Australian citizenship test study guide

Australia and its people · 14 facts

• What is the capital of Australia?

  Canberra

  Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory, is home to Parliament House.

• How many states does Australia have?

  Six

  New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.

• Which of these is one of Australia's two mainland territories?

  The Northern Territory

  The other is the Australian Capital Territory.

• Who were the first inhabitants of Australia?

  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

  They have lived in Australia for at least 65,000 years.

• What happened on 26 January 1788?

  The First Fleet of British ships arrived at Sydney Cove

  26 January is now Australia Day.

• What happened on 1 January 1901?

  The colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia (Federation)

  Federation created one nation from six colonies.

• What is Anzac Day?

  The day Australians remember those who served and died in war

  Anzac Day, 25 April, marks the landing at Gallipoli in 1915.

• On what date is Anzac Day?

  25 April

  It marks the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landing at Gallipoli in 1915.

• What is Australia's national anthem?

  Advance Australia Fair

  It became the national anthem in 1984.

• What is Australia's national floral emblem?

  The golden wattle

  Wattle Day is celebrated on 1 September.

• What are Australia's national colours?

  Green and gold

  They were proclaimed in 1984.

• Which of these is an official flag of Australia?

  The Australian Aboriginal Flag

  The Australian National Flag, the Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag are official flags.

• What does the Commonwealth Star on the Australian flag represent?

  The states and territories joined together

  Its seven points stand for the six states and the territories.

• What is Australia's national language?

  English

  English is the national language and part of Australia's national identity.

Democratic beliefs, rights and liberties · 6 facts

• What is a parliamentary democracy?

  A system where the people elect representatives to Parliament to make laws

  Australians vote for members of Parliament to represent them.

• What does "the rule of law" mean?

  All Australians are equal under the law and nobody is above it

  Everyone, including the government, must obey the law.

• Which of these is a freedom Australians have?

  Freedom of association

  Australians have freedom of speech, expression, association, assembly, religion and movement.

• Which of these is a responsibility of Australian citizens?

  Voting in federal and state elections

  Citizens must also serve on a jury if called and defend Australia should the need arise.

• Which of these is a privilege of Australian citizenship?

  Applying for an Australian passport

  Citizens can also stand for Parliament and seek help from Australian officials overseas.

• Is voting compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 and over?

  Yes, in federal and state elections

  Enrolment and voting are compulsory for citizens 18 and over.

Government and the law · 14 facts

• Who is Australia's Head of State?

  The King of Australia

  Australia is a constitutional monarchy.

• Who represents the King in Australia?

  The Governor-General

  The Governor-General is appointed by the King on the advice of the Prime Minister.

• Who represents the King in each state?

  The Governor

  Each state has its own Governor.

• What is the name of the leader of the Australian Government?

  The Prime Minister

  The Prime Minister leads the party or coalition with the most seats in the House of Representatives.

• What is the name of the leader of a state government?

  The Premier

  In the territories, the leader is called the Chief Minister.

• What are the two houses of the Australian Parliament?

  The House of Representatives and the Senate

  Both houses must agree on a bill before it becomes law.

• What is the role of the Australian Constitution?

  It sets out the basic rules for the government of Australia

  It came into force on 1 January 1901.

• How can the Australian Constitution be changed?

  Only by a referendum

  A referendum needs a national majority and a majority in a majority of the states.

• What is the highest court in Australia?

  The High Court of Australia

  It also interprets the Constitution.

• What does "separation of powers" mean?

  The power to make, carry out and judge laws is split between different groups

  Parliament makes laws, the executive carries them out and the courts judge them.

• Who has the power to make and change Australian laws?

  Parliament

  Laws are made by elected members of Parliament.

• What happens at a federal election?

  Australian citizens vote to elect members of Parliament

  The party or coalition with a majority in the House of Representatives forms government.

• Which level of government is responsible for local roads and rubbish collection?

  Local government (councils)

  Councils look after local matters such as parks, libraries and waste.

• Which level of government is responsible for defence and immigration?

  The federal government

  The Australian Government also handles foreign affairs, trade and social security.

Australian values · 10 facts

The real test has 5 questions on values, and you must get all of them right.

• In Australia, do men and women have equal rights?

  Yes

  Men and women have equal rights and opportunities in Australia.

• In Australia, can you be forced to follow a particular religion?

  No, everyone is free to follow any religion or none

  Australia has freedom of religion, and no state religion.

• Is it acceptable to use violence to make someone change their mind?

  No, violence is never acceptable

  Australians resolve disagreements peacefully and through the law.

• Do people who move to Australia have to obey Australian laws?

  Yes, everyone in Australia must obey Australian laws

  Everyone must obey Australian laws, whatever their background.

• Can Australians protest peacefully about something they disagree with?

  Yes, peaceful protest is allowed

  Freedom of assembly allows peaceful protest within the law.

• In Australia, is it a crime to force someone to marry?

  Yes, forced marriage is a crime

  Both partners must freely agree to marry.

• Does freedom of speech in Australia allow you to encourage violence against others?

  No, speech must stay within the law

  Free speech doesn't include inciting violence or hatred, or defaming people.

• Is everyone in Australia equal before the law?

  Yes, no matter their gender, religion, race or background

  Equality before the law is a core Australian value.

• What does "a fair go" mean in Australia?

  Everyone deserves an equal chance, based on what they do, not their background

  Australians value equal opportunity for all.

• Is it acceptable in Australia to treat people differently because of their race?

  No, discrimination is against Australian values and laws

  Australia values tolerance, respect and equal treatment.