Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the original inhabitants of the land in Australia The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia make up approximately three per cent of the Australian population. Australian Human Rights Commission an independent Commission which investigates complaints about discrimination and human […]
Glossary of testable section Read More »
Making a contribution Citizenship gives you the opportunity to fully participate in our nation’s life and community. It means that you are ready to fulfil your responsibilities as an Australian citizen. Australians expect everyone living in Australia to participate in our society and make a contribution to our community. Everyone has a responsibility to try
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 define 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
The Australian Parliament has the power to make or change laws in Australia to benefit the nation. State and territory parliaments make their own laws in a similar way. How are laws enforced? The courts The courts in Australia are independent. A court will decide if a person has or has not broken the law
How are laws made? Read More »
The main difference between the three levels of government is that, although some responsibilities may overlap, generally each level of government provides different services. What role do political parties play in the way Australia is governed? A political party is a group of people who share similar ideas about how a country should be governed.
What do the three levels of government do? Read More »
The Australian Government The Australian Government is also called the Federal Government or the Commonwealth Government. The Government is made up of members of the Australian Parliament, which has two Houses: In a federal election, Australian citizens vote to elect representatives to each House of Parliament. The House of Representatives The House of Representatives is
How is Australia governed? Read More »
The Australian Constitution divides the power of government between the legislative (Parliament), executive(for example the Prime Minister and the Cabinet) and judicial powers (judges), to stop one person, or one group, from holding all the power. Legislative power Legislative power is the power to make laws. Parliament has the power to make and change the
How is the power of government controlled? Read More »
At the citizenship ceremony, you pledge to uphold and obey the laws of Australia. Australia’s system of government is a parliamentary democracy. It is important for you to understand this system of government, how laws are made in our parliamentary democracy and how they are administered. It is also important to understand how you, as
Government and the law in Australia Read More »
When you become an Australian citizen, you will have additional responsibilities and privileges. Responsibilities—what you will give Australia As an Australian citizen you must: Privileges—what Australia will give you As an Australian citizen you can: Responsibilities Obey the laws of Australia Our representatives in government make laws to maintain an orderly, free and safe society
Responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship Read More »
Freedom of speech and freedom of expression Freedom of speech is a core Australian value and underpins our democratic system. Freedom of speech means people can say and write what they think, and discuss their ideas with others. For example, people can criticise the government, protest peacefully against government decisions and campaign to change laws,
