The nation of Australia
Australian citizenship test study notes, summarised from page 9 of Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet the test is based on.
- 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.
- Throughout the first half of the 20th century, migration levels rose and fell. There were programs to actively encourage British migrants to settle here, and many did.
- A wave of non-British migration came after World War II, when millions of people in Europe had to leave their homelands. Large numbers of Europeans came to Australia to build a new life.
- English is the national language and part of our national identity. Migrants should learn and use English to help them participate in Australian society. Other languages are also valued, including more than 100 distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
- In recent years, migration and refugee programs have brought people from all over the world. People have come to join family, make a new life, or escape poverty, war or persecution.
Our Common Bond, p. 9
Sample practice questions
Try these, then check your answer. They’re our practice questions, not the real test questions.
1. What happened in 1901?
- The separate colonies united into a federation called the Commonwealth of Australia
- The First Fleet arrived at Sydney Cove and New South Wales became a British colony
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were first counted in the population
Show answer
Answer: A. The separate colonies united into a federation called the Commonwealth of Australia
In 1901, the separate colonies were united into a federation of states called the Commonwealth of Australia.
Our Common Bond, p. 9
2. Why should migrants learn and use English?
- To qualify for a lower income tax rate
- To get a discount on electricity bills
- To help them participate in Australian society
Show answer
Answer: C. To help them participate in Australian society
In keeping with Australian values, migrants should learn and use English to help them participate in Australian society.
Our Common Bond, p. 9
3. While celebrating the diversity of its people, what does Australia also aim to build?
- Separate communities for each culture
- A cohesive and unified nation
- A nation with one official religion
Show answer
Answer: B. A cohesive and unified nation
While we celebrate the diversity of Australia’s people, we also aim to build a cohesive and unified nation.
Our Common Bond, p. 9
Practise all 11 questions on this topic