PART 2: Australia’s Democratic Beliefs, Rights & Liberties
PART 2: Australia’s Democratic Beliefs, Rights & Liberties
The Australian Citizenship Pledge includes:
- Supporting Australian democratic beliefs.
- Respecting rights and liberties.
- Sharing Australian values.
Our Democratic Beliefs
- Citizens vote to elect representatives in parliament.
- Government power is based on people's choice.
- MPs must answer to voters for the decisions they make.
Rule of Law - Everyone is equal under the Law
- No one is above the law, not even leaders.
- The law applies to everyone, including government, business, police, and religion.
Living Peacefully
- Australia is a peaceful country and a stable democracy.
- Australians reject violence as a way to change a person’s mind or the law.
- It should occur through discussion, peaceful persuasion, and the democratic process.
Respect for All Individuals
- All Australians have equal rights, no matter their:
- Race / Gender / Age / Wealth / Religion
- All Australians should be treated with dignity and respect.
Our Freedoms
Freedom of Speech and Expression
- All Australians are free to (within the law and respecting others’ rights):
- Say or write their views.
- Criticise the government.
- Engage in peaceful protests.
- Use art, film, and music to express their ideas.
Freedom of Association
- Australians have the freedom to:
- Join any legal group - Political party / Union / Religious, social, and cultural groups
- Also choose NOT to join any.
- Australians are allowed to gather peacefully (must not harm others or property).
Freedom of Religion
- Australia is a secular country (church and state are separate).
- No national religion (People are free to follow any religion or none).
- Everyone receives equal treatment under the law regardless of religion.
- Public holidays include Christian holidays, such as Christmas and Easter.
- Religion is not an excuse to break the law - Law comes first.
Our Equalities
Gender Equality
- Men and women have equal rights - Discrimination by gender is illegal.
Equality of Opportunity / ‘Fair Go’
- In Australia, success is believed to be based on talent, work, and effort.
- There is no formal class system in Australia.
- All get a fair shot in life.
Responsibilities (What You Give)
Obey the Law
- In Australia, laws maintain freedom, safety, and order.
- Everyone must follow them.
Vote (Federal, State & Territory, and Referendum) - Compulsory after 18 years of Age
- Your vote is your voice in how Australia is governed.
- A referendum is a vote to change the Constitution.
Defend Australia (If needed)
- Service in the Australian Defence Force is voluntary.
- But all citizens must be willing to protect the nation (if necessary).
Serve on a Jury - Responsibility of Australians aged 18 or over
- Jury - Group of ordinary Australian men and women.
- Listens to the evidence in court and decides the guilt.
- Australians on the electoral roll can be called to serve on a jury.
- Jury service ensures that the court system is open and fair.
Privileges (What You Receive)
Work in Public Service / Defence
- Australians can apply for govt. jobs (e.g. ATO or Services Australia).
- Also eligible to join the Army, Navy, or Air Force.
Seek Election to Parliament - Australians aged 18+ and not dual citizens
- It is an honor and a serious responsibility.
Apply for an Australian Passport
- With an Australian passport, you can travel freely in and out of Australia (No VISA needed).
Get Consular Help Overseas
- When overseas, Australian embassies/consulates can help in:
- Emergencies / Lost passport / Illness, death, and civil unrest.
- Even when overseas, Australian citizens must obey the local laws.
Apply for Citizenship by Descent
- If your child is born overseas, you can apply for their Australian citizenship by descent.
Participating in Australian Society
Ways to Get Involved
- Australian citizens can:
- Join community groups / Arts organizations / Politics
- Volunteer / Support local causes
Paying Tax - A way of supporting Australian Society
- Required by law.
- Paid on income, goods, and services.
- Collected by the ATO (Australian Taxation Office).
- Funds - Healthcare / Education / Roads / Railways / Defence / Social Services.
