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Study notes

Every testable fact from Our Common Bond, condensed. Read a section, then drill it — testing yourself straight after reading is one of the most effective ways to make facts stick.

Part 1 · Australia and its people

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Our Common Bond, p. 8

  • Australia’s first inhabitants are the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples — the oldest continuous cultures and traditions in the world.
  • Aboriginal people are historically from mainland Australia and Tasmania. Archaeology shows they arrived between 65,000 and 40,000 years ago; their creation stories begin with the beginning of time.
  • Torres Strait Islander people are from the islands between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea.
  • They have a deep connection with the land, expressed through stories, art and dance. Indigenous cultures are diverse and an important part of national identity.
  • There are more than 100 distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
  • They make up approximately three per cent of the population (glossary).

Early days of European settlement

Our Common Bond, p. 8

  • European settlement began when the First Fleet — 11 convict ships from Great Britain — arrived on 26 January 1788 (landing at Sydney Cove).
  • British jails were overcrowded, so the British Government transported convicts to the new colony of New South Wales.
  • The first Governor of NSW was Captain Arthur Phillip.
  • Early free settlers came from Great Britain and Ireland — this heritage strongly influenced Australia’s history, culture and politics.
  • In 1851 a gold rush began in NSW and Victoria. Chinese people were the first large group of migrants not from Europe. In 10 years the population more than doubled.

The nation of Australia

Our Common Bond, p. 9

  • In 1901 the colonies united into a federation called the Commonwealth of Australia. The national parliament, government and High Court were established under the new Constitution.
  • In 1901 the population was about four million — not counting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who were only included in population estimates after the 1967 Referendum.
  • A wave of non-British migration came after World War II, when millions of Europeans had to leave their homelands.
  • English is the national language and part of our national identity. Migrants should learn and use English.
  • People have come to join family, make a new life, or escape poverty, war or persecution. People from more than 200 countries call Australia home.

States, territories and capitals

Our Common Bond, p. 10

  • Australia is a federation of six states and two mainland territories. Canberra is the national capital.
  • New South Wales — Sydney. First British colony; Sydney is the largest city. Icons: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House.
  • Victoria — Melbourne. Smallest mainland state; gold-rush wealth built fine buildings. Icons: MCG, 12 Apostles, Royal Exhibition Building.
  • Queensland — Brisbane. Second-largest state. Torres Strait Islands to the north; Great Barrier Reef on the east coast.
  • Western Australia — Perth. Largest state. Desert east, agricultural/wine south-west, many mines. Icons: Ningaloo Coast, Margaret River, the Kimberley.
  • South Australia — Adelaide. Rugged coastline, famous wine regions, colonial architecture. Icons: Barossa Valley, Flinders Ranges.
  • Tasmania — Hobart. Smallest state, separated from the mainland by Bass Strait. Icons: Cradle Mountain, Port Arthur, Bay of Fires.
  • Australian Capital Territory — Canberra. Between Sydney and Melbourne; home of Parliament House and the High Court.
  • Northern Territory — Darwin. Tropical north, red desert south. Icons: Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon.

Welcome to Country & Acknowledgement of Country

Our Common Bond, p. 12

  • A Welcome to Country is performed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian of the local region, welcoming visitors to their traditional land. Traditionally it ensured visitors a safe journey.
  • It can include songs, dances, smoking ceremonies or speeches, and is usually the first item of an event.
  • An Acknowledgement of Country recognises the gathering is on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander land and pays respect to Traditional Custodians (Elders past and present). Anyone can deliver it — usually the Chair or MC.
  • Both practices show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Important days

Our Common Bond, p. 13

  • Australia Day — 26 January: anniversary of the First Fleet’s arrival in 1788. A public holiday in every state and territory, the biggest annual public holiday. Special citizenship ceremonies are held, and the Prime Minister announces the Australian of the Year awards in Canberra.
  • Anzac Day — 25 April: named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, which landed at Gallipoli in Türkiye during World War I on 25 April 1915.
  • Anzac Day is a solemn day to remember all Australians who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Australia’s flags

Our Common Bond, p. 14

  • Three officially recognised flags: the Australian National Flag, the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag.
  • National Flag (blue, white, red): Union Jack top-left (British settlement, inherited laws and institutions); Commonwealth Star under it with seven points (six states + one for the territories); the Southern Cross on the right.
  • Aboriginal Flag (black, red, yellow): black top = Aboriginal peoples; red bottom = the earth (ceremonial significance); yellow circle = the sun.
  • Torres Strait Islander Flag (green, blue, black, white): green = land; blue = sea; black lines = the people; white dancer’s headdress = all Torres Strait Islanders; star points = island groups; white = peace.

