Read-through

Download the official booklet (PDF) Opens in a new tab. Published by the Department of Home Affairs.

Part 1

Australia and its people

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

First peoples of Australia: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Their cultures are the oldest continuing cultures on Earth
Aboriginal peoples arrived 65,000 to 40,000 years ago
Aboriginal peoples come from the mainland and Tasmania
Torres Strait Islanders come from islands north of Queensland
About 3% of Australians are Indigenous
Over 100 Indigenous languages are spoken

Australia's first peoples
People	Traditionally from
Aboriginal peoples	Mainland Australia and Tasmania
Torres Strait Islander peoples	Islands between northern Queensland and Papua New Guinea

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are Australia's first inhabitants.
Their cultures and traditions are the oldest continuous ones in the world.
Archaeological record: Aboriginal peoples arrived 65,000 to 40,000 years ago.
Aboriginal people: mainland Australia and Tasmania.
Torres Strait Islanders: islands between northern Queensland and Papua New Guinea.
Indigenous peoples make up about 3% of the population.
There are more than 100 distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.

Early European settlement

The First Fleet had 11 ships carrying convicts from Britain
It reached Sydney Cove on 26 January 1788
Captain Arthur Phillip was the first Governor of NSW
Convicts were sent because British jails were full
Early free settlers came from Britain and Ireland
Gold rush began in 1851 in NSW and Victoria
Chinese people were the first big non-European migrant group
Population more than doubled within 10 years of the gold rush

1788The First Fleet lands at Sydney Cove.
1851Gold is found in New South Wales and Victoria, and migrants arrive from around the world.

Full timeline

Early settlement timeline
Year	Event
1788	First Fleet of 11 convict ships arrives on 26 January; Arthur Phillip becomes first Governor of NSW
1851	Gold rush begins in New South Wales and Victoria
Within 10 years of 1851	Population more than doubles

First Fleet: 11 convict ships from Great Britain.
Arrived 26 January 1788, landing at Sydney Cove.
First Governor of New South Wales: Captain Arthur Phillip.
Convicts were sent because British jails were overcrowded.
Early free settlers: Great Britain and Ireland.
Gold rush began in 1851 in New South Wales and Victoria.
Chinese people were the first large non-European migrant group.
Population more than doubled within 10 years of the gold rush.

A new nation built by migration

The colonies joined as the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901
About four million people lived here in 1901, not counting Indigenous peoples
After the 1967 Referendum, Indigenous peoples were counted in the population
Early 1900s programs encouraged British migrants
After World War II, many non-British Europeans arrived
English is the national language
Over 100 Indigenous languages are also valued

Building the nation
When	What happened
1901	Federation; population about four million (Indigenous peoples not counted)
First half of the 1900s	Programs encourage British migrants
After World War II	Large wave of non-British European migrants
1967	Referendum leads to Indigenous peoples being counted in population estimates

1901: colonies federated as the Commonwealth of Australia.
Population in 1901: about four million (Indigenous peoples not counted).
Indigenous peoples counted in population estimates after the 1967 Referendum.
Early 1900s: programs encouraged British migrants.
After World War II: large wave of non-British European migrants.
National language: English.
More than 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are valued.

States, territories and capitals

Australia has 6 states and 2 mainland territories
NSW: Sydney. Victoria: Melbourne
Queensland: Brisbane. Western Australia: Perth
South Australia: Adelaide. Tasmania: Hobart
Northern Territory: Darwin
ACT: Canberra, which is also the national capital

StateNew South WalesSydney
StateVictoriaMelbourne
StateQueenslandBrisbane
StateWestern AustraliaPerth
StateSouth AustraliaAdelaide
StateTasmaniaHobart
TerritoryAustralian Capital TerritoryCanberra
TerritoryNorthern TerritoryDarwin

States, territories and capitals
State or territory	Type	Capital
New South Wales	State	Sydney
Victoria	State	Melbourne
Queensland	State	Brisbane
Western Australia	State	Perth
South Australia	State	Adelaide
Tasmania	State	Hobart
Australian Capital Territory	Territory	Canberra (also the national capital)
Northern Territory	Territory	Darwin

6 states and 2 mainland territories.
New South Wales: Sydney.
Victoria: Melbourne.
Queensland: Brisbane.
Western Australia: Perth.
South Australia: Adelaide.
Tasmania: Hobart.
Australian Capital Territory: Canberra (national capital).
Northern Territory: Darwin.

