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Australian Citizenship Test Questions & Answers
Every one of our 160 practice questions, with the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for each the largest free Australian citizenship question bank online. All questions are based on the official Our Common Bond study resource and grouped by the five testable topics. Read them all here, then test yourself with a timed-style practice quiz.
Australia and its people 52 questions
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Who were Australia's first inhabitants?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are Australia's first inhabitants, with archaeological evidence suggesting they arrived between 65,000 and 40,000 years ago.
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When did European settlement of Australia begin?
European settlement started when the first 11 convict ships, known as the 'First Fleet', arrived from Great Britain on 26 January 1788. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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Why did the British Government initially send convicts to Australia?
British jails were overcrowded, so the British Government decided to transport convicts to the new colony of New South Wales to manage this problem. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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When was the Commonwealth of Australia established?
The separate colonies were united into a federation called the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901, when national democratic institutions like the national parliament, government, and High Court were established.
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When were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples first included in official population estimates?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were not included in official population estimates until after the Referendum in 1967. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
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What is the capital city of New South Wales?
Sydney is the capital city of New South Wales and is the nation's largest city. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
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Which state is the smallest of the mainland states?
Victoria is the smallest of the mainland states.
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Where is the Australian Capital Territory located?
The Australian Capital Territory is located between Sydney and Melbourne. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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What is the capital city of the Northern Territory?
Our Common Bond clearly states that Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory.
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What is the date of Australia Day?
Australia Day is celebrated on 26 January each year, marking the anniversary of the First Fleet's arrival from Great Britain in 1788. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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What is Anzac Day commemorated to remember?
Anzac Day is a solemn day to remember the sacrifice of Australians who served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
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What is a Welcome to Country?
Our Common Bond describes a Welcome to Country as a cultural practice performed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian, welcoming visitors to their traditional land.
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What is represented by the Union Jack in the Australian National Flag?
The Union Jack represents Australia's history of British settlement and the laws and institutions inherited as a result. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
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What does the Commonwealth Star on the Australian National Flag represent?
The Commonwealth Star has seven points, with each point representing one of the six states and one point for the territories. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
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What does the black color in the Australian Aboriginal Flag represent?
The top half of the Australian Aboriginal Flag, which is black, represents the Aboriginal peoples of Australia.
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What is Australia's national gemstone?
Our Common Bond clearly states that the opal is Australia's national gemstone, with an interesting Aboriginal legend about its creation.
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What are Australia's national colours?
Our Common Bond indicates that Australia's national colours are green and gold, which are the colours of the golden wattle.
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What is Australia's national anthem?
'Advance Australia Fair' is Australia's national anthem, sung at national ceremonies and major sporting events. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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What is one privilege of Australian citizenship related to employment in government services?
Australian citizens have the privilege to apply for jobs in the Australian Public Service, such as in Services Australia or the Australian Taxation Office. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
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What is a key benefit of Australian citizenship when traveling overseas?
Our Common Bond indicates that Australian citizens have the privilege to apply for an Australian passport and return to Australia without needing a visa when traveling overseas.
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When did the Australian colonies unite to form a single nation?
On 1 January 1901, the colonies were united into a federation of states called the Commonwealth of Australia.
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Who is Australia's Head of State?
Our Common Bond clearly states that Australia's Head of State is His Majesty King Charles III, who is represented in Australia by the Governor-General.
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Where are the Torres Strait Islander peoples originally from?
Torres Strait Islander people are from the islands between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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Who was the first Governor of the colony of New South Wales?
The first Governor of the colony of New South Wales was Captain Arthur Phillip. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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Which group were the first large group of migrants to Australia who were not from Europe?
Chinese people arriving during the 1851 gold rush were the first large group of migrants not from Europe.
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When did a large wave of non-British migration come to Australia?
A wave of non-British migration came after World War II, when millions of people in Europe had to leave their homelands. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
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How many distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages does Our Common Bond say are valued in Australia?
More than 100 distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are valued in Australia. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
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How many states and mainland territories make up the Commonwealth of Australia?
