The Australian values questions

Why they matter so much

Five of the 20 questions are about Australian values. To pass, you must get all five right as well as scoring at least 15 out of 20. Even 19 out of 20 is not a pass if the one you missed is a values question.

The values questions come from Part 4 of Our Common Bond, the booklet's last part. Below is what it says, in plain words.

The rule of law

Everyone in Australia must obey Australian law, whatever their background, culture or religion. Nobody is above the law, and you follow it even when no one is watching.

Parliamentary democracy

Australians elect the parliaments that make the laws, so the government's power comes from the people. Voting is compulsory.

Freedom of speech, association and religion

• You can say, write and discuss what you think, and protest peacefully, as long as it is within the law. Promoting violence against anyone is never acceptable.
• You can join or leave any legal group, such as a political party, a union or a religious group, and nobody can force you to join or leave.
• Australia has no official religion, and you may follow any religion or none. Religious laws have no legal status: Australian law comes first. Polygamy and forced marriage are against the law.

Equality

• Everyone has equal rights, whatever their gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, race or origin.
• Men and women have equal rights in work, education, voting and the courts. Two men or two women can marry.
• Violence against a partner is a crime, and either partner can apply for a divorce.
• A 'fair go': jobs and success should come from skills and hard work, not gender, wealth or background.

Mutual respect and tolerance

Respect other people's freedom, dignity, opinions and choices, even when you disagree. Violence of any kind, including verbal abuse, is against the law. Racism has no place in Australia, online or in public. Follow lawful requests from the police.

Our community

• Contribute to the community, and support yourself and your family when you can.
• Mateship: help people in need, and volunteer.
• English is the national language: make an effort to learn it.
• Help keep society safe: report a planned serious crime, or child abuse, to the authorities. Online abuse is not accepted, and much of it is illegal.
• Loyalty to Australia. You can hold another citizenship too if that country allows it, but you must follow Australian law.

How to prepare

• Read Part 4 of the booklet in your own language, then in English, since the test is in English.
• When a question offers several answers, the one that respects the law, equality and peaceful disagreement is the one the booklet teaches.
• Practise the values questions until you get every one right, every time.