Getting to know the states and territories

NSW was the first British colony; Sydney is the biggest city
Western Australia is the largest state, then Queensland
Tasmania is the smallest state; Victoria is the smallest mainland state
The Great Barrier Reef is off Queensland's east coast
Bass Strait lies between Tasmania and the mainland
Parliament House and the High Court are in Canberra
NT icons: Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon
Victoria icons: the MCG, 12 Apostles and Royal Exhibition Building

Notable places by state and territory
State or territory	Notable for	Notable places
New South Wales	First British colony; Sydney is the largest city	Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House
Victoria	Smallest mainland state	Melbourne Cricket Ground, 12 Apostles, Royal Exhibition Building
Queensland	Second-largest state	Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait Islands
Western Australia	Largest state	Ningaloo Coast, Margaret River, the Kimberley
South Australia	Rugged coast and wine regions	Barossa Valley, Flinders Ranges
Tasmania	Smallest state, across Bass Strait	Cradle Mountain, Port Arthur, Bay of Fires
Australian Capital Territory	Home of Canberra	Parliament House, High Court of Australia
Northern Territory	Tropical north, red desert south	Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon

New South Wales: first British colony; Sydney is the largest city.
Largest state: Western Australia. Second largest: Queensland.
Smallest state: Tasmania. Smallest mainland state: Victoria.
Great Barrier Reef: along Queensland's east coast.
Bass Strait separates Tasmania from the mainland.
Parliament House and the High Court are in Canberra.
Northern Territory icons: Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon.
Victorian icons: Melbourne Cricket Ground, 12 Apostles, Royal Exhibition Building.

Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country

A Welcome to Country comes from a local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian
It can be a song, dance, smoking ceremony or speech
It usually opens an event
Anyone can give an Acknowledgement of Country
It shows respect to Elders past and present
The Chair or MC usually gives it

Two protocols compared
Protocol	Who gives it	What it does
Welcome to Country	A local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian	Welcomes visitors onto traditional land; usually opens the event
Acknowledgement of Country	Anyone (often the Chair or MC)	Recognises the land and pays respect to Traditional Custodians and Elders

Welcome to Country: given by a local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian.
Forms: songs, dances, smoking ceremonies, speeches.
A Welcome to Country usually opens an event.
Acknowledgement of Country: anyone can deliver it.
Acknowledgement pays respect to Elders past and present.
Usually given by the Chair or Master of Ceremonies.

Australia Day and Anzac Day

Australia Day is 26 January
It marks the First Fleet's arrival in 1788
It is the biggest annual public holiday
Citizenship ceremonies are held on Australia Day
Australian of the Year winners are named in Canberra by the PM
Anzac Day is 25 April
ANZAC means Australian and New Zealand Army Corps
Anzacs landed at Gallipoli in 1915

1915Australian and New Zealand troops land at Gallipoli.

Full timeline

National days
Day	Date	What it marks
Australia Day	26 January	Arrival of the First Fleet in 1788
Anzac Day	25 April	Anzac landing at Gallipoli in 1915; remembers all who served and died

Australia Day: 26 January, anniversary of the First Fleet (1788).
Australia Day is the biggest annual public holiday.
Special citizenship ceremonies are held on Australia Day.
Australian of the Year Awards: announced in Canberra by the Prime Minister.
Anzac Day: 25 April.
ANZAC: Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
Anzacs landed at Gallipoli, Türkiye, on 25 April 1915 (World War I).