The Commonwealth of Australia is a federation of six states and two mainland territories.
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What is Australia's capital city?
Canberra is Australia's capital city, located in the Australian Capital Territory. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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What is the capital city of Victoria?
Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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What is the capital city of Queensland?
Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland.
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What is the capital city of Western Australia?
Perth is the capital city of Western Australia. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
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What is the capital city of South Australia?
Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
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What is the capital city of Tasmania?
Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania.
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Which is the largest state in Australia?
Western Australia is the largest state, with Perth as its capital city. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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Which was the first colony established by the British in Australia?
New South Wales was the first colony established by the British, and Sydney is the nation's largest city. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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Along which state's eastern coast does the world-famous Great Barrier Reef run?
The world-famous Great Barrier Reef runs along the eastern coast of Queensland.
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What separates Tasmania from the Australian mainland?
Tasmania is the smallest state and is separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
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In which territory are the icons of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon located?
Our Common Bond lists Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon as icons of the Northern Territory, whose capital city is Darwin.
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What is an Acknowledgement of Country?
An Acknowledgement of Country recognises that a gathering is on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander land and pays respect to Traditional Custodians; anyone can deliver it. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
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Who can deliver an Acknowledgement of Country?
Anyone can deliver an Acknowledgement of Country, though at meetings or events this is generally done by the Chair or Master of Ceremonies.
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On Australia Day, what does the Prime Minister announce in Canberra?
During Australia Day celebrations the Prime Minister announces the Australian of the Year Awards in Canberra. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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On what date is Anzac Day commemorated each year?
Anzac Day is commemorated on 25 April each year, named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps that landed at Gallipoli in 1915. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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What are the colours of the Australian National Flag?
The Australian National Flag is blue, white and red.
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What is the Southern Cross on the Australian National Flag?
The Southern Cross, on the right of the flag, is a group of stars that can be seen in the southern sky. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
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What does the red lower half of the Australian Aboriginal Flag represent?
The bottom half of the Aboriginal Flag is red and represents the earth, which has ceremonial significance. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
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What does the yellow circle on the Australian Aboriginal Flag represent?
The yellow circle on the Aboriginal Flag represents the sun.
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What are the colours of the Torres Strait Islander Flag?
The Torres Strait Islander Flag is green, blue, black and white. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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On the Torres Strait Islander Flag, what does the blue panel in the centre represent?
The blue panel in the centre of the Torres Strait Islander Flag represents the sea. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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Which two native Australian animals support the shield on the Commonwealth Coat of Arms?
A kangaroo and an emu support the shield on each side of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, and both are native Australian animals.
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What is Australia's national flower?
Australia's national flower is the golden wattle, which gives Australia its national colours of green and gold. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
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On what occasions is 'Advance Australia Fair' sung?
The national anthem is sung on occasions of national importance, including at Australian citizenship ceremonies and major sporting events. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
Australia's democratic beliefs, rights and liberties 17 questions
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In Australia's parliamentary democracy, where does the power of the government come from?
The power of the government comes from the Australian people because citizens vote for representatives in parliament. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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What does the Rule of Law mean in Australia?
The Rule of Law means that no person, group, or religious rule is above the law, and everyone must obey Australia's laws.
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How do Australians believe change should occur?
Our Common Bond emphasizes that Australians reject violence and believe change should occur through discussion, peaceful persuasion, and the democratic process.
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What principle is Australia's democratic system based on regarding individual rights?
Australia's democratic system is based on the principle that every individual has rights and equality under the law, regardless of their background. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
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What does freedom of speech mean in Australia?
Freedom of speech means people can express their thoughts, criticise the government, and protest peacefully, as long as they continue to obey Australian laws. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
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What is freedom of association in Australia?
Freedom of association means Australians can freely join legal organizations like political parties, trade unions, or social groups, and they cannot be forced to join. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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What right do Australian citizens have regarding parliamentary elections?
Australian citizens aged 18 years or over, who are not dual citizens, can seek election to parliament at federal, state, or territory levels. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
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Where does the power of the Australian government come from?
