Australian citizenship test questions and answers
219 practice questions for the Australian citizenship test, each with its answer and a short explanation. The real test has 20 questions and you need 15 correct.
These are our own practice questions based on the official study guide, Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. They are not the real test questions, which are not published.
Australia and its people
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, history, states and symbols. Practise this topic as a quiz
1. What is the capital city of Australia?
Answer: Canberra
Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory, is the national capital.
2. Who were the first inhabitants of Australia?
Answer: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were the first inhabitants of Australia.
3. What happened on 26 January 1788?
Answer: The First Fleet arrived from Great Britain
On 26 January 1788 the First Fleet of 11 convict ships arrived from Great Britain, starting European settlement. Australia Day marks this date.
4. How many states does Australia have?
Answer: Six
Australia has six states and two major mainland territories.
5. What colours are on the Australian Aboriginal Flag?
Answer: Black, red and yellow
The Aboriginal Flag is black, red and yellow.
6. What is Australia's national flower?
Answer: The golden wattle
The golden wattle is Australia's national flower.
7. On what date is Anzac Day?
Answer: 25 April
Anzac Day, 25 April, remembers the landing of Australian and New Zealand soldiers at Gallipoli and all who have served.
8. In what year did the six colonies unite to form the Commonwealth of Australia?
Answer: 1901
The Commonwealth of Australia was formed on 1 January 1901.
9. Where are Torres Strait Islander people from?
Answer: Islands between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea
Torres Strait Islander people are from the islands between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea.
10. Historically, where are Aboriginal people from?
Answer: Mainland Australia and Tasmania
Historically, Aboriginal people are from mainland Australia and Tasmania.
11. Which statement about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures is correct?
Answer: They are the oldest continuous cultures and traditions in the world
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have the oldest continuous cultures and traditions in the world.
12. How are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' deep connection with the land expressed?
Answer: Through stories, art and dance
Their deep connection with the land is expressed in their stories, art and dance.
13. How many ships were in the First Fleet?
Answer: 11
European settlement started when the first 11 convict ships, known as the First Fleet, arrived from Great Britain.
14. Why did the British Government decide to send convicts to New South Wales?
Answer: British jails could not hold the large number of prisoners
British laws were harsh and the jails could not hold everyone, so the British Government transported convicts to the new colony of New South Wales.
15. Who was the first Governor of the colony of New South Wales?
Answer: Captain Arthur Phillip
Captain Arthur Phillip was the first Governor of the colony of New South Wales.
16. Where did the early free settlers in Australia come from?
Answer: Great Britain and Ireland
Early free settlers came from Great Britain and Ireland, and this heritage has had a major influence on Australia's history, culture and politics.
17. What happened in Australia in 1851?
Answer: A gold rush began
In 1851 a gold rush began when gold was discovered in the colonies of New South Wales and Victoria.
18. In which colonies was gold discovered in 1851?
Answer: New South Wales and Victoria
Gold was discovered in the colonies of New South Wales and Victoria.
19. Who were the first large group of migrants to Australia not from Europe?
Answer: Chinese people
Chinese people who arrived during the gold rush were the first large group of migrants not from Europe.
20. What happened to Australia's population in the 10 years after the gold rush began?
Answer: It more than doubled
In 10 years, Australia's population more than doubled.
21. What was Australia's population in 1901, not counting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
Answer: About four million
In 1901 Australia's population was about four million. This figure did not include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
22. After which event were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples included in official estimates of the population?
Answer: The 1967 Referendum
It was not until after the 1967 Referendum that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were included in official population estimates.
23. When did a large wave of non-British migration come to Australia?
Answer: After World War II
A wave of non-British migration came after World War II, when millions of people in Europe had to leave their homelands.
24. What is Australia's national language?
Answer: English
English is Australia's national language and part of our national identity.
25. How many distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are there?
Answer: More than 100
Other languages are also valued, including more than 100 distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
26. How many mainland territories does Australia have?
Answer: Two
Australia has six states and two mainland territories.
27. What is the capital city of Victoria?
Answer: Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria.
28. What is the capital city of Queensland?
Answer: Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland.
29. What is the capital city of Western Australia?
Answer: Perth
Perth is the capital city of Western Australia.
30. What is the capital city of South Australia?
Answer: Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia.
31. What is the capital city of Tasmania?
Answer: Hobart
Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania.
32. What is the capital city of the Northern Territory?
Answer: Darwin
Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory.