Australia's flags

The national flag is blue, white and red
The Union Jack shows British settlement and inherited laws
The Commonwealth Star has 7 points: 6 states plus the territories
The Southern Cross is a group of stars in the southern sky
Aboriginal Flag: black for people, red for earth, yellow sun
Torres Strait Islander Flag: green land, blue sea, black people
The white dancer's headdress stands for all Torres Strait Islanders
White also means peace; star points are the island groups

Australia's three officially recognised flags
Flag	Colours	Key meanings
Australian National Flag	Blue, white, red	Union Jack: British heritage; 7-point Commonwealth Star: 6 states + territories; Southern Cross
Australian Aboriginal Flag	Black, red, yellow	Black: Aboriginal peoples; red: the earth; yellow circle: the sun
Torres Strait Islander Flag	Green, blue, black, white	Green: land; blue: sea; black: the people; white headdress: all Islanders; white: peace

National Flag colours: blue, white and red.
Union Jack: British settlement and inherited laws and institutions.
Commonwealth Star: 7 points = 6 states + 1 for the territories.
Southern Cross: stars visible in the southern sky.
Aboriginal Flag: black (people), red (earth), yellow circle (sun).
Torres Strait Islander Flag: green (land), blue (sea), black (people).
White dancer's headdress: symbol of all Torres Strait Islanders.
White star points: island groups; white symbolises peace.

National symbols and anthem

The Coat of Arms is the official symbol of national unity
Its shield shows the six states and federation
A kangaroo and an emu hold up the shield
A gold Commonwealth Star sits above, with golden wattle behind
Golden wattle is the national flower and blooms in spring
National colours are green and gold
The national gemstone is opal
The anthem is 'Advance Australia Fair'

National symbols
Symbol	What it is	Meaning or note
Commonwealth Coat of Arms	Official symbol of the Commonwealth	National unity; shield = six states and federation; held by a kangaroo and an emu
Golden wattle	National flower	Blooms golden yellow in spring
Green and gold	National colours	Colours of the golden wattle; worn by sports teams
Opal	National gemstone	Legend: a rainbow touched the earth
'Advance Australia Fair'	National anthem	Sung at citizenship ceremonies and major sporting events

Coat of Arms: official symbol, represents national unity.
Shield: the six states and federation.
Supporters: a kangaroo and an emu.
Gold Commonwealth Star above the shield; golden wattle behind.
National flower: golden wattle (blooms in spring).
National colours: green and gold.
National gemstone: opal.
National anthem: 'Advance Australia Fair'.

Part 2

Australia's democratic beliefs, rights and liberties

Our democratic beliefs

In a parliamentary democracy, power comes from the people
Elected representatives answer to voters
Rule of Law: nobody is above the law
Leaders, business people and police must obey the law too
Change comes through discussion and the democratic process
Violence is not acceptable to change minds or laws
Everyone deserves dignity and respect

Four democratic beliefs
Belief	In short
Parliamentary democracy	Power comes from the people through elected representatives
Rule of Law	No person, group or religious rule is above the law
Living peacefully	Change through discussion and democracy, never violence
Respect for all individuals	Equal rights regardless of background

Parliamentary democracy: power comes from the people via elected representatives.
Representatives answer to the people through elections.
Rule of Law: no person, group or religious rule is above the law.
Leaders, business people and police must all obey the law.
Change happens through discussion, persuasion and the democratic process.
Violence is rejected as a way to change minds or laws.
Everyone deserves dignity and respect regardless of background.

Freedom of speech, expression and association

Free speech is the base of our democracy
You can criticise the government and protest peacefully
Free expression covers art, film, music and writing
You can join any legal group, or choose not to
Nobody can be forced to join a group
Protests must be peaceful, with no injury or damage
All freedoms operate within the law

Freedoms and their limits
Freedom	Lets you	But
Speech	Say and write what you think, criticise the government	Must obey the law
Expression	Share views through art, film, music, literature	Must respect others' freedoms
Association	Join or not join any legal group; protest	Protests must be peaceful, no injury or damage

Freedom of speech underpins the democratic system.
People may criticise the government and protest peacefully.
Expression includes art, film, music and literature.
Freedom of association: join any legal organisation, or choose not to.
No one can be forced to join an organisation.
Protests must be peaceful, with no injury or property damage.
All freedoms must be exercised within the law.