The power of the government comes from the Australian people because citizens vote for representatives in parliament. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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What is unique about voting in Australia?
Our Common Bond explicitly states that voting is compulsory in Australia, which demonstrates the importance of citizen participation in elections.
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What does freedom of expression allow people in Australia to do?
Freedom of expression means people can express their views, including through art, film, music and literature, while still obeying Australian laws.
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What does it mean that the government in Australia is secular?
The government in Australia is secular, which means it operates separately from churches or other religious entities, and Australia has no official national religion. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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What happens when there is a conflict between an Australian law and a religious practice?
Even while engaging in religious practices the laws of Australia must be obeyed, and where there is a conflict, Australian law prevails. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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What are the four responsibilities of an Australian citizen listed in Our Common Bond?
As an Australian citizen you must obey the laws, vote in federal and state or territory elections and in a referendum, defend Australia should the need arise, and serve on a jury if called to do so.
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Which of the following is a responsibility of an Australian citizen?
Our Common Bond lists defending Australia should the need arise as a responsibility of citizenship, while noting that service in the Australian Defence Force itself is voluntary.
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Which of the following is a privilege of Australian citizenship?
A privilege of Australian citizenship is to apply for an Australian passport and, when travelling overseas, to return to Australia freely without the need for a visa. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
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Who can seek election to parliament in Australia?
Australian citizens aged 18 years or over, who are not dual citizens, can seek election to parliament at the federal, state or territory level. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
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Why is paying tax important for Australian citizens?
Paying tax is required by law and helps fund services including government-funded healthcare and education, defence, roads and railways, and social security.
Government and the law in Australia 59 questions
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What is an important responsibility of Australian citizens aged 18 years or over?
Voting is a compulsory responsibility for Australian citizens aged 18 years or over in federal and state or territory elections, allowing them to have a say in how Australia is governed.
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What is jury service in Australia?
Our Common Bond describes jury service as a responsibility for Australian citizens aged 18 years or over, where ordinary citizens listen to court cases and help ensure the court system remains open and fair.
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In Australia, citizens aged 18 years or over must enrol to vote in which types of elections?
Citizens aged 18 years or over must enrol to vote in federal, state and territory elections and referenda on constitutional change.
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Who is responsible for conducting federal elections and referendums in Australia?
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is a Commonwealth agency responsible for conducting federal elections and referendums, and it is independent of the government. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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What type of voting system is used in Australian elections?
Voting in Australia is by secret ballot, which means no one is allowed to know whom you have voted for unless you choose to tell them. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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What is the legal document that sets out the basic rules for the government of Australia?
Our Common Bond clearly states that the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 (Australian Constitution) is the legal document that sets out the basic rules for the government of Australia.
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What is required for changing the Australian Constitution?
A constitutional change requires a 'double majority', meaning both the majority of voters in a majority of states and a majority of voters across the nation must vote for the change. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
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How is the power of government controlled?
The Australian Constitution divides government power between Parliament (legislative), the Prime Minister and Cabinet (executive), and judges (judicial) to prevent any single person or group from holding all the power. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
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Who is the Head of State in Australia?
The Head of State in Australia is the King of Australia.
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Who represents the Head of State in Australia?
The Governor-General is the representative of the Head of State in Australia. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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Who is the leader of the Australian Government?
The Prime Minister is the leader of the Australian Government. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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What is another name for the House of Representatives?
The House of Representatives is also known as the Lower House or the People's House.
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How many senators are elected in total?
There is a total of 76 senators, with 12 senators elected from each state and 2 senators each from the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
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Who leads a state government?
The leader of a state government is the Premier, while the leader of a territory government is the Chief Minister. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
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What do the three levels of government do?
The three levels of government (Australian, State/Territory, and Local) have distinct responsibilities while some responsibilities may overlap.
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What role do political parties play in the way Australia is governed?
Political parties are groups of people who share similar ideas about how a country should be governed and work together to have their ideas turned into laws. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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How is the Australian Government formed?
