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Australian Citizenship Test questions and answers
There are 289 practice questions here, each with its correct answer and an explanation, written from Our Common Bond. The real Australian Citizenship Test is 20 questions in 45 minutes and you need 15 correct to pass. Reading is free and needs no account.
You will learn more by taking a timed test than by reading answers.
101.How are all Australians expected to treat each other?
- AAccording to their wealth
- BAccording to their country of origin
- CWith dignity and respect
- DAccording to their religion
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. (Living peacefully and respect for all)
102.What does freedom of speech mean in Australia?
- APeople may say anything without any legal limit
- BPeople can say and write what they think and discuss their ideas
- COnly elected representatives may criticise the government
- DPeople may speak freely only in private
Freedom of speech means people can say and write what they think and discuss their ideas with others. (Freedom of speech and freedom of expression)
103.Which of these is permitted under freedom of speech in Australia?
- ACriticising the government and campaigning to change laws
- BMaking false allegations against others
- CInjuring a person during a protest
- DDamaging property during a protest
Even while engaging in freedom of speech, the laws of Australia must be obeyed. (Freedom of speech and freedom of expression)
104.What does freedom of expression allow people to do?
- ABreak the law where necessary to make a political point
- BMeet for discussion in private places but not public ones
- CRefuse to obey an order made against them by a court
- DExpress their views through art, film, music and literature
Freedom of expression means people can express their views through art, film, music and literature. (Freedom of speech and freedom of expression)
105.What must protest gatherings in Australia be?
- ALimited to Australian citizens over the age of 18
- BApproved in advance by the police in that state
- CHeld only on public holidays and at weekends
- DPeaceful, and must not injure any person or damage property
Gatherings to protest must be peaceful and must not injure any person or damage property. (Freedom of speech and freedom of expression)
106.What is freedom of association?
- AThe right to a fair trial before a judge and jury
- BThe right to refuse to obey a law you disagree with
- CThe right to form and join associations to pursue common goals
- DThe right to hold public office in an Australian parliament
Freedom of association is the right to form and join associations to pursue common goals. (Freedom of association and freedom of religion)
107.Can a person in Australia be forced to join an organisation?
- ANo, people can decide not to join and cannot be forced
- BYes, if it is a registered trade union
- CYes, if their employer requires it
- DYes, if it is a political party
People can decide not to join an organisation and cannot be forced into doing so. (Freedom of association and freedom of religion)
108.What does it mean that Australia is a secular country?
- AIt operates separately from churches and other religious entities
- BReligious observance is required at citizenship ceremonies
- CChristianity is the official national religion
- DReligious leaders are appointed by the government
The government in Australia is secular, which means it operates separately from churches or other religious entities. (Freedom of association and freedom of religion)
109.What does it mean that the government in Australia is secular?
- AIt bans religious practice in all public places
- BIt appoints the heads of churches and other faiths
- CIt requires Australian citizens to be non-religious
- DIt operates separately from churches or other religious entities
The government in Australia is secular, which means it operates separately from churches or other religious entities. (Freedom of association and freedom of religion)
110.What happens where an Australian law and a religious practice conflict?
- AAustralian law prevails
- BThe courts must find a compromise
- CThe practice is exempt from the law
- DThe religious practice prevails
Where there is a conflict between an Australian law and a religious practice, Australian law prevails. (Freedom of association and freedom of religion)
111.Which public holidays does Australia have on Christian days?
- AGood Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day
- BNew Year’s Day and Labour Day
- CAnzac Day and Australia Day
- DThe King’s Birthday and Boxing Day
Australia has public holidays on Christian days such as Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day. (Freedom of association and freedom of religion)
112.What is often called a ‘fair go’ in Australia?
- AEqual opportunity in society
- BFreedom of association
- CCompulsory voting
- DThe right to a jury trial
Australians value equal opportunity in society, which is often called a 'fair go'. (Equality of opportunity and a fair go)
113.Under a ‘fair go’, what should determine what someone achieves in life?