Freedom of religion

Australia has a Judaeo-Christian heritage
Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day are public holidays
Government is secular, separate from religious bodies
Australia has no official religion
You can follow any religion, or none
If religious practice conflicts with the law, the law wins

Australia has a Judaeo-Christian heritage.
Public holidays include Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day.
Government is secular: separate from religious bodies.
There is no official national religion.
People can follow any religion, or none.
Where law and religious practice conflict, Australian law prevails.

Our equalities

Laws protect against unfair treatment for gender, race, disability or age
Men and women have equal rights
Gender discrimination is illegal
A 'fair go' means success comes from talent and effort
Wealth or background should not decide your future
Australia has no formal class system

Laws protect against unequal treatment based on gender, race, disability or age.
Men and women have equal rights.
Gender discrimination is illegal.
'Fair go': success comes from talent, work and effort.
Wealth or background should not decide what someone achieves.
Australia has no formal class distinctions.

Responsibilities of citizenship

Four responsibilities: obey laws, vote, defend Australia, serve on a jury
Voting is compulsory for citizens 18 and over
A referendum is a vote to change the Constitution
Local council voting may not be compulsory in some states
Joining the Defence Force is voluntary
Jury duty applies to enrolled citizens aged 18 and over
A jury decides guilty or not guilty

Responsibilities vs privileges
Responsibilities (what you give)	Privileges (what you get)
Obey the laws of Australia	Vote in elections and referendums
Vote in elections and referendums	Apply for citizenship by descent for children born overseas
Defend Australia if needed	Apply for Australian Public Service and Defence Force jobs
Serve on a jury if called	Seek election to parliament
	Apply for a passport and re-enter freely
	Ask for consular help overseas

Four responsibilities: obey the law, vote, defend Australia, serve on a jury.
Voting is compulsory for citizens aged 18+.
Referendum: a vote to change the Australian Constitution.
Local government voting may not be compulsory in some states.
Australian Defence Force service is voluntary.
Jury duty applies to citizens 18+ on the electoral roll.
A jury decides guilty or not guilty.

Privileges of citizenship

Vote in elections and referendums
Children born overseas can apply for citizenship by descent
Apply for jobs in the Public Service and Defence Force
Stand for parliament if 18 or over and not a dual citizen
Apply for an Australian passport and re-enter without a visa
Get consular help from Australian missions overseas
Overseas, you must still obey local laws

Privileges of citizenship
Privilege	Detail
Vote	Federal, state or territory elections and referendums
Citizenship by descent	For your children born overseas
Government jobs	Australian Public Service; Army, Navy, Air Force
Stand for parliament	Aged 18+ and not a dual citizen
Passport	Apply for one; re-enter Australia without a visa
Consular assistance	Embassies, high commissions, consulates; emergency passports

Vote in elections and referendums.
Apply for overseas-born children to become citizens by descent.
Apply for jobs in the Australian Public Service and Australian Defence Force.
Stand for parliament: 18+ and not a dual citizen.
Apply for an Australian passport; re-enter without a visa.
Consular help overseas from embassies, high commissions and consulates.
Overseas, you must obey that country's laws.

Taking part in Australian society

Active citizens volunteer, join groups and take part in politics
Paying tax is required by law
The ATO collects income tax
Tax pays for health, education, defence, roads, rail and social security
States, territories and councils collect taxes too

Active citizenship: volunteering, community groups, political life.
Paying tax is required by law.
The ATO collects income tax.
Taxes fund healthcare, education, defence, roads, railways and social security.
States, territories and councils also collect taxes.

Part 3

Government and the law in Australia

Voting and having your say

Citizens 18 and over must enrol and vote
If you are not correctly enrolled, you cannot vote
The AEC runs federal elections and referendums and keeps the roll
The AEC is independent of government
Voting is by secret ballot
Not voting without a good reason may mean a fine
You can contact your elected representative about policy

Citizens 18+ must enrol and vote.
Not correctly enrolled = cannot vote.
AEC: runs federal elections and referendums; keeps the electoral roll.
The AEC is independent of government.
Secret ballot: your vote is private.
Not voting without a good reason may lead to a fine.
You can contact your elected representative about policy.

Federation and the Constitution

Before 1901 there were six separate British colonies
They federated on 1 January 1901
The Constitution is the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900
It set up Parliament: the House of Representatives and Senate
It also set up the High Court of Australia
Only the people can change it, through a referendum
A change needs a national majority and a majority of states
The 1967 Referendum passed with over 90% 'Yes'

1900The Constitution is passed as part of a British Act of Parliament.
1901The colonies unite as the Commonwealth of Australia.
1967Over 90 per cent vote Yes to count Aboriginal peoples in the Census.

Full timeline

Key dates
Date	Event
1900	Constitution passed as part of a British Act of Parliament
1 January 1901	Constitution takes effect; Commonwealth of Australia formed
1967	Referendum: over 90% vote 'Yes' to include Aboriginal peoples in the Census

Australian ConstitutionCommonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900
- Parliament of the Commonwealth
  - House of Representatives
  - Senate
- High Court of AustraliaFinal power to apply and interpret the law
- ReferendumThe people can change the Constitution here; needs a double majority

Before 1901: six separate self-governing British colonies.
Federation: 1 January 1901, Commonwealth of Australia.
Constitution: Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900.
The Constitution established Parliament (House of Representatives and Senate).
The Constitution established the High Court of Australia.
The Constitution can be changed by the people through a referendum.
Double majority: national majority + majority in a majority of states.
1967 Referendum: over 90% voted 'Yes' to include Aboriginal peoples in the Census.

How government power is divided

Power is split three ways: legislative, executive, judicial
This stops one person or group holding all the power
Legislative: Parliament makes and changes laws
Executive: the PM, ministers and Governor-General carry out laws
Judicial: judges interpret and apply the law
Courts are independent of parliament and government

Three powers
Power	What it does	Who holds it
Legislative	Makes and changes laws	Parliament
Executive	Puts laws into practice	Prime Minister, ministers, Governor-General
Judicial	Interprets and applies laws	Judges and courts (independent)

Australian ConstitutionDivides power so no one holds it all
- Legislative powerParliament makes laws
- Executive powerPM, ministers and Governor-General put laws into practice
- Judicial powerIndependent judges interpret and apply laws

Three powers: legislative, executive, judicial.
Purpose: stop any one person or group holding all power.
Legislative: Parliament makes and changes laws.
Executive: Prime Minister, ministers, Governor-General put laws into practice.
Judicial: judges interpret and apply the law.
Courts are independent of parliament and government.

Head of State and Governor-General

The Head of State is the King of Australia, Charles III
A constitutional monarch acts within the Constitution
The King appoints the Governor-General on the PM's advice
State Governors represent the King in each state
The Governor-General gives Royal Assent to Bills
The Governor-General is Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force
The role is neutral, with reserve powers

King of AustraliaHead of State, King Charles III
- Governor-GeneralAppointed on the Prime Minister's advice; neutral
  - Royal AssentSigns Bills into law
  - Commander-in-ChiefOf the Australian Defence Force
  - Reserve powersUsed only in specific circumstances
- State GovernorsRepresent the King in each state

Head of State: the King of Australia, King Charles III.
Constitutional monarchy: the King acts according to the Constitution.
Governor-General appointed by the King on the Prime Minister's advice.
State Governors represent the King in each state.
Governor-General gives Royal Assent to Bills.
Governor-General is Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force.
Governor-General is neutral and holds reserve powers.

Australia's leaders

Prime Minister: leads the Australian Government
Premier: leads a state government
Chief Minister: leads a territory government
Governor: the King's representative in a state
Senator: speaks for a state or territory in Parliament
Mayor or Shire President: leads local government
Councillor: elected member of a local council

Who leads what
Role	Leads or represents
King of Australia	Head of State
Governor-General	The King's representative in Australia
Governor	The King's representative in a state
Prime Minister	Australian Government
Premier	A state government
Chief Minister	A territory government
Mayor or Shire President	A local government
Senator	A state or territory, in the Australian Parliament
Member of Parliament	An electorate, in the Australian or a state parliament
Councillor	Elected member of a local council

Prime Minister: leader of the Australian Government.
Premier: leader of a state government.
Chief Minister: leader of a territory government.
Governor: the King's representative in a state.
Senator: represents a state or territory in the Australian Parliament.
Mayor or Shire President: leader of a local government.
Councillor: elected member of a local council.

The Australian Parliament

The Australian Government is also called Federal or Commonwealth
Parliament has two Houses: Representatives and Senate
House of Representatives: Lower House, People's House, 150+ members
Seats for each state and territory depend on population
Senate: Upper House, House of Review, States' House
76 senators: 12 per state, 2 each for ACT and NT

The two Houses
House	Also called	Members
House of Representatives	Lower House, People's House	Over 150 MPs; seats based on population
Senate	Upper House, House of Review, States' House	76 senators: 12 per state, 2 each for ACT and NT

Australian Parliament
- House of RepresentativesOver 150 MPs, one per electorate
- Senate76 senators
  - 6 states12 senators each
  - ACT and NT2 senators each

Australian Government = Federal or Commonwealth Government.
Two Houses: House of Representatives and Senate.
House of Representatives: Lower House, People's House; over 150 members.
MPs per state/territory based on population.
Senate: Upper House, House of Review, States' House.
76 senators: 12 per state, 2 each for the ACT and NT.

State, territory and local government

Each state has its own parliament and constitution
In the NT, the Governor-General appoints an Administrator
States have constitutional rights; territories do not
The federal government can change or cancel territory laws
Federal: tax, immigration, defence, foreign affairs, social security
State and territory: hospitals, schools, police, ambulances, transport
Local: rubbish, parks, local roads, libraries, building permits

Three levels of government
Level	Led by	Examples of responsibilities
Australian (federal)	Prime Minister	Tax, immigration and citizenship, defence, foreign affairs, social security
State or territory	Premier or Chief Minister	Hospitals, schools, police and ambulance, public transport
Local	Mayor or Shire President	Rubbish collection, parks, local roads, libraries, building permits

Three levels of government
- Australian GovernmentPrime Minister
- State and territory governmentsPremiers and Chief Ministers
- Local governmentsMayors and Shire Presidents

Each state has its own parliament and constitution.
Northern Territory: Administrator appointed by the Governor-General.
States have constitutional rights; territories do not.
Australian Government can alter or revoke territory laws.
Federal: tax, immigration, defence, foreign affairs, social security.
State/territory: hospitals, schools, police, ambulance, public transport.
Local: rubbish, parks, local roads, libraries, building permits.

Political parties and forming government

Main parties: Liberal, Labor, Nationals and Greens
Independents do not belong to a party
Government is the party or coalition with a House majority
Its leader becomes Prime Minister
Opposition is the next-largest party or coalition
A coalition is two or more parties working together
Cabinet holds the ministers with the top portfolios
The Governor-General approves the PM and ministers

Who's who after an election
Role	Who
Government	Party or coalition with a majority in the House of Representatives
Prime Minister	Leader of the governing party or coalition
Opposition	Second-largest party or coalition
Cabinet	Ministers with the most important portfolios
Independents	Parliamentarians with no party

Federal election
- Majority in House of RepresentativesForms government
  - Prime MinisterRecommends ministers
    - CabinetKey decision-making body
- Second-largest groupForms the Opposition
  - Leader of the Opposition

Main parties: Liberal, Labor, Nationals, Greens.
Independents: parliamentarians not in any party.
Government: party or coalition with a House of Representatives majority.
Its leader becomes Prime Minister.
Opposition: second-largest party or coalition.
Coalition: two or more parties joining together.
Cabinet: ministers with the most important portfolios.
Governor-General approves the PM and ministers.