After a federal election, the government is generally formed by the party or coalition of parties with the majority of members in the House of Representatives. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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How are laws made?
Laws are made through a process where a Bill is proposed, considered, debated, and voted on by the House of Representatives and the Senate, and then receives Royal Assent from the Governor-General.
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How are laws enforced in Australia?
Our Common Bond describes multiple entities involved in law enforcement, including independent courts, juries, and police forces at both state and federal levels.
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What is the role of a jury in the Australian court system?
A jury's specific role is to decide in court whether a person is innocent or guilty, while the judge explains the law and decides the penalty. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
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What is a key principle of the Australian legal system regarding a person's status before being found guilty?
Our Common Bond explicitly states that in Australia's court system, 'people are considered innocent until they are found guilty in a court'.
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What is considered a serious crime in Australia?
Our Common Bond lists multiple serious crimes including murder, assault, sexual assault, violence, armed robbery, theft, sexual relations with minors, dangerous driving, drug possession, and fraud.
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What are the requirements for driving a car in Australia?
Our Common Bond specifies multiple requirements for driving in Australia, including having a local licence, registered car, wearing seatbelts, using child car seats, and avoiding driving under the influence or using mobile devices.
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Under the Rule of Law in Australia, what is true about how laws are applied?
Under the Rule of Law, all Australians are equal in relation to the law, and no person or group is above the law. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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What is a referendum in Australia?
A referendum is a vote to change the Australian Constitution. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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What may happen if you do not vote in an Australian election without a good reason?
Voting is compulsory, and if you do not vote and do not have a good reason, you may have to pay a fine. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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How many self-governing British colonies made up Australia before 1901?
Before 1901, Australia was made up of six separate, self-governing British colonies, each with its own constitution and laws.
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On what date did the Australian Constitution come into effect, uniting the colonies into the Commonwealth of Australia?
On 1 January 1901 the Australian Constitution came into effect and the colonies became one independent nation: the Commonwealth of Australia. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
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Which body has the ultimate power to apply and interpret the laws of Australia?
The Constitution established the High Court of Australia, which has the ultimate power to apply and interpret the laws of Australia. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
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What is a 'double majority' in an Australian referendum?
A double majority requires both a majority of voters in a majority of states and a majority of voters across the nation for the Constitution to be changed.
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In the 1967 Referendum, what did more than 90 per cent of Australians vote 'Yes' to?
In the 1967 Referendum more than 90 per cent of Australians voted 'Yes' to allow Aboriginal peoples to be counted in the Census. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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Into which three powers does the Australian Constitution divide the power of government?
The Constitution divides power between the legislative (Parliament), executive (such as the Prime Minister and Cabinet) and judicial powers (judges) to stop any one person or group holding all the power. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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What is legislative power?
Legislative power is the power to make laws, held by Parliament, which is made up of representatives elected by the people of Australia.
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Who currently holds the position of Australia's Head of State?
Australia's Head of State is the King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
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Who appoints the Governor-General, and on whose advice?
The King of Australia appoints the Governor-General as his representative in Australia, on advice from the Australian Prime Minister. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
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What does it mean that Australia is a constitutional monarchy?
Australia is a constitutional monarchy, which means the King is Australia's Head of State but has to act in accordance with the Constitution.
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What is 'Royal Assent'?
Royal Assent is when the Governor-General signs a Bill that has been passed by the Australian Parliament so that it becomes law. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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Of which body is the Governor-General the Commander-in-Chief?
The Governor-General's role includes acting as Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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What is the leader of a territory government called?
The leader of a state government is the Premier and the leader of a territory government is the Chief Minister.
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What is a Senator?
A Senator is an elected representative of a state or territory in the Australian Parliament. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
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Which two Houses make up the Australian Parliament?
The Australian Parliament has two Houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
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What are some other names for the Senate?
The Senate is sometimes called the Upper House, the House of Review or the States' House.
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How many senators does each state elect to the Senate?