- ATheir length of residence
- BTheir talents, work and effort
- CTheir wealth and background
- DTheir religion
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. (Equality of opportunity and a fair go)
114.What do Australian anti-discrimination laws cover?
- AGender, race, disability and age
- BOnly employment disputes
- COnly gender
- DOnly race and religion
Australian laws ensure a person is not treated differently because of their gender, race, disability or age. (Equality of opportunity and a fair go)
115.What does Australian society aim to have no formal version of?
- ATrade unions
- BPolitical parties
- CClass distinctions
- DReligious groups
Australian society has no formal class distinctions. (Equality of opportunity and a fair go)
116.Which of these is a responsibility of Australian citizenship?
- AServe in the Australian Defence Force
- BFly the national flag on Australia Day
- CJoin a political party
- DServe on a jury if called to do so
As an Australian citizen you must serve on a jury if called to do so. (Responsibilities of Australian citizenship)
117.From what age is voting a responsibility for Australian citizens?
- A25 years or over
- B16 years or over
- C21 years or over
- D18 years or over
Voting is a responsibility for Australian citizens aged 18 years or over. (Responsibilities of Australian citizenship)
118.What does Australian law require of citizens at election time?
- AVoting is encouraged but optional
- BVoting is compulsory in Australian elections
- CVoting is compulsory only in referendums
- DOnly citizens over 21 need vote
Voting is a responsibility for Australian citizens aged 18 years or over. (Responsibilities of Australian citizenship)
119.In which elections may voting not be compulsory in some states?
- ALocal government elections
- BReferendums
- CState and territory elections
- DFederal elections
It may not be compulsory to vote in local government elections in some states. (Responsibilities of Australian citizenship)
120.Is service in the Australian Defence Force compulsory?
- AYes, but for men only and not for women
- BNo, it is voluntary, but defending Australia is a responsibility
- CYes, in any year in which a referendum is held
- DYes, for all Australian citizens aged between 18 and 30
Service in the Australian Defence Force is voluntary, but defending Australia should the need arise is a responsibility of citizens. (Responsibilities of Australian citizenship)
121.What is a referendum?
- AA vote to change the Australian Constitution
- BA vote to elect the Prime Minister
- CA vote to approve the federal budget
- DA vote to choose a state Premier
A referendum is a vote to change the Australian Constitution. (Responsibilities of Australian citizenship)
122.What does a jury do?
- AAdvises the Governor-General on granting Royal Assent
- BListens to the evidence and decides if a person is guilty or not guilty
- CInterprets the Australian Constitution for the courts
- DDecides what penalty a guilty person should receive
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. (Responsibilities of Australian citizenship)
123.Which of these is a privilege of Australian citizenship?
- APay less tax than other residents
- BRefuse jury service
- CIgnore the laws of other countries
- DApply for an Australian passport
As an Australian citizen you can apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely. (Privileges of Australian citizenship)
124.Who can seek election to an Australian parliament?
- AOnly citizens who were born in Australia itself
- BCitizens aged 18 or over who are not dual citizens
- COnly Australian citizens aged 21 years or over
- DAny resident of Australia aged 18 years or over
Australian citizens aged 18 years or over who are not dual citizens can seek election to parliament. (Privileges of Australian citizenship)
125.What can Australian citizens apply for on behalf of children born overseas?
- ADual nationality with the other country
- BAn automatic Australian passport at birth
- CExemption from the citizenship test
- DAustralian citizenship by descent
As an Australian citizen you can apply for children born overseas to become Australian citizens by descent. (Privileges of Australian citizenship)
126.What help can you ask an Australian official for while overseas?
- APayment of medical bills in full
- BConsular assistance in times of need
- CExemption from local laws
- DFree flights back to Australia
As an Australian citizen you can ask for consular assistance from an Australian official while overseas. (Privileges of Australian citizenship)
127.What do you need to re-enter Australia as an Australian citizen?
- AA consular exit permit
- BPermission from the Governor-General
- CNothing — you are free to return without a visa
- DA returning-resident visa
If you travel overseas as an Australian citizen you are free to return to Australia without the need for a visa. (Privileges of Australian citizenship)
128.What are your legal obligations while you are travelling overseas?
- AOnly the laws of your birth country apply
- BOnly Australian laws apply to you
- COnly international treaties apply
- DYou must obey the laws of the country you are in
When in another country you must obey the laws of that country. (Privileges of Australian citizenship)
129.Which body collects tax in Australia?
- AThe Australian Federal Police
- BThe Australian Taxation Office
- CThe Reserve Bank of Australia
- DThe Australian Electoral Commission
Tax is collected by the Australian Taxation Office. (Participating in Australian society and paying tax)
130.Is paying tax optional in Australia?
- AYes, for temporary residents
- BYes, for people who do not vote
- CNo, it is required by law
- DYes, for people under 21
Paying tax is an important way to contribute to the Australian community and is required by law. (Participating in Australian society and paying tax)
131.What are Australian taxes spent on?
- AHealthcare, education, defence, roads and social security
- BHealthcare and education, but no other services
- CDefence and foreign affairs, but no other services
- DLocal council services such as rubbish collection only
Taxes are spent on services including government-funded healthcare and education, defence, roads and railways, and social security. (Participating in Australian society and paying tax)
132.Which of these is a way of actively participating in Australian society?
- AVolunteering to do social and community work
- BDeclining to vote at federal and state elections
- CRefusing to serve on a jury when called to do so
- DAvoiding paying tax on money earned from a business
Paying tax is an important way to contribute to the Australian community and is required by law. (Participating in Australian society and paying tax)
133.Which body conducts federal elections and referendums in Australia?
- AThe Australian Taxation Office
- BThe Australian Electoral Commission
- CThe High Court of Australia
- DThe Department of Home Affairs
The Australian Electoral Commission is a Commonwealth agency responsible for conducting federal elections and referendums. (Voting and the Australian Electoral Commission)
134.What does the Australian Electoral Commission maintain?
- AThe Commonwealth electoral roll
- BThe list of Australian citizens
- CThe register of political parties only
- DThe record of jury service
The Australian Electoral Commission maintains the Commonwealth electoral roll. (Voting and the Australian Electoral Commission)
135.How independent is the Australian Electoral Commission?
- AIt is controlled by the party in government
- BIt is independent, and government cannot influence its decisions
- CIt reports to the Prime Minister
- DIt is a division of the Home Affairs department
Political parties or people in government cannot influence the decisions of the Australian Electoral Commission. (Voting and the Australian Electoral Commission)
136.How is voting conducted in Australian elections?
- ABy declaration to an electoral officer
- BBy a public show of hands
- CBy secret ballot
- DBy signed and published ballot
Voting in an Australian election is by secret ballot. (Voting and the Australian Electoral Commission)
137.Who is allowed to know whom you voted for?
- AThe police, on request
- BThe Australian Electoral Commission
- CYour local member of parliament
- DNo one, unless you choose to tell them
No one is allowed to know whom you have voted for unless you choose to tell them. (Voting and the Australian Electoral Commission)
138.What may happen if you do not vote and have no good reason?
- AYou lose your citizenship
- BYou may have to pay a fine
- CYou are removed from the electoral roll
- DYou may be imprisoned
If you do not vote and do not have a good reason you may have to pay a fine. (Voting and the Australian Electoral Commission)
139.What must you do before you are able to vote?
- AObtain a voting permit
- BPass a further citizenship test
- CJoin a political party
- DBe correctly enrolled on the electoral roll
If you are not correctly enrolled you are not able to vote in an election. (Voting and the Australian Electoral Commission)
140.What can Australian citizens do if they are concerned about government policy?