How laws are made

A proposed law is called a Bill
Both Houses debate and vote on it
Each House needs a majority to agree
The Governor-General signs it into law: Royal Assent
States and territories follow a similar process

BillA proposed new or changed law
- House of Representatives and SenateDebate and vote
  - Majority in each House agrees
    - Governor-General signsRoyal Assent
      - Law

A proposed law is called a Bill.
Both Houses debate and vote on a Bill.
A majority in each House must agree.
The Governor-General signs it into law: Royal Assent.
States and territories follow a similar process.

Courts, juries and police

Courts and judges are independent
Innocent until proven guilty, and everyone may have a lawyer
A jury is ordinary citizens chosen at random
In a criminal trial, the judge sets the penalty
Police are independent of government
The AFP handles federal crimes and ACT policing
Offering police a bribe is a crime

Roles in the justice system
Who	Role
Police	Keep order, arrest suspects, give evidence
Jury	Ordinary citizens chosen at random; decide guilty or not guilty
Judge or magistrate	Highest authority in court; explains the law and sets the penalty
State/NT police	Crimes under state and territory laws
Australian Federal Police	Federal crimes, plus general policing in the ACT

Enforcing the law
- PoliceIndependent; arrest and bring people to court
  - State and NT police
  - Australian Federal Police
- CourtsIndependent; decide on the evidence
  - JuryDecides guilt
  - Judge or magistrateSets the penalty

Courts and judges are independent.
Innocent until proven guilty; everyone may have a lawyer.
Jury: ordinary citizens chosen at random.
In a criminal trial, the judge decides the penalty.
Police are independent of government.
AFP: federal crimes plus general policing in the ACT.
Even offering a bribe to police is a crime.

Criminal and traffic offences

Not knowing the law is no excuse
Domestic and family violence is illegal for men and women
It includes hitting, isolating or threatening children or pets
States and territories set the road rules
You need a local licence and a registered car
Everyone wears a seatbelt; young children need approved car seats
Drug-driving, drink-driving over the limit and hand-held phones are illegal

Road rules checklist
Rule	Requirement
Licence	Local driver's licence
Car	Must be registered
Seatbelts	Everyone in the car
Young children	Approved car seat
Phones	No hand-held mobile use while driving
Drugs and alcohol	No drug-driving; stay under the blood alcohol limit

Not knowing the law is no excuse.
Domestic and family violence is illegal; men and women can be jailed.
It includes hitting, isolating, or threatening children or pets.
Road rules are set by state and territory governments.
You need a local licence and a registered car.
Seatbelts for everyone; approved car seats for young children.
Illegal: drug-driving, exceeding the alcohol limit, hand-held mobile use.

Part 4

Australian values

Values: the Rule of Law and parliamentary democracy

Core values: freedom, respect, fairness, equal opportunity
Under the Rule of Law, everyone is equal before the law
No person or group is above the law
Obey the law even when no one is watching
The law applies to everyone, whatever their culture
Elected parliaments make the laws
Compulsory voting shows why taking part matters

Values: freedom, respect, fairness, equality of opportunity.
Rule of Law: everyone is equal before the law.
No person or group is above the law.
Obey the law even when no one is watching.
Australian law applies to everyone, regardless of culture.
Laws are made by elected parliaments.
Compulsory voting shows the importance of participating.

Values: freedom of speech and association

Free expression is allowed within the law
Media enjoy the same free speech
Peaceful protest is a key part of democracy
Promoting violence against any group is never acceptable
False allegations and urging law-breaking are illegal
People can freely join or leave legal groups
Protests must be peaceful, with no injury or damage

Free speech: OK or not?
Action	Allowed?
Peaceful protest against the government	Yes
Criticising a policy in the media	Yes
Promoting violence against a group	No
Making false allegations	No
Encouraging others to break the law	No
Protest that damages property	No

Free expression is allowed within the law.
Media have the same freedom of speech.
Peaceful protest is an essential part of democracy.
Promoting violence against any group is never acceptable.
False allegations and encouraging law-breaking are illegal.
People can join or leave legal groups voluntarily.
Protests must be peaceful: no injury, no property damage.