Each state elects 12 senators, while the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory each elect two, making a total of 76 senators. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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What is a key difference between states and territories under the Constitution?
States have rights recognised by the Constitution while territories do not, and self-governing territory laws can be altered or revoked by the Australian Government at any time. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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Which of these is a responsibility of the Australian (federal) Government?
Our Common Bond lists immigration and citizenship, along with defence, taxation and foreign affairs, among the responsibilities of the Australian Government.
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Which level of government is mainly responsible for hospitals, schools and police?
State and territory governments are primarily responsible for hospitals and health services, schools, roads and railways, and police and ambulance services.
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Which of these is a responsibility of local government?
Local governments are responsible for services such as rubbish collection, local roads, footpaths, parks, and local libraries. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
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What are the main political parties in Australia?
The main political parties in Australia are the Liberal Party of Australia, the Australian Labor Party, the Nationals and the Australian Greens. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
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What is a member of parliament who does not belong to any political party called?
Parliamentarians who do not belong to any political party are called 'independents'.
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After a federal election, how is the Australian Government generally formed?
The Australian Government is generally formed by the party or coalition of parties with the majority of members in the House of Representatives, and its leader becomes the Prime Minister. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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What is the Opposition?
The party or coalition with the second largest number of members in the House of Representatives forms the Opposition, led by the Leader of the Opposition. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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What is the Cabinet?
Ministers with the most important portfolios make up the Cabinet, which is the key decision-making body of government.
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What is a 'Bill' in the Australian Parliament?
When a member of the Australian Parliament proposes to introduce a new law or change an existing one, the proposal is called a 'Bill'. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
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Can the government remove judges and magistrates if it disagrees with their decisions?
Judges and magistrates are appointed by the government, but the government cannot take their jobs away if it disagrees with their decisions, and no one can tell them what to decide. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
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What right does every person have when appearing in an Australian court?
People are considered innocent until proven guilty, and every person has the right to be represented by a lawyer in court.
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What does Australia's national police force, the Australian Federal Police (AFP), investigate?
The AFP investigates crimes against federal laws, for example drug trafficking, crimes against national security and crimes against the environment. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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What does Our Common Bond say about offering a bribe to a police officer?
In Australia it is a serious crime to bribe the police, and it is a crime to even offer a bribe to a police officer. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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Is not knowing about an Australian law an excuse for breaking it?
If you break an Australian law that you did not know about you could be charged, as not knowing the law is no excuse.
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What does Our Common Bond say about using a hand-held mobile device while driving?
Traffic laws are very strict and it is against the law to use a hand-held mobile device while driving, and illegal to drive after taking drugs or above the blood alcohol limit. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
Australian values 29 questions
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What is Australia's national language?
Our Common Bond explicitly states that 'Australia's national language is English' and that it is part of the national identity.
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How does the Australian government approach religious freedom?
Australia is a secular country where people are free to follow any religion or no religion, and the government treats all citizens equally regardless of their religious beliefs.
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What does a 'fair go' mean in Australian society?
A 'fair go' means that what someone achieves in life should be based on their talents, work, and effort, rather than their wealth or background. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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What is domestic and family violence in Australia?
Domestic and family violence includes behavior or threats that aim to control a partner by causing fear or threatening safety, which can involve multiple forms of abuse. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
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What is the primary purpose of Australian values in the community?
Australian values are based on freedom, respect, fairness, and equality of opportunity, with the primary goal of maintaining a secure, prosperous, and peaceful community.
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What is the key principle of freedom of speech in Australia?
Freedom of speech in Australia means people can express their ideas freely, but this must be done within legal boundaries.
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What is a key requirement for protests in Australia?
Our Common Bond emphasizes that all protests must be peaceful and must not injure any person or damage property.
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How does Australia approach religious freedom?
Australia has no official national religion, and people are free to follow any religion, but religious practices must comply with Australian law. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
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What is the principle of equality in Australian society?
Our Common Bond emphasizes that Australian society values the equal rights of all people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, race, or national or ethnic origin.
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What is the age of sexual consent in Australia?