33. What is the capital city of New South Wales?
Answer: Sydney
Sydney is the capital city of New South Wales and the nation's largest city.
34. Which was the first colony established by the British?
Answer: New South Wales
New South Wales was the first colony established by the British.
35. What is Australia's largest city?
Answer: Sydney
Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is the nation's largest city.
36. Which is the largest state in Australia?
Answer: Western Australia
Western Australia is the largest state.
37. Which is the smallest state in Australia?
Answer: Tasmania
Tasmania is the smallest state. It is separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait.
38. Which is the smallest of the mainland states?
Answer: Victoria
Victoria is the smallest of the mainland states.
39. Which is the second largest state in Australia?
Answer: Queensland
Queensland is the second largest state.
40. What separates Tasmania from the mainland?
Answer: The Bass Strait
Tasmania is separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait.
41. Along the coast of which state does the Great Barrier Reef run?
Answer: Queensland
The world-famous Great Barrier Reef runs along the eastern coast of Queensland.
42. In which territory are Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon?
Answer: The Northern Territory
Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon are icons of the Northern Territory.
43. Where is the Australian Capital Territory located?
Answer: Between Sydney and Melbourne
The Australian Capital Territory is located between Sydney and Melbourne.
44. Which national institutions are located in Canberra?
Answer: Parliament House and the High Court of Australia
Several national institutions are located in Canberra, including Parliament House and the High Court of Australia.
45. Many fine buildings in Victoria were built from the wealth created by what?
Answer: The gold rush of the 1850s
Many fine buildings in Victoria were built from the wealth created by the gold rush of the 1850s.
46. Who performs a Welcome to Country?
Answer: An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian of the area
A Welcome to Country is performed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian of the local region, welcoming visitors to their traditional land.
47. Who can deliver an Acknowledgement of Country?
Answer: Anyone
Anyone can deliver an Acknowledgement of Country. At meetings and events it is usually done by the Chair or Master of Ceremonies.
48. Why are Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country practices performed?
Answer: To show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
These practices are performed to show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
49. What does Australia Day mark?
Answer: The arrival of the First Fleet in 1788
Australia Day, on 26 January, is the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet from Great Britain in 1788.
50. Which awards does the Prime Minister announce during Australia Day celebrations?
Answer: The Australian of the Year Awards
During Australia Day celebrations, the Prime Minister announces the Australian of the Year Awards in Canberra.
51. What does the name 'Anzac' come from?
Answer: The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps
Anzac Day is named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
52. Where did the Anzacs land on 25 April 1915?
Answer: Gallipoli, in Türkiye
The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed at Gallipoli in Türkiye during World War I on 25 April 1915.
53. What do Australians remember on Anzac Day?
Answer: Australians who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping
Anzac Day is a solemn day when we remember the sacrifice of all Australians who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
54. What are the colours of the Australian National Flag?
Answer: Blue, white and red
The Australian National Flag is blue, white and red.
55. What does the Union Jack on the Australian National Flag represent?
Answer: Our British settlement and the laws and institutions we inherited
The Union Jack represents our history of British settlement and the laws and institutions we inherited as a result.
56. How many points does the Commonwealth Star on the Australian National Flag have?
Answer: Seven
The Commonwealth Star has seven points: one for each of the six states and one for the territories.
57. What do the seven points of the Commonwealth Star represent?
Answer: The six states and the territories
Six points represent the six states and one point represents the territories.
58. What is the Southern Cross on the Australian National Flag?
Answer: A group of stars that can be seen in the southern sky
The Southern Cross is a group of stars that can be seen in the southern sky.
59. On the Australian Aboriginal Flag, what does the black top half represent?
Answer: The Aboriginal peoples of Australia
The top half is black and represents the Aboriginal peoples of Australia.
60. On the Australian Aboriginal Flag, what does the red bottom half represent?
Answer: The earth, which has ceremonial significance
The bottom half is red and represents the earth, which has ceremonial significance.
61. On the Australian Aboriginal Flag, what does the yellow circle represent?
Answer: The sun
The yellow circle represents the sun.
62. What colours are on the Torres Strait Islander Flag?
Answer: Green, blue, black and white
The Torres Strait Islander Flag is green, blue, black and white.
63. On the Torres Strait Islander Flag, what does the blue panel represent?
Answer: The sea
The blue panel in the centre represents the sea. The green stripes represent the land.