Australia’s symbols

Our Common Bond, p. 15

  • The Commonwealth Coat of Arms is the official symbol of the Commonwealth; it represents national unity and identifies Commonwealth authority and property.
  • Coat of Arms: the shield represents the six states and federation; a kangaroo and an emu support it; a gold Commonwealth Star sits above; the background is golden wattle.
  • National flower: the golden wattle — grows mainly in south-eastern Australia, golden flowers in spring. Each state/territory has its own floral emblem.
  • National colours: green and gold (the colours of the wattle).
  • National gemstone: the opal — in Aboriginal legend, a rainbow touched the earth and created its colours.

National anthem

Our Common Bond, p. 16

  • The national anthem is ‘Advance Australia Fair’, sung at occasions of national importance, including citizenship ceremonies and major sporting events.
  • Key lines: “Australians all let us rejoice, for we are one and free… Our home is girt by sea… Beneath our radiant Southern Cross… For those who’ve come across the seas, we’ve boundless plains to share.”

Part 2 · Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties

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Our democratic beliefs

Our Common Bond, p. 18

  • Parliamentary democracy: the power of government comes from the people, because citizens vote for representatives, who must answer to the people through elections.
  • The Rule of Law: all Australians are equal under the law; no person, group or religious rule is above the law — including government, community and religious leaders, business people and police.
  • Living peacefully: change should come through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process. Australians reject violence to change a person’s mind or the law.
  • Respect for all individuals regardless of background — race, origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, culture, politics, wealth or religion.

Our freedoms

Our Common Bond, p. 19

  • Freedom of speech: say and write what you think, criticise the government, protest peacefully and campaign to change laws — while obeying the law.
  • Freedom of expression: express views through art, film, music and literature; meet in public or private for social or political discussion.
  • Freedom of association: form and join any legal organisation (political party, trade union, religious, cultural or social group) — or choose not to; nobody can be forced to join. Protests must be peaceful and not injure people or damage property.
  • Freedom of religion: Australia has a Judaeo-Christian heritage and public holidays on Christian days (Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day), but no official national religion. Government is secular. You may follow any religion or none.
  • Where Australian law and a religious practice conflict, Australian law prevails.

Our equalities

Our Common Bond, p. 20

  • Laws ensure people aren’t treated differently because of gender, race, disability or age.
  • Gender equality: men and women have equal rights; discriminating because of gender is against the law.
  • A ‘fair go’: what you achieve should come from your talents, work and effort, not wealth or background — so there are no formal class distinctions.

Responsibilities of citizenship

Our Common Bond, p. 20

  • As a citizen you must: obey the laws of Australia; vote in federal and state/territory elections and referendums; defend Australia should the need arise; serve on a jury if called.
  • Voting is a responsibility for citizens aged 18 or over, and is compulsory in federal and state/territory elections and referendums. It may not be compulsory in some local government elections.
  • A referendum is a vote to change the Australian Constitution.
  • Service in the Defence Force is voluntary, but defending Australia should the need arise is a responsibility.
  • A jury is a group of ordinary Australians who listen to the evidence and decide guilty or not guilty. Citizens on the electoral roll can be called.

Privileges of citizenship

Our Common Bond, p. 20

  • As a citizen you can: vote; apply for children born overseas to become citizens by descent; apply for jobs in the Australian Public Service or Australian Defence Force; seek election to parliament; apply for an Australian passport and re-enter freely (no visa); ask for consular assistance overseas.
  • To seek election you must be a citizen aged 18 or over and not a dual citizen.
  • Public Service examples: Services Australia, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Defence Force = Army, Navy and Air Force.
  • Overseas help comes from an embassy, high commission or consulate — including emergency passports and help in civil unrest, natural disasters, accidents, illness or death. Overseas, you must obey that country’s laws.

