Australia is one of the world's most multicultural nations — more than 7 million people have migrated to Australia since 1945, and nearly half of all Australians were born overseas or have a parent born overseas. The Australian Citizenship Test includes questions on multiculturalism, tolerance, and the shared values that unite Australians from all backgrounds.
Australia's multicultural society is central to its national identity, and the Australian Citizenship Test directly tests your understanding of it. Australia officially embraces multiculturalism — the policy that people of all backgrounds can live, work, and contribute equally in Australian society while maintaining their cultural heritage. Understanding this principle is essential for answering values questions correctly.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, all Australians — regardless of their cultural, ethnic, or religious background — are expected to respect Australian values, obey Australian laws, and contribute to the community. This is the core bargain of Australian multiculturalism.
Australia's Immigration Story
Modern Australia was built on immigration. Understanding the key phases of Australian immigration helps you answer history-related citizenship test questions.
The First Australians
Before European settlement, Australia was home to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples — the world's oldest continuous cultures, dating back more than 65,000 years. There were hundreds of distinct language groups and nations across the continent. Acknowledging this deep history is an important part of Australian citizenship, referenced throughout Our Common Bond.
European Settlement (1788 Onwards)
The first wave of European immigration began with the arrival of the First Fleet on 26 January 1788, carrying convicts, marines, and free settlers from Britain. By the mid-1800s, the gold rushes attracted migrants from China, Europe, and America, beginning Australia's diversity.
Post-World War II Migration
The most transformative period of immigration began after World War II. The government launched the "Populate or Perish" policy, inviting millions of Europeans — initially from Britain, then from Greece, Italy, Poland, and other countries — to settle in Australia. Between 1945 and 1965, more than 2 million migrants arrived.
The End of the White Australia Policy
For much of its history, Australia restricted immigration from non-European countries under the White Australia Policy. This was progressively dismantled from the 1960s onwards and formally abolished in 1973. This shift opened Australia to migrants from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Pacific, creating today's diverse multicultural society.
What is Australia's Multicultural Policy?
Australia's official multicultural policy, as described in Our Common Bond, rests on four key principles:
- Civic duty — All Australians must obey Australian laws and respect the rights of others
- Cultural respect — Australians are free to express and share their cultural heritage
- Social equity — All Australians have equal access to services and opportunities
- Productive diversity — Australia benefits economically and socially from its diversity
This policy means that becoming an Australian citizen does not require you to abandon your heritage, language, or religion. However, it does require you to accept Australian laws and values — including respect for the rights of all people, equality of men and women, and the democratic process.
Australia by the Numbers: A Multicultural Nation
| Statistic | Figure |
|---|---|
| Australians born overseas | Approximately 30% |
| Australians with at least one overseas-born parent | Approximately 50% |
| Languages spoken at home | More than 300 |
| Religions practised | More than 100 |
| Migrants since 1945 | More than 7 million |
These figures illustrate why respect and tolerance are such fundamental Australian values. Living together in a diverse society requires everyone — new citizens included — to treat people of all backgrounds with dignity.
Test Your Knowledge of Australian Values and Society
Practice the exact types of questions that appear in the citizenship test — including values, multicultural policy, and Australian identity.
Start Free Practice TestMulticulturalism and Australian Values
The Australian Citizenship Test places significant weight on Australian values, and multiculturalism is woven through all of them. Here is how diversity connects to each core value tested:
Respect for the Equal Worth of All People
Australia's multicultural policy affirms that every person has equal worth, regardless of their cultural, religious, or ethnic background. The test will ask you about equality — knowing that Australian law prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation is essential.
Freedom of Religion
Australia does not have an official state religion. Australians are free to practise any religion or no religion. This freedom is protected by the Australian Constitution. In a multicultural society, freedom of religion means Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, and people of all faiths can practise freely — as long as they do not break Australian law or harm others.
English as the National Language
While Australia celebrates linguistic diversity — with over 300 languages spoken — English is the national language. The citizenship test is conducted in English, and the Department of Home Affairs requires applicants to demonstrate a basic level of English. English serves as the shared language that connects Australia's diverse communities.
Mateship and Community
The Australian concept of mateship — looking out for one another — extends across cultural boundaries. In a multicultural Australia, mateship means welcoming new community members, helping neighbours regardless of their background, and building a community where everyone belongs.
The Role of New Citizens in Multicultural Australia
When you become an Australian citizen, you make a pledge to Australia. The Australian Citizenship Pledge commits you to:
- Sharing Australia's democratic beliefs
- Respecting the rights and liberties of all Australians
- Upholding and obeying the laws of Australia
This pledge does not ask you to give up your cultural identity. It asks you to be a part of the shared civic community — to contribute to Australian society, to respect others, and to participate in the democratic process.
To practise citizenship test questions about Australian values and multicultural society, use our free practice tests or read the full coverage in our Study Guide. To begin your citizenship journey, sign up for a free account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to give up my culture to become an Australian citizen?
No. Australia actively encourages new citizens to maintain their cultural heritage. Multiculturalism means you can celebrate your language, traditions, and customs while also being part of the Australian community. The citizenship test asks whether you understand Australian values — not whether you plan to abandon your heritage.
Can I practise my religion freely in Australia?
Yes. Freedom of religion is protected by the Australian Constitution (Section 116). Australians of all faiths — or no faith — are free to practise their beliefs privately and publicly, provided they do not break the law or harm others. This freedom is a key Australian value tested in the citizenship test.
What was the White Australia Policy?
The White Australia Policy was a set of laws and practices that restricted immigration to Australia based on race, primarily excluding non-European migrants. It operated from the early 1900s and was progressively abolished from the 1960s onwards, with full dismantling by 1973. Its abolition reflected Australia's growing commitment to equality and non-discrimination — core Australian values referenced in Our Common Bond.
What languages are spoken in Australia?
More than 300 languages are spoken in Australian homes. English is the national language and is used in government, law, education, and business. After English, the most widely spoken languages include Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Italian, and Greek — a reflection of Australia's diverse migration history.
How does multiculturalism appear in the citizenship test?
Multiculturalism appears primarily through values questions in the Australian Citizenship Test. You may be asked about freedom of religion, equal treatment of all people, the importance of learning English, or scenarios testing your understanding of respect and tolerance. According to the Department of Home Affairs, all 5 values questions must be answered correctly to pass. Practise these with our free citizenship test questions.