Freedom of speech

Australian citizenship test study notes, summarised from page 35 of Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet the test is based on.

This is an Australian values topic. Every test includes 5 values questions, and you must get all 5 right to pass.

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.

Our Common Bond, p. 35

Sample practice questions

Try these, then check your answer. They’re our practice questions, not the real test questions.

1. Is it acceptable to promote violence against a group of people because of their religion or culture?
1. Yes, if you strongly disagree with their views
2. No, never, it is against Australian values and law
3. Yes, if it is done online rather than in public
Show answer
Answer: B. No, never, it is against Australian values and law
It is never acceptable to promote violence against another person or group because it is against Australian values and law.
Our Common Bond, p. 35
2. Why is peaceful public protest tolerated in Australia?
1. Protesters cannot be charged with any crime
2. It is an essential part of democracy
3. It is a tradition brought from Britain
Show answer
Answer: B. It is an essential part of democracy
Tolerance of peaceful public protest is an essential part of democracy.
Our Common Bond, p. 35
3. Someone disagrees with their neighbour’s political opinion. What is the right thing to do?
1. Threaten the neighbour until they change their mind
2. Respect the neighbour’s right to express a lawful opinion
3. Spread false stories about the neighbour to others
Show answer
Answer: B. Respect the neighbour’s right to express a lawful opinion
Other people’s freedom of speech must be respected, and making false allegations is illegal.
Our Common Bond, p. 35

Practise all 7 questions on this topic

Practise 7 questions

All study notes on one page · About the citizenship test

Freedom of speech

Sample practice questions

1. Is it acceptable to promote violence against a group of people because of their religion or culture?

2. Why is peaceful public protest tolerated in Australia?

3. Someone disagrees with their neighbour’s political opinion. What is the right thing to do?