Question 1

Who were Australia's first inhabitants?

Accepted Answer

According to Our Common Bond, 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.

Question 2

When did European settlement of Australia begin?

Accepted Answer

Our Common Bond states that European settlement started when the first 11 convict ships, known as the 'First Fleet', arrived from Great Britain on 26 January 1788.

Question 3

Why did the British Government initially send convicts to Australia?

Accepted Answer

Our Common Bond explains that British jails were overcrowded, so the British Government decided to transport convicts to the new colony of New South Wales to manage this problem.

Question 4

When was the Commonwealth of Australia established?

Accepted Answer

According to Our Common Bond, 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.

Question 5

When were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples first included in official population estimates?

Accepted Answer

Our Common Bond states that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were not included in official population estimates until after the Referendum in 1967.

Question 6

What is Australia's national language?

Accepted Answer

Our Common Bond explicitly states that 'Australia's national language is English' and that it is part of the national identity.

Question 7

What is the capital city of New South Wales?

Accepted Answer

According to Our Common Bond, Sydney is the capital city of New South Wales and is the nation's largest city.

Question 8

Which state is the smallest of the mainland states?

Accepted Answer

Our Common Bond states that Victoria is the smallest of the mainland states.

Question 9

Where is the Australian Capital Territory located?

Accepted Answer

According to Our Common Bond, the Australian Capital Territory is located between Sydney and Melbourne.

Question 10

What is the capital city of the Northern Territory?

Accepted Answer

Our Common Bond clearly states that Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory.