PART 4: Australian Values

Table Of Content

PART 4: Australian Values

Australian Values based on: 

• Freedom
• Respect
• Fairness
• Equality of opportunity

Commitment to the Rule of Law

• Everyone is equal under the law (No one is above the law).
• Must always follow the law — even if no one is watching.
• Australian law applies to all people, regardless of their backgrounds.

Parliamentary Democracy - Australia’s System of Government

• In Australia, citizens have a say in how the country is governed.
• The power of government comes from the Australian people.
  • They vote to elect people to represent them in the parliament.
• Voting is compulsory in Australia.

Freedom of Speech

• People in Australia:
  1. Free to express their ideas, as long as within the law.
  2. Free to meet in public or private places for social or political discussion.
  3. Free to say and write what they think about any topic.
  4. Free to peacefully protest against the actions of the government.
  5. Must respect other’s freedom of speech and expression, as long as they’re lawful.
• Making false allegations or encouraging others to break the law is illegal.

Freedom of Association

• People in Australia:
  • Free to join or leave any group voluntarily as long as it is within the law.
  • Free to join any legal organization, such as a political party.
  • Freel to gather with others, including to protest against a government action.
• It is illegal to force anyone to join or leave an organization. 

Freedom of Religion

• Australia has no official religion (Australians are free to follow any religion they choose).
• In Australia, all are treated equally regardless of their religion and beliefs.
• Religious laws have no legal status in Australia (Australian laws must be followed).
• Religious intolerance is not acceptable in Australia.

Equality Under the Law

• Australia values equal rights regardless of:
  • Gender / Age / Sexuality / Race / Religion / Disability
• Under Australian law, two people can marry each other, including two men and two women (same-sex marriage is legal).
• Men & Women have equal access to:
  • Jobs / Education / Parliament / Defence / Police
• Divorce is acceptable in Australia (either a husband or wife may apply for a divorce).

Equality of Opportunity / ‘Fair Go’

• In Australia, success is based on skills, effort, and merit (Not background, wealth, or gender).
• The law supports hiring based on skills and experience.

Mutual Respect & Tolerance

• In Australia, everyone must respect the freedom and dignity of others.
• It is illegal to be violent towards another person.
  • Violence of any kind, including verbal and physical abuse.
• In Australia, the age of sexual consent is 16 or 17, depending on state/territory.
  • Adult relations with someone under the consent age are illegal.

Our Community

Making a Contribution

• Australian Citizenship means full participation in Australian life.
• All Australians are expected to:
  • Support themselves& their family.
  • Be active in community life.
  • Fulfill civic responsibilities.

Compassion & Mateship

• Australians value ‘Mateship’ (helping each other in times of need).
• Examples: 
  • Bring food to an elderly neighbor.
  • Drive a friend to a medical visit.
  • Visit someone sick or lonely.
• Australia also has a strong tradition of community service and volunteering.

English as a National Language - An important unifying element of society

• Helps with education, employment, and community integration.
• You should make an effort to learn English, especially for citizenship.

Helping Keep Society Safe

• All Australian citizens share a duty to protect the community.
• Everyone should report: 
  • Serious crimes.
  • Child abuse.
  • Cyber abuse.
• Many forms of online abuse are illegal in Australia.

Loyalty to Australia

• Citizenship means pledging loyalty to Australia and its people.
• Australia allows dual citizenship if the other country allows it as well.
• BUT:
  • Must obey Australian laws anywhere in the world.
    1. No sexual activity with minors — even when overseas.
  • Don’t undermine Australian security (e.g. sharing gov’t secrets).
  • Don’t promote hate or fear of Australian communities.

Unity in Crisis

• During 2019–20 bushfires:
  • Many multicultural communities worked to help in this time of need.
  • Sikh community: 1000s of water bottles to firefighters.
  • Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian Australians: community fundraising