Australian values - Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond 33 - Australian values

Sep 18, 2026

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Australian values explain how freedom, respect, fairness, and equal opportunity shape Australia and support a secure, prosperous, and peaceful community. The text links Australian citizenship to putting these values into everyday life and respecting the expectations of all people in Australia. It details key principles including parliamentary democracy, compulsory voting, the rule of law, freedom of speech and association, freedom of religion within legal limits, and equality under the law, including equal rights for men and women, and the concept of a ‘fair go’.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLifestyle

FormatPDF

Pages14

Reading Time22 min

AccessFree to download

Our values

Parliamentary democracy

Commitment to the Rule of Law

Freedom of speech

Freedom of association

Freedom of religion

Equality of all people under the law

Equality of opportunity and a ‘fair go’

PART FOUR Australian values Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond 33 Australian values Australian values based on freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity are central to our community remaining a secure, prosperous and peaceful place to live. Our values defne and shape our country and they are a reason why so many people want to become Australian citizens. Australian citizenship is about living out these values in your everyday life and in your local community. It is therefore very important that you understand the values that all Australian people are expected to respect, share and uphold. Our values Australian laws apply to all people in Australia. This means regardless of your background or culture, you must follow Australian laws. Parliamentary democracy Australia’s system of government is a parliamentary democracy. Our laws are determined by parliamentselected by the people. This means that Australian citizens are involved in how the country is governed. The power of the government comes from the Australian people because Australian citizens vote for people to represent them in parliament. Voting is compulsory in Australia. This shows the importance of participating in elections. Commitment totheRuleofLaw All Australians are protected by our laws and legal systems. Australians recognise the importance of laws in maintaining a peaceful and orderly society. Under the Rule of Law, all Australians are equal in relation tothe law and no person or group is above the law. In Australia, everybody should obey the law and not break it at any time, otherwise you will face penalties. You should follow the law even if no one is watching. Freedom of speech People in Australia should be able to express their ideas freely, so long as it is within the law. In Australia, people are free to meet in public or private places for social or political discussion. People are also free to say and write what they think about any topic and to discuss their ideas with others. Newspapers, television and radio outlets have the same freedom. Australians are allowed to peacefully protest against the actions of the government, because tolerance of peaceful public protest is an essential part of democracy. It is never acceptable to promote violence against another person or group of people (such as because of their culture, ethnicity, religion or background) because it is against Australian values and law. It is also illegal to make false allegations or encourage others to break the law. Other people’s freedom of speech and freedom of expression must be respected, as long as such expression is lawful. Freedom of association In Australia, people are free to join or leave any group voluntarily as long as it is within the law. People are free to join any legal organisation, such as a political party, trade union, religious, cultural or social group. Individuals cannot be compelled tojoin an organisation or forced to leave it. Australians can gather freely with others, including to protest against a government action or an organisation. However, all protests must be within the law. This means they must be peaceful, and must not injure any person or damage property. Freedom of religion Australia has no offcial national religion and people in Australia are free to follow any religion they choose. The government treats all citizens equally, whatever their religion or beliefs. However, religious practices must not break Australian laws. Religious laws have no legal status in Australia. Australian law must be followed by everyone in Australia, including where it is different from religious laws. Some religious or cultural practices, such as polygamy (being married to more than one person at the same time) and forced marriage, are against the law in Australia and can result in severe legal penalties, including imprisonment. Religious intolerance is not acceptable in Australian society. All people sh

FAQs

What is the purpose of Australian values for citizenship?

Australian values defne and shape the country, and they are the reason many people want to become Australian citizens. Citizenship means living out these values in everyday life and in local communities.

How does Australia’s system of government involve citizens?

Australia is a parliamentary democracy where laws are determined by parliament selected by the people. Citizens vote to represent them in parliament, so citizens are involved in how the country is governed.

Which freedoms are allowed in Australia, and what limits apply?

People can express ideas freely and meet for social or political discussion, as long as it is within the law. Australians can peacefully protest and join or leave groups voluntarily, and religious practice is free but must not break Australian laws.

Sep 18, 2026

Upload by Patrick