64. What is in the centre of the Torres Strait Islander Flag?
Answer: A white dancer's headdress
The white dancer's headdress in the centre is a symbol for all Torres Strait Islanders.
65. Which animals support the shield on the Commonwealth Coat of Arms?
Answer: A kangaroo and an emu
A kangaroo and an emu, both native Australian animals, support the shield on each side.
66. What does the shield in the centre of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms represent?
Answer: The six states and federation
The shield in the centre represents the six states and federation.
67. What are Australia's national colours?
Answer: Green and gold
Australia's national colours are green and gold, the colours of the golden wattle.
68. What is Australia's national gemstone?
Answer: The opal
The opal is Australia's national gemstone.
69. What is Australia's national anthem?
Answer: 'Advance Australia Fair'
'Advance Australia Fair' is Australia's national anthem.
70. At citizenship ceremonies, which part is the most important?
Answer: Making the Australian Citizenship Pledge
Reading or repeating the Pledge is the most important part. You do not become a citizen until you have made the Pledge.
Democratic beliefs, rights and liberties
Parliamentary democracy, freedoms and the responsibilities of citizens. Practise this topic as a quiz
1. Australia is a parliamentary democracy. What does this mean?
Answer: Australians vote for people to represent them in Parliament
In a parliamentary democracy, the people elect representatives to make laws on their behalf.
2. Which of these is a responsibility of Australian citizens aged 18 or over?
Answer: To vote in federal and state or territory elections
Voting in federal and state or territory elections is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 or over.
3. Which of these is an example of freedom of speech in Australia?
Answer: People can peacefully protest against government decisions
Australians are free to say and write what they think and to protest peacefully, within the law.
4. Where does the power of the Australian Government come from?
Answer: The Australian people, who vote for representatives
In a parliamentary democracy, the power of the government comes from the Australian people, because citizens vote for people to represent them in parliament.
5. How do representatives in parliament answer to the people for their decisions?
Answer: Through elections
Representatives in parliament must answer to the people, through elections, for the decisions they make.
6. What does the Rule of Law mean?
Answer: No person, group or religious rule is above the law
The Rule of Law means that no person, group or religious rule is above the law. Everyone must obey Australia's laws.
7. Under the Rule of Law, who must obey Australia's laws?
Answer: Everyone, including people who hold positions of power
Everyone, including government, community and religious leaders, business people and the police, must obey Australia's laws.
8. How do Australians believe change should happen?
Answer: Through discussion, peaceful persuasion and democracy
Australians believe 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.
9. What does freedom of speech mean in Australia?
Answer: People can say and write what they think and discuss ideas, within the law
Freedom of speech means people can say and write what they think and discuss their ideas, as long as they obey Australian laws.
10. What does freedom of expression mean?
Answer: People can express their views, including through art, film and music
Freedom of expression means people can express their views, including through art, film, music and literature.
11. What is freedom of association?
Answer: The right to form and join associations to pursue common goals
Freedom of association is the right to form and join associations to pursue common goals.
12. Can a person in Australia be forced to join a trade union or political party?
Answer: No, people can decide not to join and cannot be forced to
People are free to join any legal organisation, but they can also decide not to join, and cannot be forced into doing so.
13. When Australians gather to protest, what must they do?
Answer: Be peaceful and not injure anyone or damage property
Protests must obey the law. This means they must be peaceful and must not injure any person or damage property.
14. What does it mean that the government in Australia is secular?
Answer: It operates separately from churches and religious groups
Secular means the government operates separately from churches or other religious entities.
15. Does Australia have an official national religion?
Answer: No, Australia has no official national religion
Australia has no official national religion. People are free to follow any religion they choose, or none.
16. If there is a conflict between an Australian law and a religious practice, which prevails?
Answer: Australian law
Where there is a conflict between an Australian law and a religious practice, Australian law prevails.
17. Which of these Christian days are public holidays in Australia?
Answer: Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day
Australia has a Judaeo-Christian heritage and has public holidays on Christian days such as Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day.
18. Which of these is a responsibility of Australian citizens?
Answer: To serve on a jury if called to do so
Citizens must obey the laws, vote, defend Australia should the need arise, and serve on a jury if called to do so.
19. Which of these is a responsibility of Australian citizens?
Answer: To defend Australia should the need arise
Defending Australia should the need arise is a responsibility. Service in the Australian Defence Force itself is voluntary.