Participating in society & tax

Our Common Bond, p. 22

  • Active citizens join community organisations, volunteer, join arts/cultural groups and participate in political life.
  • Paying tax is required by law. Income tax is collected by the ATO; there are also taxes on goods and services.
  • Taxes fund healthcare, education, defence, roads and railways, and social security. State/territory governments and local councils also collect taxes.

Part 3 · Government and the law in Australia

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How do I have my say?

Our Common Bond, p. 24

  • Citizens aged 18+ must enrol and vote in federal, state and territory elections and referendums. If you’re not correctly enrolled, you can’t vote.
  • The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) runs federal elections and referendums and maintains the electoral roll. It is independent of government.
  • Voting is by secret ballot — nobody may know how you voted unless you tell them.
  • Not voting without a good reason may result in a fine.
  • You can contact your elected representative to raise concerns; they should consider what you suggest.

Federation

Our Common Bond, p. 25

  • Before 1901 Australia was six separate, self-governing British colonies, each with its own laws on defence, immigration, postage, trade and transport.
  • Problems: expensive, slow trade and transport between colonies; hard to enforce law across borders; weak defence. A national identity was also forming (sport, songs, poems, art).
  • On 1 January 1901 the colonies united into a federation of states: the Commonwealth of Australia.

The Australian Constitution

Our Common Bond, p. 25

  • The Constitution (Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900) is the legal document setting out the basic rules for the government of Australia — the supreme law.
  • It was passed as part of a British Act of Parliament in 1900 and came into effect on 1 January 1901.
  • It established the Parliament (House of Representatives + Senate) and the High Court, which has ultimate power to apply and interpret the laws.
  • The Constitution can only be changed by a referendum. In 1967, more than 90% voted ‘Yes’ to count Aboriginal peoples in the Census.
  • A referendum needs a double majority: a majority of voters in a majority of states AND a majority of voters across the nation.

Separation of powers

Our Common Bond, p. 26

  • The Constitution divides power into three, so no one person or group holds all the power:
  • Legislative power — to make and change laws: Parliament.
  • Executive power — to put laws into practice: the Prime Minister, ministers and the Governor-General. Ministers run government departments.
  • Judicial power — to interpret and apply the law: judges and courts, which are independent of parliament and government.

Head of State & constitutional monarchy

Our Common Bond, p. 26

  • Australia’s Head of State is the King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III.
  • The King appoints the Governor-General as his representative, on the advice of the Prime Minister. The King has no day-to-day role in government.
  • Each state has a Governor representing the King.
  • Australia is a constitutional monarchy: the King is Head of State but must act according to the Constitution.
  • Australia’s system reflects British and North American traditions. The leader of the Australian Government is the Prime Minister.

The Governor-General

Our Common Bond, p. 27

  • The Governor-General is not part of the government and must remain neutral.
  • Role: signs Bills into law (Royal Assent); ceremonial duties; approves appointment of the government, ministers, federal judges and officials; starts the process for a federal election; Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force.
  • Has special ‘reserve powers’ used only in specific circumstances.

Who’s who

Our Common Bond, p. 27

  • Prime Minister — leader of the Australian Government. Premier — leader of a state government. Chief Minister — leader of a territory government.
  • Mayor or Shire President — leader of a local government. Councillor — elected member of a local council.
  • Member of Parliament (MP) — elected representative in the Australian Parliament or a state parliament. Senator — elected representative of a state or territory in the Australian Parliament.
  • Government minister — an MP chosen by a government leader to be responsible for an area of government (a portfolio).
  • Governor — represents the Head of State in each state. Governor-General — represents the Head of State in Australia.

The Australian Parliament

Our Common Bond, p. 27

  • The Australian Government is also called the Federal or Commonwealth Government. Parliament has two Houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
  • House of Representatives = the Lower House or People’s House. Australia is divided into electorates; MPs represent them. Seats per state are based on population; over 150 members.
  • Senate = the Upper House, House of Review or States’ House. States are equally represented: 76 senators — 12 per state and 2 each for the ACT and NT.
  • Both Houses consider, debate and vote on proposed laws and discuss matters of national importance.

