Part 4: Australian values, in plain English

Why values matter and the Rule of Law

Our Common Bond, page 34

• Values based on freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity help keep Australia secure, prosperous and peaceful.
• Citizenship means living out these values every day, in your local community.
• All Australians are protected by the law and are equal in relation to it. No person or group is above the law.
• Everyone should obey the law at all times, or face penalties. Follow the law even if no one is watching.
• Australian laws apply to everyone in Australia, whatever their background or culture.

Laws made by elected parliaments

Our Common Bond, page 34

In Australia's parliamentary democracy, laws are made by parliaments that the people elect. Voting is compulsory, which shows how important it is to take part in elections.

Freedom of speech, association and religion

Our Common Bond, page 35

Freedom of speech

• People can express their ideas freely, within the law. They can meet in public or private places, and say and write what they think.
• Newspapers, television and radio have the same freedom.
• Peaceful protest against the government is allowed, because it is an essential part of democracy.
• It is never acceptable to promote violence against a person or group, for example because of their culture, ethnicity or religion.
• It is against the law to make false allegations or to encourage others to break the law.
• Other people's lawful expression must be respected.

Freedom of association

• People are free to join or leave any group, as long as it is within the law. Nobody can be forced to join a group or forced to leave one.
• Protests must be peaceful, must not hurt anyone and must not damage property.

Freedom of religion

• Australia has no national religion. People are free to follow any religion they choose.
• Religious practices must not break Australian laws, and religious laws have no legal status in Australia.
• Polygamy (being married to more than one person at the same time) and forced marriage are against the law. The penalties can include prison.
• Religious intolerance is not acceptable.

Equal under the law

Our Common Bond, page 36

• Everyone has equal rights, whatever their gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, race, or national or ethnic origin.
• Nobody gets special treatment and nobody is discriminated against. For example, Buddhists and people of all other faiths are treated the same as Christians.
• Two people can marry, including two men or two women.
• Men and women have equal access to education and jobs. Both can vote, stand for parliament, join the Australian Defence Force and the police, and are treated equally in court.
• It is against the law to discriminate against someone because of their gender. A woman can get a job ahead of a man if she has better qualifications and skills.
• Men and women make their own choices about personal matters such as marriage and religion, and the law protects them from intimidation and violence.
• Violence against a spouse or partner is never acceptable and is a crime.
• Divorce is acceptable. Either a husband or a wife can apply to the courts for a divorce, even if the other wants to stay married.

A fair go

Our Common Bond, page 36

• Everyone deserves a fair go. Nobody should be held back by class, and everyone, whatever their background, has an equal chance to succeed.
• What people achieve should come from hard work and talent.
• People should get jobs because of their skills and experience, not their gender, wealth or ethnicity. The law supports choosing the best person for the job.
• Many new migrants have become leaders in business, the arts, public service and sport through hard work and enterprise.

Respect and tolerance

Our Common Bond, page 37

• Respect the freedom and dignity of others, and their opinions and choices.
• Violence of any kind, including verbal and physical abuse, is against the law.
• Support the lawful actions of the police, and obey a lawful request from the police.
• Mutual respect and tolerance mean listening to others and respecting their views, even when they differ from yours, and being tolerant when you disagree.
• Racism has no place in Australia. That includes creating or sharing racially offensive material online and racial abuse in public or at a sporting event.

Making a contribution

Our Common Bond, page 38

Australians expect everyone living in Australia to take part in society and contribute to the community. Everyone has a responsibility to try to support themselves and their families when they are able to.

Mateship and volunteering

Our Common Bond, page 38

Australians value mateship: helping each other in times of need. For example, taking a meal to an elderly neighbour, driving a friend to a medical appointment, or visiting someone who is sick or lonely. Australia has a strong tradition of community service and volunteering.

English as the national language

Our Common Bond, page 38

• English is the national language and an important part of what unites Australian society.
• People living in Australia should make an effort to learn English. It helps with education, getting a job and being part of the community.
• People applying for citizenship must undertake to make reasonable efforts to learn English, if it is not their first language.

Helping to keep society safe

Our Common Bond, page 38

• If you suspect someone may be planning a serious crime, report it to government authorities as soon as possible.
• If you see or know of a child being abused, report it to the police.
• Cyber abuse is not accepted, and many forms are against the law. Examples are sharing sexual photos or videos online without consent, stalking someone online, and racial abuse online.

Loyalty to Australia

Our Common Bond, page 38

• In the citizenship pledge, citizens pledge their loyalty to Australia and its people.
• Australians can also be citizens of other countries, if those countries' laws allow it. This is dual or multiple citizenship.
• A dual citizen in Australia must follow all Australian laws at all times.
• Some Australian laws apply to citizens even when they are overseas. For example, it is against the law for Australians to be involved in any sexual activity with a child under 16, here or overseas.
• Everyone shares a duty not to undermine Australia's interests and security. Sharing government secrets on social media would undermine Australia's interests. Promoting distrust and fear of an ethnic community would damage community relations.