20. Is service in the Australian Defence Force compulsory?
Answer: No, it is voluntary
Service in the Australian Defence Force is voluntary, though citizens have a responsibility to defend Australia should the need arise.
21. Which of these is a privilege of Australian citizenship?
Answer: Applying for an Australian passport
Citizens can apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely.
22. Which of these is a privilege of Australian citizenship?
Answer: Asking for consular help from an Australian official overseas
While overseas, citizens can ask for help from an Australian government official, for example in emergencies.
23. Which of these is a privilege of Australian citizenship?
Answer: Applying for a job in the Australian Public Service
Citizens can apply for a job in the Australian Public Service or the Australian Defence Force.
24. Which of these is a privilege of Australian citizenship?
Answer: Applying for children born overseas to become citizens by descent
Australian citizens can apply for their child born overseas to become an Australian citizen by descent.
25. Who can seek election to the Australian Parliament?
Answer: Citizens aged 18 or over who are not dual citizens
Australian citizens who are aged 18 years or over, and who are not dual citizens, can seek election to parliament.
26. Who is responsible for voting in federal and state or territory elections?
Answer: Australian citizens aged 18 years or over
It is a responsibility for Australian citizens aged 18 years or over to vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum.
27. What is a referendum?
Answer: A vote to change the Australian Constitution
A referendum is a vote to change the Australian Constitution.
28. Is voting compulsory in federal and state or territory elections?
Answer: Yes
Voting is compulsory in federal and state or territory elections. It may not be compulsory in local government elections in some states.
29. What does a jury do?
Answer: Hears the evidence and decides if a person is guilty or not
A jury is a group of ordinary Australians who listen to the evidence in a court case and decide if a person is guilty or not guilty.
30. Who can be called to serve on a jury?
Answer: Australian citizens who are on the electoral roll
Australian citizens who are on the electoral roll can be called to serve on a jury.
31. If you travel overseas as an Australian citizen, what do you need to return to Australia?
Answer: Nothing: you 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.
32. When Australians are in another country, whose laws must they obey?
Answer: The laws of that country
When in another country, you must obey the laws of that country.
33. Who collects income tax in Australia?
Answer: The Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Tax is paid out of the money you earn and is collected by the Australian Taxation Office.
34. Which of these is paid for by taxes in Australia?
Answer: Government-funded healthcare and education
Taxes are spent on services including healthcare, education, defence, roads and railways, and social security.
35. Which of these is an example of actively participating in Australian society?
Answer: Volunteering for community work
Active citizens join community organisations, volunteer, join arts or cultural groups and take part in political life.
36. Can Australians criticise the government?
Answer: Yes, as long as they obey Australian laws
Freedom of speech means people can criticise the government and protest peacefully, so long as they still obey Australian laws.
Government and the law
The Constitution, Parliament, levels of government and the courts. Practise this topic as a quiz
1. What is the name of the legal document that sets out the rules for the government of Australia?
Answer: The Australian Constitution
The Australian Constitution sets out the rules for the Australian Government.
2. What are the two houses of the Australian Parliament?
Answer: The House of Representatives and the Senate
The federal Parliament has two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
3. Who is the leader of the Australian Government?
Answer: The Prime Minister
The Prime Minister is the leader of the Australian Government.
4. Which level of government is responsible for defence?
Answer: The Australian (federal) Government
Defence is a responsibility of the Australian Government.
5. What is one role of the High Court of Australia?
Answer: To interpret the Constitution
The High Court interprets and applies the Constitution.
6. Who appoints the Governor-General?
Answer: The King, on the advice of the Prime Minister
The Governor-General is appointed by the King on the advice of the Prime Minister.
7. Who conducts federal elections and referendums in Australia?
Answer: The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)
The Australian Electoral Commission is responsible for conducting federal elections and referendums and maintaining the electoral roll.
8. Can political parties influence the decisions of the Australian Electoral Commission?
Answer: 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.
9. What is a secret ballot?
Answer: Voting in private so no one knows whom you voted for unless you 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.
10. What may happen if you do not vote in an election and have no good reason?
Answer: You may have to pay a fine
If you do not vote and do not have a good reason, you may have to pay a fine.
11. If you are not correctly enrolled, what happens?
Answer: You are not able to vote in an election
If you are not correctly enrolled, you are not able to vote in an election.
12. How can Australian citizens raise concerns about government policy?
Answer: By contacting their elected representative
Citizens can contact their elected representative to raise their concerns about government policy.