The age of sexual consent is 16 or 17 depending on which state or territory a person resides in. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
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What should Australians do when they disagree with someone?
Our Common Bond emphasizes that Australians believe in peaceful disagreement and respecting others' opinions, even when they differ.
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What is Australia's stance on racism?
Our Common Bond explicitly states that 'Racism has no place in Australia', including creating offensive material or making racially abusive comments.
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What is an important responsibility of Australian citizens in helping to keep society safe?
Citizens should report suspected serious crimes to Australian government authorities to help protect the safety of the community.
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What is the expectation regarding the English language for people living in Australia?
Our Common Bond emphasizes that Australian society values English as the national language, and people living in Australia should make an effort to learn English for better integration and participation.
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What is the concept of 'mateship' in Australian society?
Our Common Bond describes 'mateship' as helping each other in times of need, such as taking a meal to an elderly neighbor or supporting someone who is sick or lonely.
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On what core ideas are Australian values based?
Australian values are based on freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity, which are central to a secure, prosperous and peaceful community. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
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Under a commitment to the Rule of Law, when should you follow the law?
Under the Rule of Law everybody should obey the law and not break it at any time, and you should follow the law even if no one is watching.
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What does Our Common Bond say about religious laws in Australia?
Religious laws have no legal status in Australia, and Australian law must be followed by everyone, including where it differs from religious laws. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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What does Our Common Bond say about practices such as polygamy and forced marriage?
Some practices, such as polygamy and forced marriage, are against the law in Australia and can result in severe legal penalties, including imprisonment. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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What does Our Common Bond say about marriage between two people of the same sex?
Under Australia's laws two people can marry each other, including marriage between two men or two women.
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What does Our Common Bond say about divorce in Australia?
Divorce is acceptable in Australia, and either a husband or a wife may apply for a divorce to the courts, even if the other spouse wishes to continue the marriage. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
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According to Our Common Bond, on what basis should a person get a job?
A person should get a job based on their skills and experience, not because of their gender, wealth or ethnicity, reflecting equality of opportunity and a 'fair go'. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
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What does mutual respect and tolerance mean as an Australian value?
Mutual respect and tolerance means listening to others and respecting their views and opinions, even when they are different from your own.
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What is Australia's position on racism?
Racism has no place in Australia, including creating or sharing racially offensive material online and making racially abusive comments in a public place or at a sporting event. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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What is meant by cyber abuse in Australia?
Online abuse, sometimes called cyber abuse, includes sharing sexual photos or videos online without consent, stalking a person online, or making racially abusive comments online, and many forms are illegal. Our Common Bond confirms this.
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Can an Australian citizen also hold the citizenship of another country?
Australian citizens may also hold the citizenship of another country if those countries' laws allow, which is known as dual or multiple citizenship, but they must still follow all Australian laws.
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What must an Australian citizen do even when they are overseas, according to some Australian laws?
Some Australian laws must be followed by citizens even when overseas; for example, it is illegal for Australians to be involved in any sexual activity, here or overseas, with a child under 16 years of age. This point is covered in Our Common Bond.
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What does the Australian value of 'mateship' and compassion for those in need involve?
Australians value 'mateship' and help each other in times of need, for example taking a meal to an elderly neighbour, driving a friend to a medical appointment, or visiting someone who is sick or lonely. Our Common Bond makes this clear.
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What must applicants for Australian citizenship undertake regarding the English language?
Applicants for Australian citizenship must undertake to make reasonable efforts to learn the English language, if it is not their native language.
Becoming an Australian citizen 3 questions
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What is one responsibility of an Australian citizen?
Our Common Bond clearly states that as an Australian citizen, you must obey the laws of Australia.
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What do Australian citizens pledge in the citizenship pledge?
In the citizenship pledge Australian citizens pledge their loyalty to Australia and its people. This is set out in Our Common Bond.
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According to Our Common Bond, what is described as 'our common bond'?
Our Common Bond concludes that as an Australian citizen you become part of the nation's story, and that citizenship is our common bond.
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