- ARefuse to pay tax until it changes
- BApply to the Governor-General
- CContact their elected representative to raise it
- DPetition the High Court directly
Australian citizens can contact their elected representative to raise concerns about government policy. (Raising matters with your representatives)
141.What should an elected representative do when a citizen suggests a law be changed?
- AConsider what has been suggested
- BPass it to the Australian Electoral Commission
- CPut the suggestion to a referendum
- DRefer the citizen to the courts
If a citizen tells their elected representative a law needs to be changed, the representative should consider what has been suggested. (Raising matters with your representatives)
142.How many separate British colonies existed in Australia before 1901?
- AEight
- BFour
- CTwo
- DSix
Before 1901 Australia was made up of six separate, self-governing British colonies. (Federation)
143.On what date did the colonies unite into the Commonwealth of Australia?
- A25 April 1915
- B1 January 1900
- C26 January 1788
- D1 January 1901
On 1 January 1901 the colonies were united into a federation of states called the Commonwealth of Australia. (Federation)
144.Which of these was a difficulty caused by having separate colonies?
- AThey had no common language between them
- BThey used different currencies but nothing else differed
- CTrade and transport between them was expensive and slow
- DThey had no elected parliaments of their own
Trade and transport between the colonies was expensive and slow, and enforcing the law across borders was difficult. (Federation)
145.What was true of the separate colonies’ defence systems?
- AThey were jointly commanded
- BThey were the strongest in the region
- CThey were funded by Britain alone
- DThey were weak
The separate colonies had weak systems of defence. (Federation)
146.What is the Australian Constitution?
- AThe legal document setting out the basic rules for the government of Australia
- BA collection of the trade laws of the separate states
- CA treaty agreed between Australia and the United Kingdom
- DA declaration of independence from the British Empire
The Australian Constitution sets out the basic rules for the government of Australia. (The Australian Constitution)
147.When did the Australian Constitution come into effect?
- A26 January 1788
- B1 January 1901
- C1 January 1900
- D27 May 1967
The Australian Constitution came into effect on 1 January 1901. (The Australian Constitution)
148.Which two Houses did the Constitution establish?
- AA National Assembly and a Council of States
- BA House of Commons and a House of Lords
- CA Lower House and a House of Review only
- DA House of Representatives and a Senate
The Australian Constitution established the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, consisting of a House of Representatives and a Senate. (The Australian Constitution)
149.Which court did the Australian Constitution establish?
- AThe High Court of Australia
- BThe Supreme Court of New South Wales
- CThe Australian Court of Appeal
- DThe Federal Circuit Court
The Australian Constitution established the High Court of Australia. (The Australian Constitution)
150.Which court has the ultimate power to apply and interpret Australia’s laws?
- AThe High Court of Australia
- BEach state Supreme Court
- CThe Federal Court of Australia
- DThe Governor-General’s court
The High Court of Australia has the ultimate power to apply and interpret the laws of Australia. (The Australian Constitution)
Common questions
- How many questions are in the Australian Citizenship Test?
- The real test is 20 multiple-choice questions with 45 minutes to answer them, and you need 15 correct to pass. This page lists 289 practice questions drawn from the same official material, which is far more than any single sitting will ask you.
- Are these the real Australian Citizenship Test questions?
- No, and nobody has them. No government publishes its live exam questions. These are written from Our Common Bond, the official study guide the real questions are drawn from, so the facts being tested are the same even though the wording is ours.
- Do I need an account to read the questions and answers?
- No. Every question, its correct answer and its explanation is on this page with no signup and no payment. An account only matters if you want your progress saved across devices.
- How should I use the question bank?
- Reading answers is the weakest form of revision. Sit a timed test first to find out which chapters you are losing marks on, then come back here and read only those. Recognition feels like knowledge and is not the same thing.