Values: freedom of religion

Australia has no official religion
All citizens are treated equally, whatever their religion
Religious laws have no legal standing
Polygamy is illegal
Forced marriage is illegal and can mean jail
Religious intolerance is not acceptable

Religion and the law
Practice	Legal in Australia?
Following any religion, or none	Yes
Applying religious law over Australian law	No, religious laws have no legal status
Polygamy	No
Forced marriage	No

No official national religion.
All citizens treated equally regardless of religion.
Religious laws have no legal status in Australia.
Polygamy is illegal.
Forced marriage is illegal; penalties include imprisonment.
Religious intolerance is not acceptable.

Values: equality and a fair go

Equal rights regardless of gender, sexuality, age, disability, religion, race or origin
No special treatment and no discrimination under the law
Two men or two women can marry
Men and women have equal access to education, work and parliament
A better-qualified woman has the right to the job
Violence against a partner is a crime
Either spouse may apply for divorce
Jobs go to the person with the best skills and experience

Equality in practice
Situation	Australian position
Better-qualified woman vs man for a job	The woman has the right to the job
Two men or two women marrying	Lawful
One spouse wants a divorce, the other doesn't	Either may apply to the courts
Violence against a spouse or partner	Criminal offence
Buddhist vs Christian under the law	Treated the same

Equal rights regardless of gender, sexuality, age, disability, religion, race or origin.
No preferential treatment and no discrimination under the law.
Two men or two women can marry under Australian law.
Men and women have equal access to education, work, parliament, ADF and police.
Better-qualified woman has the right to the job ahead of a man.
Violence against a spouse or partner is a criminal offence.
Either spouse may apply for divorce.
Jobs go to the person with the best skills and experience.

Values: mutual respect and tolerance

Respect others' freedom, dignity, opinions and choices
Verbal and physical abuse are both illegal
Settle disagreements peacefully
Age of consent is 16 or 17, depending on the state or territory
Follow lawful requests from police
Racism has no place, including online and at sport
Report racism to the Australian Human Rights Commission

Respect others' freedom, dignity, opinions and choices.
Verbal and physical abuse are both illegal.
Disagreements should be peaceful.
Age of consent: 16 or 17 depending on the state or territory.
Obey lawful requests from the police.
Racism, including online and at sporting events, has no place.
Racism can be reported to the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Values: contributing to the community

Everyone is expected to contribute to the community
Support yourself and your family where you can
Mateship means helping each other in hard times
Volunteering and community service are a strong tradition
English is the national language and brings people together
Applicants must make reasonable efforts to learn English
Multicultural communities helped during the 2019-20 bushfires

2019Communities across Australia rally to help those hit by the bushfires.

Full timeline

Everyone is expected to contribute to the community.
Try to support yourself and your family when able.
Mateship: helping each other in times of need.
Strong tradition of volunteering and community service.
English is the national language and a unifying element.
Applicants must make reasonable efforts to learn English.
Multicultural communities helped during the 2019–20 bushfires.

Values: keeping society safe and loyalty to Australia

Report suspected serious crime plans to the authorities quickly
Report child abuse to the police
Cyber abuse is not accepted; many forms are illegal
Dual citizenship is allowed if the other country permits it
Dual citizens must follow all Australian laws
Sex with a child under 16 is illegal for Australians, even overseas
Do not harm Australia's interests or security

What should you do?
Situation	Action
Suspect someone is planning a serious crime	Report to government authorities as soon as possible
Know of a child being abused	Report to the police
Experience cyber abuse	Report it; many forms are illegal
Hold dual citizenship	Still obey all Australian laws in Australia

Report suspected serious crime plans to authorities promptly.
Report child abuse to the police.
Cyber abuse is not accepted; many forms are illegal.
Dual or multiple citizenship is allowed if the other country permits.
Dual citizens in Australia must follow all Australian laws.
Sex with a child under 16 is illegal for Australians, even overseas.
Do not undermine Australia's interests or security.