Australian citizenship test questions and answers

B. They are the oldest continuous cultures in the world. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have the oldest continuous cultures and traditions in the world. Their age-old beliefs and traditions still guide them today. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, p. 8

A. British jails could not hold the large number of people imprisoned. British laws were harsh and the jails could not hold everyone imprisoned for their crimes, so convicts were transported to the new colony of New South Wales. Early European settlement, p. 8

C. Chinese people who arrived during the gold rush. Chinese people arriving during the gold rush (from 1851) were the first large group of migrants not from Europe. Early European settlement, p. 8

C. English. Australia's national language is English. It is part of our national identity, and migrants should learn and use English to help them participate in society. The nation and its people, p. 9

B. The national parliament, government and High Court. In 1901 our national democratic institutions, including the national parliament, government and High Court, were established under the new Australian Constitution. The nation and its people, p. 9

A. Perth. Perth is the capital city of Western Australia. States and territories, pp. 10–11

A. Western Australia. Western Australia is the largest state. Queensland is the second largest. States and territories, pp. 10–11

C. Victoria. Victoria is the smallest of the mainland states. Its capital city is Melbourne. States and territories, pp. 10–11

B. Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory. The Australian Capital Territory is home to the nation's capital, Canberra, where several national institutions are located, including Parliament House and the High Court. States and territories, pp. 10–11

B. Recognises the gathering is on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander land and pays respect to Traditional Custodians. An Acknowledgement of Country recognises that the gathering is on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander land, and pays respect to Traditional Custodians, particularly Elders past and present, and to Indigenous people attending. Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country, p. 12

A. Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Anzac Day is named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, which landed at Gallipoli in Türkiye during World War I. Australia Day and Anzac Day, p. 13

C. The sun. The yellow circle on the Australian Aboriginal Flag represents the sun. Australia's flags, p. 14

C. The golden wattle. Australia's national flower is the golden wattle, a small tree that grows mainly in south-eastern Australia and has golden yellow flowers in spring. Symbols and the national anthem, pp. 15–16

B. 'Advance Australia Fair'. 'Advance Australia Fair' is Australia's national anthem. It is sung on occasions of national importance, including at citizenship ceremonies and major sporting events. Symbols and the national anthem, pp. 15–16

A. Everyone, including government, community and religious leaders, business people and police. Everyone, including people who hold positions of power, must obey Australia's laws. This includes government, community and religious leaders, business people and the police. Our democratic beliefs, p. 18

A. Through 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. Our democratic beliefs, p. 18

C. The right to form and join associations, such as political parties, unions or religious groups, to pursue common goals. Freedom of association is the right to form and join associations to pursue common goals. People are free to join any legal organisation, or not to join. Our freedoms, p. 19

B. It operates separately from churches and other religious entities. The government in Australia is secular, which means it operates separately from churches or other religious entities. Australia has no official national religion. Our freedoms, p. 19

B. Australian law prevails. At all times, even while engaging in religious practices, the laws of Australia must be obeyed. Where there is a conflict, Australian law prevails. Our freedoms, p. 19

A. Their gender, race, disability or age. There are a number of laws in Australia that ensure a person is not treated differently from others because of their gender, race, disability or age. Equality and a 'fair go', p. 20

C. Citizens aged 18 or over who are on the electoral roll. Australian citizens who are on the electoral roll can be called to serve on a jury. Jury service is a responsibility for citizens aged 18 or over. Responsibilities of citizens, pp. 20–21

C. Federal and state or territory elections, and referendums. Voting is compulsory in federal and state or territory elections and referendums. It may not be compulsory in local government elections in some states. Responsibilities of citizens, pp. 20–21

B. No, citizens are free to return without a visa. If you travel overseas as an Australian citizen, you are free to return to Australia without the need for a visa. Privileges of citizens, pp. 20, 22

A. No one is allowed to know whom you voted for, unless you choose to tell them. Voting is by secret ballot, so you are free and safe to vote for any candidate. No one is allowed to know whom you voted for, unless you choose to tell them. Voting and the AEC, p. 24

A. No, the AEC is independent of the government. The AEC is independent of the government. Political parties or people in government cannot influence its decisions. Voting and the AEC, p. 24

