Australian Citizenship Test — 50 Questions

Correct answer: A — is an honour and a serious responsibility

It is an honour and a serious responsibility to serve in an Australian parliament.

Correct answer: A — People came from all around the world to try to make their fortunes.

People from all around the world came to these colonies to try to make their fortunes. In 10 years, Australia's population more than doubled.

Correct answer: B — The government in Australia is secular

The government in Australia is secular, which means it operates separately from churches or other religious entities. Australia has no official national religion and religious laws have no legal status — Australian law must be followed by everyone.

Correct answer: A — you may have to pay a fine

If you do not vote in an election and do not have a good reason for not voting, you may have to pay a fine.

Correct answer: B — Listen to others and respect their views and opinions, even if they are different from their own, and be tolerant of each other where they disagree

Australians believe in mutual respect and tolerance for others. This means listening to others and respecting their views and opinions, even when they are different from your own. People should be tolerant of each other where they find that they disagree.

Correct answer: C — The court

The police may give evidence in court, but the court decides if a person is guilty or not.

Correct answer: B — Australian society values the equal rights of all people regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, race, or national or ethnic origin

Australian society values the equal rights of all people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, race, or national or ethnic origin.

Correct answer: B — the Australian National Flag

The Australian National Flag is the official flag of our nation.

Correct answer: C — They are independent and no one can tell them what to decide

Judges and magistrates are independent and no one can tell them what to decide. The government cannot take their jobs away if it disagrees with their decisions.

Correct answer: C — Report it to the police and to the online service or social media platform where it occurred

Many types of cyber abuse are against the law in Australia and should be reported to the police and the online service, such as a social media platform, that it occurred on.

Correct answer: C — on the right

The Southern Cross, on the right, is a group of stars that can be seen in the southern sky.

Correct answer: A — Australia's national democratic institutions

It was at this time that our national democratic institutions, including our national parliament, government and the High Court were established under the new Australian Constitution.

Correct answer: B — meeting with people for social or political discussion

The booklet states: 'In Australia, people are free to meet in public or private places for social or political discussion.' It also states that promoting violence and making false allegations are illegal.

Correct answer: C — an opportunity to recognise that a gathering is on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander land

An Acknowledgement of Country is an opportunity to recognise that the gathering is on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander land.

Correct answer: B — Australian citizens aged 18 years or over who are not dual citizens

Australian citizens aged 18 years or over who are not dual citizens can seek election to parliament at the federal, state or territory level.

Correct answer: C — maintain an orderly, free and safe society

Our representatives in government make laws to maintain an orderly, free and safe society and to protect our rights.

Correct answer: A — come together and take care of each other

The booklet states: 'In Australia, we come together in times of crisis and take care of each other in good times and bad.'

Correct answer: B — Australian citizens on the electoral roll

Australian citizens who are on the electoral roll can be called to serve on a jury.

Correct answer: C — Local government

Local governments are responsible for rubbish collection, drains, parks and playgrounds, local roads, and building permits.

Correct answer: B — It is valued as an important unifying element of society

The booklet states: 'Australian society values the English language as the national language of Australia, and as an important unifying element of society.'

Correct answer: B — taking a meal to an elderly neighbour

The booklet states: 'We help each other in times of need. For example, this might mean taking a meal to an elderly neighbour, driving a friend to a medical appointment, or visiting someone who is sick, frail or lonely.'

Correct answer: B — The golden wattle

Australia's national flower is the golden wattle, a small tree that grows mainly in south-eastern Australia. It has bright green leaves and many golden yellow flowers in spring.

Correct answer: B — a parliamentary democracy

Australia's system of government is a parliamentary democracy.

Correct answer: C — a rainbow touching the earth

According to Aboriginal legend, a rainbow touched the earth and created the colours of the opal.

Correct answer: C — discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process

Australians believe that change should occur through discussion, peaceful persuasion, and the democratic process. We reject violence as a way to change a person's mind or the law.

Correct answer: A — Volunteering or fundraising for a charity is a great opportunity to strengthen our community

Australia has a strong tradition of community service and volunteering. Volunteering is a great opportunity to share knowledge, learn new skills and increase your integration into and sense of belonging to the Australian community — in the spirit of mateship and helping each other in times of need.

Correct answer: A — Either spouse can apply, even if the other wishes to continue the marriage

Divorce is acceptable in Australia. Either a husband or wife may apply for a divorce, even if the other spouse wishes to continue the marriage. Both men and women have the right to make independent choices about personal matters such as marriage and religion, and are protected by the law from intimidation or violence.

Correct answer: B — the King, on advice from the Prime Minister

The King of Australia appoints the Governor-General as his representative in Australia, on advice from the Australian Prime Minister.

Correct answer: A — What someone achieves should result from their talents, work and effort—not their wealth or background

The Australian value of 'fair go' or equality of opportunity means that achievement should be based on talents, work and effort rather than wealth or background. There are no formal class distinctions in Australian society.

Correct answer: A — Army, Navy and Air Force

Australian citizens also have the right to apply for a job in the Australian Defence Force (the Army, Navy and Air Force).

Correct answer: B — Western Australia

The state is home to many large mining projects (referring to Western Australia).

Correct answer: A — an elected member of a local council

A Councillor is an elected member of a local council.

Correct answer: C — the Union Jack

The 'Union Jack', which is the flag of the United Kingdom is in the top left corner.

Correct answer: A — volunteer to do social and community work

For example, you can join neighbourhood and local community organisations, volunteer to do social and community work, join an arts or cultural organisation, and actively participate in political life.

Correct answer: C — An Administrator appointed by the Governor-General

In the Northern Territory, an Administrator appointed by the Governor-General represents a similar role to that of a state Governor.

Correct answer: A — Every person has the right to be represented by a lawyer in court

Every person in Australia has the right to be represented by a lawyer in court. This legal right applies to all people in Australia, ensuring fair access to the justice system regardless of financial status.

Correct answer: C — the six states and federation

The shield in the centre represents the six states and federation.

Correct answer: B — peaceful disagreement reflects Australian values of mutual respect

The booklet states: 'Australia values the principles of mutual respect and tolerance. This means listening to others and respecting their views and opinions, even when they are different from your own. People should be tolerant of each other where they find that they disagree.'

Correct answer: A — peacefully disagree

The booklet states: 'Australians believe in peaceful disagreement and above all the right to be safe and free from violence and intimidation.'

Correct answer: A — the House of Representatives and the Senate

The Australian Parliament has two Houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Correct answer: B — it is compulsory in federal and state or territory elections

Voting is compulsory in federal and state or territory elections.

Correct answer: A — an area of government

Government ministers are responsible for an area of government (called a portfolio).

Correct answer: B — 2

The Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory elect two senators each.

Correct answer: C — no one can know who you voted for unless you choose to tell them

No one is allowed to know whom you have voted for, unless you choose to tell them.

Correct answer: B — parliaments elected by the people

The booklet states: 'Our laws are determined by parliaments elected by the people.'

Correct answer: C — the Australian National Flag, the Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag

The Australian National Flag is the official flag of our nation. Other flags that are officially recognised and may be flown in the community include the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag.

Correct answer: B — If people suspect someone may be planning a serious crime, they should report this to authorities

The booklet states: 'In Australia, we each have responsibilities to help protect Australian society. For example, if people in Australia suspect their friend or neighbour may be planning to commit a serious crime, they should report this to Australian government authorities as soon as possible.'

Correct answer: B — the people

The representatives in parliament must answer to the people, through elections, for the decisions they make.