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Part 1

Australia and its people

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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.

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

Early European settlement

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.

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

A new nation built by migration

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.

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

States, territories and capitals

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.

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

Getting to know the states and territories

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.

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

Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country

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.

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

Australia Day and Anzac Day

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).

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's flags

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.

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 symbols and anthem

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'.

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

Part 2

Australia's democratic beliefs, rights and liberties

Our democratic beliefs

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.

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

Freedom of speech, expression and association

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.

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 religion

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 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 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.

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

Privileges of citizenship

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.

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

Taking part in Australian society

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+ 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: 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.

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

How government power is divided

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.

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)

Head of State and Governor-General

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: 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.

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

The Australian Parliament

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.

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

State, territory and local government

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.

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

Political parties and forming government

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.

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

How laws are made

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; 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.

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

Criminal and traffic offences

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.

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

Part 4

Australian values

Values: the Rule of Law and parliamentary democracy

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 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.

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

Values: freedom of religion

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.

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

Values: equality and a fair go

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.

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

Values: mutual respect and tolerance

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.
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 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.

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