C. The legal document that sets out the basic rules for the government of Australia. The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 is the legal document that sets out the basic rules for the government of Australia. The glossary calls it the supreme law. Federation and the Constitution, p. 25

B. By the Australian people voting in a referendum. The Australian people can change the Constitution by voting in a referendum. Federation and the Constitution, p. 25

B. A 'double majority': a majority of voters in a majority of states, and a majority of voters nationally. A referendum needs a double majority: a majority of voters in a majority of states, and a majority of voters across the nation. Federation and the Constitution, p. 25

A. Parliament. Parliament has the power to make and change the laws. It is made up of representatives elected by the people. Separation of powers, p. 26

C. The Prime Minister. In the Australian system, the leader of the Australian Government is the Prime Minister. Head of State and Governor-General, pp. 26–27

C. Signing Bills passed by Parliament into law (Royal Assent). The Governor-General signs Bills into law (Royal Assent), performs ceremonial duties, approves appointments, starts the process for a federal election, and is Commander-in-Chief of the ADF. Head of State and Governor-General, pp. 26–27

B. 76. There is a total of 76 senators: 12 from each of the six states and two each from the ACT and the Northern Territory. Parliament and leaders, pp. 27–28

A. Premier. The leader of a state government is the Premier. Parliament and leaders, pp. 27–28

A. The Australian Government. Immigration and citizenship are Australian Government responsibilities. Three levels of government, p. 29

C. Local government. Local governments are responsible for building permits, along with street signs, drains, parks and local libraries. Three levels of government, p. 29

B. The leader of the party or coalition that forms government. The leader of the party or coalition with the majority in the House of Representatives becomes the leader of the Australian Government, the Prime Minister. Parties and forming government, p. 30

B. As innocent until found guilty. In Australia's court system, people are considered innocent until they are found guilty in a court. Courts, juries and police, p. 31

A. No, it is against the law. It is against the law to use a hand-held mobile device while driving. It is also illegal to drive after taking drugs or above the blood alcohol limit. Criminal and traffic law, p. 32

C. Laws help maintain a peaceful and orderly society. All Australians are protected by our laws and legal systems. Australians recognise the importance of laws in maintaining a peaceful and orderly society. Rule of Law and democracy, p. 34

C. Holding a peaceful protest that does not injure anyone or damage property. Australians can gather freely to protest against a government action, but all protests must be within the law: peaceful, without injuring any person or damaging property. Freedom of speech and association, p. 35

B. Yes, as long as their expression is lawful. Other people's freedom of speech and freedom of expression must be respected, as long as such expression is lawful. Freedom of speech and association, p. 35

A. No, religious practices must not break Australian laws. People in Australia are free to follow any religion they choose, but religious practices must not break Australian laws. Freedom of religion, p. 35

A. No, it is never acceptable and is a criminal offence. Physical violence against a spouse or partner is never acceptable and is a criminal offence in Australia. Equality under the law, p. 36

C. Yes, men and women have equal rights to do both. Both men and women can vote at elections and stand for parliament. Equality under the law, p. 36

B. Everyone, regardless of background, has an equal opportunity to achieve success in life. We believe everyone deserves a 'fair go' and people should not be limited by any kind of class distinction. Everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve success. Equality of opportunity and a 'fair go', p. 36

B. Listening to others and respecting their views, even when different from your own. Mutual respect and tolerance means listening to others and respecting their views and opinions, even when they are different from your own. Mutual respect and tolerance, p. 37

A. No, racism has no place in Australia. Racism has no place in Australia. This includes creating or sharing racially offensive material online or in other publications, and making racially abusive comments in a public place or at a sporting event. Mutual respect and tolerance, p. 37

C. Report it to Australian government authorities as soon as possible. If people suspect their friend or neighbour may be planning a serious crime, they should report this to Australian government authorities as soon as possible. Our community and loyalty, p. 38

C. All Australian laws, at all times. Australian citizens may hold dual or multiple citizenship if those countries allow it, but an Australian citizen in Australia must follow all Australian laws at all times. Our community and loyalty, p. 38

B. Promoting distrust and fear of an ethnic community. Promoting distrust in and fear of an ethnic community would damage Australian community relations. Our community and loyalty, p. 38