Australia have when able?

    • ATo join a community organisation
    • BTo donate to charity annually
    • CTo try to support themselves and their families
    • DTo volunteer every week

    Everyone has a responsibility to try and support themselves and their families when they are able to do so. (Compassion, mateship and making a contribution)

38. 38.Which of these is an example of mateship in Australia?

    • AReporting a neighbour to the council
    • BCharging a friend for a lift
    • CTaking a meal to an elderly neighbour
    • DRefusing to help until asked

    Australians expect everyone living in Australia to participate in society and make a contribution to the community. (Compassion, mateship and making a contribution)

39. 39.What does volunteering give people in Australia the opportunity to do?

    • AAvoid being called to serve on a jury
    • BObtain Australian citizenship more quickly
    • CShare knowledge, learn new skills and feel they belong
    • DReduce the amount of tax they have to pay

    Volunteering is an opportunity to share knowledge, learn new skills and increase your sense of belonging to the Australian community. (Compassion, mateship and making a contribution)

40. 40.How does Australian society regard the English language?

    • AAs a requirement for employment and nothing more
    • BAs useful to know but not especially important
    • CAs the national language and an important unifying element
    • DAs one of several official languages of Australia

    Australian society values the English language as the national language of Australia. (English as the national language)

41. 41.Why is learning English important in Australia?

    • AIt helps in getting an education and a job and integrating into the community
    • BIt exempts an applicant from the citizenship test
    • CIt is required before you can obtain a driver’s licence
    • DIt is needed in order to vote at federal elections

    Learning English helps to get an education and a job and to better integrate into the community. (English as the national language)

42. 42.What must applicants for Australian citizenship undertake?

    • ATo teach English to their children before they start school
    • BTo make reasonable efforts to learn English if it is not their native language
    • CTo speak only English in their own home and workplace
    • DTo pass an examination in English at university level

    Applicants for Australian citizenship must undertake to make reasonable efforts to learn the English language if it is not their native language. (English as the national language)

43. 43.What should you do if you suspect someone is planning a serious crime?

    • AReport it to Australian government authorities as soon as possible
    • BWarn the person concerned not to go ahead with it
    • CDiscuss what you suspect with your neighbours first
    • DWait until the crime has actually been committed

    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. (Helping to keep our society safe and loyalty to Australia)

44. 44.What should a person do if they know a child is being abused?

    • AReport it to the local council
    • BSpeak to the child’s family only
    • CReport it to the police to investigate
    • DDo nothing unless they witnessed it

    A person who sees or has knowledge of a child being abused should report this to the police. (Helping to keep our society safe and loyalty to Australia)

45. 45.Which of these is an example of cyber abuse?

    • AJoining a political group on social media
    • BCriticising a politician’s record online
    • CSharing sexual photos or videos online without consent
    • DPosting a review of a business online

    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. (Helping to keep our society safe and loyalty to Australia)

46. 46.What do Australian citizens pledge in the citizenship pledge?

    • ATo renounce all other citizenships
    • BTo serve in the Defence Force
    • CTo vote for the governing party
    • DTheir loyalty to Australia and its people

    In the citizenship pledge Australian citizens pledge their loyalty to Australia and its people. (Helping to keep our society safe and loyalty to Australia)

47. 47.Can an Australian citizen hold the citizenship of another country?

    • ANo, dual citizenship is prohibited
    • BOnly for citizens born overseas
    • CYes, if the laws of that country allow it
    • DOnly with permission from the Governor-General

    Australian citizens may hold the citizenship of another country if the laws of that country allow, known as dual or multiple citizenship. (Helping to keep our society safe and loyalty to Australia)

48. 48.Which Australian law must also be followed overseas?

    • AThe requirement to pay Australian tax
    • BThe law against sexual activity with a child under 16
    • CThe requirement to vote in elections
    • DThe requirement to serve on a jury

    It is illegal for Australians to be involved in any sexual activity, here or overseas, with a child under 16 years of age. (Helping to keep our society safe and loyalty to Australia)

49. 49.What are Australians obliged not to undermine?

    • AAustralia’s interests and security
    • BThe reputation of the governing party
    • CThe decisions of the courts
    • DThe traditions of other countries

    Australian society is based on shared obligations not to undermine Australia's interests and security. (Helping to keep our society safe and loyalty to Australia)