State, territory and local government

Our Common Bond, p. 28

  • Each state has its own parliament and constitution, based in its capital. A Governor represents the King in each state.
  • In the Northern Territory, an Administrator appointed by the Governor-General has a role similar to a Governor.
  • States have rights recognised by the Constitution; territories do not. Territory laws can be altered or revoked by the Australian Government at any time.
  • States and the NT are divided into local government areas — cities, shires, towns or municipalities — each with a local council. Citizens elect local councillors.

What each level of government does

Our Common Bond, p. 29

  • Australian (federal) Government: taxation, national economic management, immigration and citizenship, employment assistance, postal services and communications, social security (pensions, family support), defence, trade and commerce, airports and air safety, foreign affairs.
  • State and territory governments: hospitals and health services, schools, roads and railways, forestry, police and ambulance, public transport.
  • Local governments (and the ACT Government): street signs and traffic controls, local roads, footpaths, bridges, drains, parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, sports grounds, camping grounds, food and meat inspection, noise and animal control, rubbish collection, local libraries, halls, some child- and aged-care, building permits, social planning, local environment.

Political parties & forming government

Our Common Bond, p. 30

  • A political party is a group sharing similar ideas about how the country should be governed. Main parties: Liberal Party, Australian Labor Party, the Nationals, Australian Greens.
  • Parliamentarians not in a party are independents. You’re free to join a party if you choose.
  • After a federal election, government is formed by the party or coalition with the majority of members in the House of Representatives. Its leader becomes Prime Minister.
  • The party/coalition with the second largest number forms the Opposition, led by the Leader of the Opposition.
  • The PM recommends ministers; the Governor-General approves the PM and ministers. Ministers with the most important portfolios form the Cabinet — the key decision-making body.

How laws are made

Our Common Bond, p. 30

  • A proposal for a new or changed law is called a Bill.
  • Both the House of Representatives and the Senate consider, debate and vote on it. If a majority in each House agrees, it goes to the Governor-General.
  • The Governor-General signs it into law — Royal Assent.
  • State and territory parliaments make laws in a similar way.

Courts, police and juries

Our Common Bond, p. 31

  • Courts are independent; they decide if a law was broken and the penalty, based only on the evidence.
  • A judge or magistrate is the highest authority in a court. They are appointed by government but can’t be removed for decisions government disagrees with. A magistrate is a judge of a lower court.
  • People are innocent until proven guilty, and everyone has the right to a lawyer.
  • A jury of randomly chosen ordinary citizens decides guilty or innocent; the judge explains the law and, in criminal trials, decides the penalty.
  • Police keep peace and order and protect life and property; they are independent of government. Police may arrest and give evidence, but the court decides guilt.
  • States and the NT have their own police. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigates crimes against federal law (drug trafficking, national security, environment) and does general policing in the ACT.
  • It is a serious crime to bribe — or even offer a bribe to — a police officer.

Criminal and traffic offences

Our Common Bond, p. 32

  • Not knowing the law is no excuse.
  • Serious crimes include murder, assault, sexual assault, violence against people or property, armed robbery or theft, sex with children under the age of consent, dangerous driving, possessing illegal drugs and fraud.
  • Domestic and family violence — behaviour or threats aiming to control a partner by causing fear (including hitting, isolating someone, threatening children or pets) — is against the law. Men or women who commit it can go to jail. If someone is in danger, contact the police.
  • Traffic rules are controlled by state and territory governments. You need a local driver’s licence and a registered car. Everyone must wear a seatbelt; babies and young children need an approved car seat.
  • Illegal: driving after taking drugs or above the blood alcohol limit, and using a hand-held mobile device while driving.

Part 4 · Australian values

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Every test includes 5 values questions and you must get all 5 right to pass, no matter how well you do on the rest. Know this part inside out.

Commitment to the Rule of Law

Our Common Bond, p. 34

  • Australian values are based on freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity.
  • Under the Rule of Law, everyone is equal and no person or group is above the law. Everybody should obey the law at all times — even if no one is watching.
  • Australian laws apply to all people in Australia, regardless of background or culture.

Parliamentary democracy (value)

Our Common Bond, p. 35

  • Laws are made by parliaments elected by the people; government power comes from the people.
  • Voting is compulsory, showing the importance of participating in elections.