13. Before 1901, what was Australia made up of?
Answer: Six separate, self-governing British colonies
Before 1901, Australia was made up of six separate, self-governing British colonies.
14. On what date did the colonies unite to form the Commonwealth of Australia?
Answer: 1 January 1901
On 1 January 1901, the colonies were united into a federation called the Commonwealth of Australia.
15. Why did people want to unite the colonies?
Answer: Trade between colonies was slow and costly, and defence was weak
Separate colonies made trade and transport expensive and slow, law enforcement across borders difficult, and defence weak. A national identity was also forming.
16. When did the Australian Constitution come into effect?
Answer: 1 January 1901
The Australian Constitution came into effect on 1 January 1901.
17. How can the Australian Constitution be changed?
Answer: By a vote of the Australian people in a referendum
The Australian people can change the Constitution by voting in a referendum.
18. What is needed for a referendum to change the Australian Constitution?
Answer: A majority of voters nationally and in a majority of states
A double majority is needed: a majority of voters across the nation and a majority of voters in a majority of states.
19. In the 1967 Referendum, about what share of Australians voted 'Yes'?
Answer: More than 90%
More than 90% of Australians voted 'Yes' to allow Aboriginal peoples to be counted in the Census.
20. Which court has the ultimate power to apply and interpret the laws of Australia?
Answer: The High Court of Australia
The Constitution established the High Court of Australia, which has the ultimate power to apply and interpret the laws of Australia.
21. Why does the Constitution divide the power of government into legislative, executive and judicial powers?
Answer: To stop one person or one group from holding all the power
The Constitution divides power to stop one person, or one group, from holding all the power.
22. What is legislative power?
Answer: The power to make laws
Legislative power is the power to make laws. Parliament has the power to make and change the laws.
23. What is executive power?
Answer: The power to put the laws into practice
Executive power is the power to put the laws into practice. The Executive includes the Prime Minister, ministers and the Governor-General.
24. Who has judicial power in Australia?
Answer: Judges and the courts
Judges have the power to interpret and apply the law. Courts and judges are independent of parliament and government.
25. Who is Australia's Head of State?
Answer: The King of Australia, King Charles III
Australia's Head of State is the King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III.
26. What is a constitutional monarchy?
Answer: A country whose King is Head of State but must follow the Constitution
Australia is a constitutional monarchy: the King is Head of State but has to act in accordance with the Constitution.
27. Who represents the King in each Australian state?
Answer: A Governor
In each of the states there is a Governor who represents the King in a role similar to the Governor-General.
28. Which of these is a role of the Governor-General?
Answer: Signing Bills passed by Parliament into law
The Governor-General signs all Bills passed by Parliament into law (Royal Assent), performs ceremonial duties, and more.
29. What is 'Royal Assent'?
Answer: The Governor-General signing a Bill so it becomes law
Royal Assent is when the Governor-General signs a Bill passed by Parliament so that it becomes law.
30. Who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force?
Answer: The Governor-General
Acting as Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force is one of the Governor-General's roles.
31. Must the Governor-General support the government's political party?
Answer: No, the Governor-General must remain neutral
The Governor-General is not part of the government and must remain neutral.
32. What is the title of the leader of a state government?
Answer: Premier
The leader of a state government is the Premier.
33. What is the title of the leader of a territory government?
Answer: Chief Minister
The leader of a territory government is the Chief Minister.
34. What is the leader of a local government called?
Answer: Mayor or Shire President
The leader of a local government is the Mayor or Shire President.
35. What is a senator?
Answer: An elected representative of a state or territory in federal Parliament
A senator is an elected representative of a state or territory in the Australian Parliament.
36. What are other names for the House of Representatives?
Answer: The Lower House or the People's House
The House of Representatives is also called the Lower House or the People's House.
37. What are other names for the Senate?
Answer: The Upper House, the House of Review or the States' House
The Senate is sometimes called the Upper House, the House of Review or the States' House.
38. How is the number of MPs for each state and territory in the House of Representatives decided?
Answer: It is based on the number of people in that state or territory
The number of MPs for each state and territory is based on the number of people there.
39. How many senators are there in total?
Answer: 76
There is a total of 76 senators.
40. How many senators does each state elect?
Answer: 12
Each state elects 12 senators, regardless of its size or population.
41. How many senators do the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory each elect?
Answer: Two
The Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory elect two senators each.
