Our freedoms
Australian citizenship test study notes, summarised from page 19 of Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet the test is based on.
- 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), and there are people in Australia from all the large religions. The government and the law treat all citizens equally, whatever their religion or beliefs. There is 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 Common Bond, p. 19
Sample practice questions
Try these, then check your answer. They’re our practice questions, not the real test questions.
1. What does freedom of speech mean?
- People can say and write anything they want, even if it breaks Australian law
- People can discuss politics in private but cannot criticise the government in public
- People can say and write what they think and discuss their ideas with others, within the law
Show answer
Answer: C. People can say and write what they think and discuss their ideas with others, within the law
Freedom of speech means people can say and write what they think and discuss their ideas, so long as they obey Australian laws.
Our Common Bond, p. 19
2. Does Australia have an official national religion?
- Yes, it is Christianity
- No, it has no official religion
- Yes, it is the Church of England
Show answer
Answer: B. No, it has no official religion
Australia has no official national religion. People are free to follow any religion, or none.
Our Common Bond, p. 19
3. Which statement about religion in Australia is true?
- Australia has Christianity as its official national religion
- There are people in Australia from all the large religions
- The law requires everyone to follow a religion of their choice
Show answer
Answer: B. There are people in Australia from all the large religions
Many Australians describe themselves as Christians, but there are people in Australia from all the large religions.
Our Common Bond, p. 19
Practise all 17 questions on this topic