Freedom of speech (value)

Our Common Bond, p. 35

  • People can express ideas freely within the law; newspapers, TV and radio have the same freedom.
  • Peaceful protest against the government is allowed — tolerating it is an essential part of democracy.
  • It is never acceptable to promote violence against a person or group. It is also illegal to make false allegations or encourage others to break the law.
  • You must respect other people’s lawful freedom of speech.

Freedom of association (value)

Our Common Bond, p. 35

  • People are free to join or leave any legal group voluntarily. No one can be compelled to join or forced to leave.
  • Protests must be peaceful, must not injure anyone or damage property.

Freedom of religion (value)

Our Common Bond, p. 35

  • No official national religion; people may follow any religion or none. Religious practices must not break Australian laws.
  • Religious laws have no legal status in Australia; Australian law must be followed even where it differs.
  • Polygamy (being married to more than one person at once) and forced marriage are illegal and can lead to imprisonment.
  • Religious intolerance is not acceptable.

Equality of all people under the law

Our Common Bond, p. 36

  • Equal rights regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, race, or national or ethnic origin — no preferential treatment and no discrimination (e.g. Buddhists and people of all 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, can vote, stand for parliament, join the Defence Force and police, and are treated equally in court.
  • It is a right for a woman to get a job ahead of a man if she has better qualifications and skills.
  • Both men and women make their own choices about marriage and religion. Violence against a spouse or partner is never acceptable and is a criminal offence.
  • Divorce is acceptable. Either spouse may apply to the courts, even if the other wants to stay married.

Equality of opportunity & a ‘fair go’

Our Common Bond, p. 36

  • Everyone deserves a ‘fair go’ — no class distinctions; everyone has an equal opportunity and the same legal rights.
  • Achievement should come from hard work and talents. Jobs should go to the person with the best skills and experience, not based on gender, wealth or ethnicity — and the law supports this.
  • Many migrants have become leaders in business, professions, the arts, public service and sport.

Mutual respect and tolerance

Our Common Bond, p. 37

  • Respect others’ freedom, dignity, opinions and choices. Violence of any kind, including verbal and physical abuse, is illegal. Australians believe in peaceful disagreement.
  • The age of sexual consent is 16 or 17, depending on the state or territory (e.g. a 20-year-old man with a 15-year-old girl is illegal everywhere).
  • Support the lawful actions of police and obey a lawful police request.
  • Mutual respect means listening to others and respecting views different from your own; be tolerant when you disagree.
  • Racism has no place in Australia — including racially offensive material online and racist abuse in public or at sporting events. Racism can be reported to the police or the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Our community: contribution, mateship, English

Our Common Bond, p. 38

  • Everyone is expected to participate and contribute, and to try to support themselves and their families when able (be self-sufficient).
  • Mateship: helping each other in times of need — e.g. a meal for an elderly neighbour, driving a friend to the doctor, visiting someone sick or lonely. Strong tradition of volunteering.
  • English is the national language and a unifying element. People should make an effort to learn it; citizenship applicants must make reasonable efforts to learn English if it’s not their native language.
  • In the 2019–20 bushfires, multicultural communities (e.g. Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Sikh) collected donations to help — Australians come together in times of crisis.

Helping keep society safe

Our Common Bond, p. 38

  • If you suspect a friend or neighbour is 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 (online) abuse is not accepted — e.g. sharing sexual images without consent, online stalking, racist comments online. Many forms are illegal; report to police and the platform.

Loyalty to Australia

Our Common Bond, p. 38

  • In the pledge, citizens pledge loyalty to Australia and its people.
  • Dual or multiple citizenship is allowed if the other country’s laws allow — but in Australia you must follow all Australian laws at all times.
  • Some laws apply even overseas — e.g. it is illegal for Australians to engage in sexual activity with a child under 16, here or overseas.
  • Don’t undermine Australia’s interests and security — e.g. sharing official government secrets on social media, or promoting distrust and fear of an ethnic community.

The Australian Citizenship Pledge

Made at your citizenship ceremony — you become a citizen once you make it.

From this time forward, under God,*
I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,
whose democratic beliefs I share,
whose rights and liberties I respect, and
whose laws I will uphold and obey.

* A person may choose whether or not to use the words ‘under God’.