42. In the Northern Territory, who has a role similar to a state Governor?
Answer: An Administrator appointed by the Governor-General
In the Northern Territory, an Administrator is appointed by the Governor-General, with a role similar to a state Governor.
43. What is one difference between states and territories?
Answer: States have rights recognised by the Constitution; territories do not
States have rights recognised by the Constitution. Self-governing territory laws can be altered or revoked by the Australian Government.
44. Which level of government is responsible for immigration and citizenship?
Answer: The Australian Government
The Australian Government is responsible for immigration and citizenship, among other areas.
45. Which level of government is responsible for foreign affairs?
Answer: The Australian Government
Foreign affairs (relations with other countries) is a responsibility of the Australian Government.
46. Which level of government is primarily responsible for hospitals and schools?
Answer: State and territory governments
State and territory governments are primarily responsible for hospitals, health services and schools.
47. Which level of government is primarily responsible for police and ambulance services?
Answer: State and territory governments
Police and ambulance services are primarily a state and territory responsibility.
48. Which level of government is responsible for rubbish collection?
Answer: Local governments
Local governments are responsible for rubbish collection, local roads, parks, libraries and similar services.
49. Which level of government is responsible for building permits?
Answer: Local governments
Building permits are one of the responsibilities of local governments.
50. Which level of government is responsible for social security, such as pensions and family support?
Answer: The Australian Government
Social security (pensions and family support) is a responsibility of the Australian Government.
51. What is a political party?
Answer: A group who share ideas about how a country should be governed
A political party is a group of people who share similar ideas about how a country should be governed and work to turn them into laws.
52. What are Members of Parliament who do not belong to any political party called?
Answer: Independents
Parliamentarians who do not belong to any political party are called independents.
53. After a federal election, who generally forms the Australian Government?
Answer: The party or coalition with a majority in the House of Representatives
The Government is generally formed by the party or coalition of parties with the majority of members in the House of Representatives.
54. What is the Opposition?
Answer: The party or coalition with the second largest number of members in the House of Representatives
The party or coalition with the second largest number of members in the House of Representatives forms the Opposition.
55. Who approves the appointment of the Prime Minister and ministers?
Answer: The Governor-General
The Governor-General approves the appointment of the Prime Minister and ministers.
56. What is the Cabinet?
Answer: The ministers with the most important portfolios, who make key decisions
Ministers with the most important portfolios make up the Cabinet, the key decision-making body of government.
57. What is a proposal for a new law, or a change to an existing law, called?
Answer: A Bill
A proposal to introduce a new law or change an existing one is called a Bill.
58. What happens if the majority of members in each House of Parliament agree to a Bill?
Answer: It goes to the Governor-General
If the majority of members in each House agree to a Bill, it goes to the Governor-General to be signed into law.
59. Who decides if a person has broken the law and decides the penalty?
Answer: The courts
A court decides if a person has broken the law and decides the penalty, based only on the evidence before it.
60. Can the government remove a judge because it disagrees with the judge's decisions?
Answer: No, judges are independent
Judges are appointed by the government, but the government cannot take their jobs away if it disagrees with their decisions.
61. In Australia's court system, how is a person treated until found guilty?
Answer: As innocent
People are considered innocent until they are found guilty in a court.
62. In a criminal trial, if a jury finds a person guilty, who decides the penalty?
Answer: The judge
In a criminal trial, if the jury finds a person guilty, the judge decides the penalty.
63. Which police force investigates crimes against federal laws, such as drug trafficking?
Answer: The Australian Federal Police (AFP)
The AFP investigates crimes against federal laws, such as drug trafficking and crimes against national security.
64. Which police force carries out general police work in the Australian Capital Territory?
Answer: The Australian Federal Police
The AFP is responsible for general police work in the Australian Capital Territory.
65. Is it a crime to offer a bribe to a police officer in Australia?
Answer: Yes, it is a crime even to offer a bribe
In Australia it is a serious crime to bribe the police. It is a crime even to offer a bribe to a police officer.
66. If you break an Australian law you did not know about, can you be charged?
Answer: Yes, not knowing the law is no excuse
If you break an Australian law that you did not know about, you could be charged, because not knowing the law is no excuse.
67. Which level of government controls road and traffic rules?
Answer: State and territory governments
Road and traffic rules are controlled by state and territory governments.
