Study Guide
Everything you need to know for the Australian Citizenship Test, based on “Our Common Bond”
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About the Citizenship Test
The Australian Citizenship Test is a requirement for most people applying for Australian citizenship by conferral. The test checks your knowledge of Australia, its values, and the responsibilities of citizenship.
Key Test Rules — Must Know
Australian Values
You must get ALL values questions correct to pass. Even if your overall score is above 75%, failing a single values question means you fail the test. Australian values are based on:
Freedom
Freedom of speech, expression, religion, and association. People can say what they think, practise any religion or no religion, and join lawful organisations.
Respect
Mutual respect for all people regardless of background, gender, sexuality, or beliefs. Treating others with dignity and consideration. Respect for the law and institutions.
Equality
Everyone is equal before the law regardless of race, religion, gender, or background. Men and women have the same rights. A 'fair go' means equal opportunity for all.
Rule of Law
No one is above the law — not even the government. Everyone must obey Australian laws. Disputes are resolved peacefully through the legal system, never through violence.
Key Points You Must Know
- Violence is NEVER acceptable to resolve disagreements — no exceptions
- Discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or sexuality is against Australian law
- Education is compulsory — parents MUST ensure their children receive an education
- Voting is compulsory for all Australian citizens aged 18 and over
- The law must be obeyed by everyone, even if they personally disagree with it
- Secular government — Australia has no official state religion
- Mateship means loyalty, friendship, and looking after each other in times of need
- A fair go means equal opportunity for everyone regardless of their background
- Gender equality — men and women are treated equally in Australia
- Mutual respect for the rights and freedoms of others is expected of all residents
Australia and Its People
Indigenous Australians
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the original inhabitants of Australia — their culture spans over 65,000 years, making it the oldest continuous culture in the world.
The “Dreamtime” (or “Dreaming”) is their understanding of the world's creation and the spiritual framework that connects past, present, and future.
Torres Strait Islander peoples come from the islands between the tip of Cape York (Queensland) and Papua New Guinea. They have a distinct culture from Aboriginal Australians.
Key Historical Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 65,000+ years ago | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples settle in Australia |
| 1770 | Captain James Cook charts the east coast of Australia |
| 26 Jan 1788 | First Fleet arrives at Sydney Cove (now celebrated as Australia Day) |
| 1850s | Gold Rush — mass migration from around the world |
| 1854 | Eureka Stockade — helped shape Australian democracy |
| 1 Jan 1901 | Federation — six colonies unite as the Commonwealth of Australia |
| 25 Apr 1915 | ANZAC troops land at Gallipoli (Anzac Day) |
| 11 Nov 1918 | End of World War I (Remembrance Day) |
| 1945 onwards | Post-WWII migration waves from Europe and beyond |
| 1967 | Referendum — Aboriginal people counted in census, federal laws apply |
| 2008 | National Apology to the Stolen Generations |
National Symbols
States & Territories
Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties
System of Government
- Type: Parliamentary democracy + constitutional monarchy
- Head of State: The King (represented by the Governor-General)
- Head of Government: The Prime Minister
- Constitution: Supreme law since 1901
Separation of Powers
- Legislative: Parliament (makes laws)
- Executive: Government departments (implements laws)
- Judicial: Courts (interprets laws)
- Each branch operates independently
Rights & Freedoms
Freedom of Speech
Express your opinions freely (with legal limits like defamation)
Freedom of Religion
Practise any religion or none — government is secular
Freedom of Association
Join any lawful organisation, union, or political party
Freedom of the Press
Media operates independently from the government
Presumption of Innocence
Innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
Right to Vote
All citizens 18+ must vote (compulsory)
Citizenship Responsibilities
- Obey Australian laws
- Vote in federal and state/territory elections (compulsory)
- Serve on a jury if called upon
- Defend Australia if the need arises
- Make the Australian Citizenship Pledge at the ceremony
Government and the Law
Three Levels of Government
Federal (Commonwealth)
Defence, immigration, trade, foreign affairs, taxation, telecommunications, social security (Centrelink), Medicare
State / Territory
Hospitals, schools, roads, police, public transport, emergency services, mining, agriculture
Local (Council)
Local roads, rubbish collection, local planning and building approvals, parks, libraries, community facilities
Parliament
Senate (Upper House)
- 76 senators total
- 12 senators per state (6 x 12 = 72)
- 2 senators per territory (2 x 2 = 4)
- Reviews and can amend legislation
- Called the “states' house” or “house of review”
House of Representatives (Lower House)
- 151 members (one per electorate)
- Government is formed in this house
- PM is the leader of the majority party
- Bills often originate here
- Called the “people's house”
Voting & Elections
Compulsory voting — all citizens aged 18+ must vote or face a fine
Preferential voting — voters number candidates in order of preference
Secret ballot — your vote is private
Federal elections — held at least every 3 years
Referendum — a national vote to change the Constitution. Requires a “double majority”: majority of voters nationally AND majority of voters in a majority of states (4 out of 6)
Key Institutions
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