Australian Citizenship Pledge: Both Versions Explained

The Australian citizenship pledge is the formal promise made by new citizens at their citizenship ceremony. It is one of the most significant moments in the path to Australian citizenship — the moment you publicly commit to Australia, its values, and its people. There are two versions of the pledge: one that references God and one that does not. Knowing both versions and understanding what they represent is relevant to the Australian Citizenship Test.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, the pledge is a commitment to Australia and is made in front of a presiding officer — usually an Australian citizen such as a council mayor, magistrate, or other authorised person — and witnesses.

The Two Versions of the Australian Citizenship Pledge

Version 1: The Pledge of Commitment (with God)

This version is chosen by those who wish to make a religious affirmation. The exact wording is:

"From this time forward, under God,
I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,
whose democratic beliefs I share,
whose rights and liberties I respect,
and whose laws I will uphold and obey."

Version 2: The Affirmation of Commitment (secular)

This version is chosen by those who prefer a non-religious affirmation. The exact wording is:

"From this time forward,
I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,
whose democratic beliefs I share,
whose rights and liberties I respect,
and whose laws I will uphold and obey."

The only difference between the two versions is the phrase "under God" — present in the Pledge of Commitment but absent from the Affirmation of Commitment. Both versions carry equal legal weight.

What Does the Pledge Mean?

Every phrase in the citizenship pledge has deliberate meaning that connects directly to the Australian values covered in the Australian Citizenship Test:

"From this time forward"

This phrase marks the exact moment citizenship begins. It signifies a permanent, ongoing commitment — not a temporary one. From the moment you say these words, you are an Australian citizen with all the rights and responsibilities that entails.

"I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people"

Loyalty to Australia means placing Australia's interests and values at the centre of your identity. This does not require abandoning your cultural heritage — Australia celebrates multiculturalism and values diversity. However, it does mean that Australian laws, democratic institutions, and community take precedence.

"Whose democratic beliefs I share"

Australia is a parliamentary democracy founded on values including freedom, equality, and rule of law. By pledging to share these democratic beliefs, new citizens commit to respecting and participating in Australia's democratic system — including the responsibility to vote in elections.

"Whose rights and liberties I respect"

Australians have specific rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of association, and freedom from discrimination. New citizens commit to respecting these rights — both their own and those of all other Australians.

"And whose laws I will uphold and obey"

Australia operates under the rule of law, meaning all people — including government officials — are subject to Australian law. New citizens commit to following Australian laws, regardless of any personal, cultural, or religious preferences that might conflict.

The Citizenship Ceremony

The citizenship pledge is made at an official Australian citizenship ceremony. These ceremonies are typically held by local councils and are a meaningful public event. Here's what to expect:

• You will receive an invitation letter from the Department of Home Affairs specifying the ceremony date and location
• Ceremonies are usually held on or around Australia Day (26 January) or at regular intervals throughout the year
• The presiding officer (often the mayor) will read the pledge aloud, and you repeat it
• You will receive your citizenship certificate at the ceremony
• An Acknowledgement of Country is typically made at the start of ceremonies, recognising the traditional custodians of the land
• The Australian National Anthem is often sung

Who Can Preside Over a Citizenship Ceremony?

According to the Department of Home Affairs, ceremonies must be presided over by an authorised citizenship ceremony officer. This includes:

• Federal, state, or territory Members of Parliament
• Mayors and deputy mayors
• Magistrates and judges
• Senior public servants authorised by the Minister

Historical Background: How the Pledge Has Changed

Australia's citizenship pledge has evolved over the decades. When the Australian Citizenship Act 1948 was passed — establishing Australian citizenship as a distinct status separate from British subject status — there was initially no formal pledge ceremony.

Over time, as citizenship ceremonies became more meaningful and public, the pledge was developed to reflect Australian democratic values. The current two-version format (Pledge and Affirmation) ensures the ceremony is inclusive of both religious and non-religious citizens.

The Pledge in Context: Our Common Bond

The pledge connects directly to the themes of Our Common Bond, the official Australian citizenship test resource. The booklet describes Australian values as:

• Respect for equal worth, dignity, and freedom of the individual
• Freedom of speech and association
• Freedom of religion and secular government
• Support for parliamentary democracy and the rule of law
• Equality under the law
• Equality of opportunity and a fair go for all
• Peacefulness
• Compassion for those in need

Each of these values is reflected in the language of the citizenship pledge. When you understand why the pledge uses the words it does, the values questions on the Australian Citizenship Test become much easier to answer correctly.

Use our Study Guide for a full review of Australian values, and take our practice tests to check your readiness before the real test.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Australian citizenship pledge?

The Australian citizenship pledge is a formal promise made at the citizenship ceremony. New citizens pledge their loyalty to Australia, commitment to its democratic beliefs, respect for its rights and liberties, and agreement to uphold Australian law. There are two versions — one with a reference to God and one without.

What is the difference between the Pledge of Commitment and the Affirmation of Commitment?

The only difference is the phrase "under God". The Pledge of Commitment includes this phrase for those who wish to make a religious affirmation, while the Affirmation of Commitment omits it for those who prefer a secular commitment. Both versions are legally identical.

Do you have to memorise the citizenship pledge for the test?

The Australian Citizenship Test does not require you to recite the pledge from memory. However, you should understand its meaning, the values it represents, and the fact that it is made at the citizenship ceremony — as questions about citizenship values and responsibilities are common.

When do you make the citizenship pledge?

You make the citizenship pledge at your official citizenship ceremony, which occurs after you have passed the Australian Citizenship Test and your application has been approved by the Department of Home Affairs. The ceremony is usually organised by your local council.

Is the citizenship pledge legally binding?

Yes. By making the citizenship pledge at an official ceremony, you are formally committing to the responsibilities of Australian citizenship, including obeying Australian law. Australian citizenship can be revoked in limited circumstances involving serious criminal conduct or fraudulent acquisition of citizenship.