68. Which of these is against the law while driving in Australia?
Answer: Using a hand-held mobile device
It is against the law to use a hand-held mobile device while driving, or to drive after taking drugs or above the blood alcohol limit.
69. Who must wear a seatbelt in a car in Australia?
Answer: Everybody travelling in the car
Everybody travelling in a car must wear a seatbelt. Babies and young children must be in an approved car seat.
70. What do you need to drive a car in Australia?
Answer: A local driver's licence and a registered car
To drive a car in Australia, you must have a local driver's licence and the car must be registered.
Australian values
Equality, freedom, the rule of law and a 'fair go'. Every values question must be answered correctly. Practise this topic as a quiz
1. In Australia, do men and women have equal rights?
Answer: Yes, men and women have equal rights
Men and women are equal in Australia and have the same rights.
2. Can someone in Australia be forced to follow a particular religion?
Answer: No, Australians are free to follow any religion, or none
Australia has no official religion, and people are free to follow any religion or none.
3. What should Australians do if they disagree with a law?
Answer: Use peaceful and legal ways to try to change it
Everyone must obey the law, but people can try to change laws peacefully, for example by contacting their MP.
4. Is domestic violence acceptable in Australia?
Answer: No, it is against the law
Domestic and family violence is against the law in Australia.
5. What does 'a fair go' mean in Australia?
Answer: What people achieve should come from their own effort, not wealth or background
A 'fair go' means equal opportunity, with success based on talent and hard work rather than birth or wealth.
6. Why is it important to learn English in Australia?
Answer: It is the national language and helps people take part in society
English is the national language, and learning it helps people take part fully in Australian life.
7. Is it acceptable to treat someone unfairly because of their race?
Answer: No, everyone should be treated equally regardless of race
Australians believe in equality and mutual respect, and racial discrimination is against the law.
8. Do laws in Australia apply equally to everyone?
Answer: Yes, everyone must obey Australian laws
Under the rule of law, all people are equal before the law and must obey it.
9. Should you follow Australian law even if no one is watching?
Answer: Yes, even if no one is watching
Everybody should obey the law and not break it at any time. You should follow the law even if no one is watching.
10. Do Australian laws apply to people from all backgrounds and cultures?
Answer: Yes, regardless of background or culture, you must follow Australian laws
Australian laws apply to all people in Australia, regardless of background or culture.
11. Can newspapers, television and radio in Australia express ideas freely?
Answer: Yes, they have the same freedom as people, within the law
Newspapers, television and radio outlets have the same freedom to express ideas, as long as it is within the law.
12. Why are Australians allowed to peacefully protest against the government?
Answer: Because tolerance of peaceful public protest is an essential part of democracy
Tolerance of peaceful public protest is an essential part of democracy.
13. Is it acceptable to promote violence against a group because of their religion or culture?
Answer: No, it is against Australian values and the law
It is never acceptable to promote violence against another person or group, because it is against Australian values and law.
14. Can a person in Australia be forced to leave a group or organisation?
Answer: No, no one can be forced to join or leave a group
People are free to join or leave any legal group voluntarily. They cannot be compelled to join or forced to leave.
15. Do religious laws have legal status in Australia?
Answer: No, religious laws have no legal status in Australia
Religious laws have no legal status in Australia. Australian law must be followed by everyone, including where it differs from religious laws.
16. Is polygamy (being married to more than one person at the same time) legal in Australia?
Answer: No, it is against the law
Polygamy is against the law in Australia and can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.
17. Is forced marriage legal in Australia?
Answer: No, it is against the law
Forced marriage is against the law in Australia and can result in severe legal penalties, including imprisonment.
18. Is religious intolerance acceptable in Australian society?
Answer: No, religious intolerance is not acceptable
Religious intolerance is not acceptable in Australian society.
19. Do Buddhists and people of other faiths receive the same treatment under the law as Christians?
Answer: Yes, people of all faiths receive the same treatment
The law is applied so that people from different backgrounds are not given preferential treatment. Buddhists and people of all other faiths receive the same treatment as Christians.
20. Under Australian law, can two men or two women marry each other?
Answer: Yes
Under Australian law, two people can marry each other, including marriage between two men or two women.
21. In Australia, can a woman get a job ahead of a man if she has better qualifications and skills?
Answer: Yes, it is her right
It is a right for a woman to get a job ahead of a man if she has better qualifications and skills.
22. Can women in Australia join the Australian Defence Force and the police force?
Answer: Yes, men and women have equal access
Both men and women can join the Australian Defence Force and the police force, vote, stand for parliament and are treated equally in court.
23. Who has the right to make personal choices about marriage and religion?
Answer: Both men and women, independently
Both men and women have the right to make their own independent choices about personal matters such as marriage and religion.
24. Is physical violence against a spouse or partner acceptable in Australia?
Answer: No, it is never acceptable and is a crime
Physical violence against a spouse or partner is never acceptable and is a criminal offence in Australia.
25. In Australia, can a wife apply for a divorce if her husband wants to stay married?
Answer: Yes, either a husband or a wife may apply for a divorce
Divorce is acceptable in Australia. Either a husband or a wife may apply for a divorce, even if the other spouse wishes to continue the marriage.
26. How should an organisation choose the person to fill a job?
Answer: By choosing the person with the best skills and experience
A person should get a job based on their skills and experience, not their gender, wealth or ethnicity.
27. In Australia, is verbal abuse acceptable?
Answer: No, verbal and physical abuse are both illegal
Violence of any kind, including verbal and physical abuse, is illegal.
28. What is the age of sexual consent in Australia?
Answer: 16 or 17, depending on the state or territory
The age of sexual consent is 16 or 17, depending on which state or territory you live in.
29. What should you do if the police make a lawful request?
Answer: Obey it
The lawful actions of the police should be supported. You should obey a lawful request from the police.
30. What does mutual respect and tolerance mean?
Answer: Listening to others and respecting their views, even when they differ
Mutual respect and tolerance means listening to others and respecting their views and opinions, even when they are different from your own.
31. Is it acceptable to make racially abusive comments at a sporting event?
Answer: No, racism has no place in Australia
Racism has no place in Australia, including racially abusive comments in a public place or at a sporting event.
32. Is sharing racially offensive material on the internet acceptable in Australia?
Answer: No, racism has no place in Australia
Racism, including creating or sharing racially offensive material on the internet, has no place in Australia.
33. What does 'mateship' mean?
Answer: Helping each other, especially in times of need
Australians value mateship: we help each other in times of need.
34. Which of these is an example of mateship?
Answer: Taking a meal to an elderly neighbour
Mateship might mean taking a meal to an elderly neighbour, driving a friend to a medical appointment, or visiting someone who is sick or lonely.
35. What should applicants for Australian citizenship do if English is not their native language?
Answer: Make reasonable efforts to learn English
Applicants must undertake to make reasonable efforts to learn English, if it is not their native language.
36. What should you do if you suspect a friend or neighbour is planning a serious crime?
Answer: Report it to government authorities as soon as possible
If you suspect someone is planning a serious crime, you should report this to Australian government authorities as soon as possible.
37. What should you do if you know a child is being abused?
Answer: Report it to the police
If a person sees or knows of a child being abused, they should report this to the police to investigate.
38. Which of these is an example of online (cyber) abuse?
Answer: Sharing sexual photos of someone without their consent
Cyber abuse includes sharing sexual photos or videos without consent, stalking someone online, or making racially abusive comments online. Many forms are illegal.
39. Can Australian citizens also hold the citizenship of another country?
Answer: Yes, if the laws of those countries allow it
Australian citizens may also hold the citizenship of another country if the laws of that country allow it. This is dual citizenship.
40. If an Australian citizen also has another citizenship, which laws must they follow in Australia?
Answer: All Australian laws at all times
Even if a person is also a citizen of another country, an Australian citizen within Australia must follow all Australian laws at all times.
41. Is using social media to share official government secrets acceptable?
Answer: No, it would undermine Australia's interests
Using social media to share official government secrets would be undermining Australia's interests.
42. Australians expect everyone living in Australia to do what?
Answer: Participate in society and contribute to the community
Australians expect everyone living in Australia to participate in society and make a contribution. Everyone should try to support themselves and their families when they can.
43. Can people of any ethnicity or religion pursue their goals in Australia?
Answer: Yes, as long as they obey Australian law
All people should be provided equal opportunity to pursue their goals regardless of their ethnicity or religion, as long as they obey Australian law.
Now test yourself
Reading answers is not the same as remembering them. Take a full 20-question practice test with the real pass mark.
TestWise Prep is an independent practice site and is not affiliated with the government of Australia. Our questions are original and cover the topics in the official study guide, Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. Test rules can change, so always check the official website. Test details last checked: 30 September 2026.