Every question on the real Australian citizenship test is drawn from the official booklet, Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. On the day you get 20 questions selected from a much larger bank, weighted towards government and the law, with exactly five must-pass values questions mixed in.
The 27 questions below mirror that section mix so you can see the style and difficulty of each part. Try to answer in your head first, then open the explanation. When you want to be scored, take the same kind of questions as interactive practice tests or try the official Home Affairs practice test. To study the source material first, read the free study guide or the complete citizenship test guide.
Australia and its people
Geography, national symbols, important days and the people who make up Australia. These are factual questions. Once you have read the booklet they are quick marks.
1. When is Australia Day?
- AAugust 15th
- BJuly 1st
- CJanuary 26th
- DDecember 25th
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. January 26th
Australia Day is celebrated each year on the 26th of January. It is observed as a public holiday in all Australian states and territories.
2. What is Anzac Day named after?
- AAustralian and New Zealand Army Corps
- BArrival of the First Fleet
- CA biscuit
- DAustralian Navy
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A. Australian and New Zealand Army Corps
Anzac Day derives its name from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, which landed at Gallipoli, Turkey, during World War I on April 25, 1915. It is a solemn occasion for remembering the sacrifices of all Australians who served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping efforts, and for honoring the bravery and dedication of all service members.
3. Which of the following is NOT a part of the Australian National Flag?
- AThe Union Jack
- BThe Aboriginal Flag
- CThe Commonwealth Star
- DThe Southern Cross
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. The Aboriginal Flag
The Australian National Flag comprises three elements: the Union Jack (the flag of the United Kingdom) in the upper left corner, the Commonwealth Star positioned below the Union Jack, and the Southern Cross constellation on the right side.
4. What is the smallest state?
- ATasmania
- BWestern Australia
- CSouth Australia
- DVictoria
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A. Tasmania
Tasmania, separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait, is the smallest state. A large portion of the island consists of pristine wilderness areas. Hobart is Tasmania’s capital.
5. Which of the following are Australia's national colours?
- ARed and White
- BGreen and Gold
- CBlue and Green
- DBlue and White
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. Green and Gold
Australia's official national colours are green and gold, inspired by the golden wattle. National sports teams typically wear uniforms in these colours.
6. What is the official symbol of the Commonwealth of Australia?
- AThe Australian National Flag
- BThe Commonwealth Star
- CThe Commonwealth Coat of Arms
- DThe Australian Aboriginal Flag
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. The Commonwealth Coat of Arms
The Commonwealth Coat of Arms serves as the official emblem of the Commonwealth of Australia, symbolizing national unity and identifying the authority and property of the Commonwealth.
7. Where is the Great Barrier Reef?
- AQueensland
- BWestern Australia
- CTasmania
- DNew South Wales
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A. Queensland
The internationally renowned Great Barrier Reef is situated along the eastern coastline of Queensland. Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland.
Democratic beliefs, rights and liberties
How Australian society works: democracy, the rule of law, free speech, freedom of religion, equality, and the responsibilities that come with citizenship.
8. A jury is composed of:
- AJudges that interpret the law and decide if a person is guilty or not guilty
- BElected representatives that decide how long someone should go to prison for
- COrdinary Australian men and women who listen to the evidence in a court case and decide if a person is guilty or not
- DPolice officers involved in the case
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. Ordinary Australian men and women who listen to the evidence in a court case and decide if a person is guilty or not
Juries consist of everyday Australian citizens tasked with hearing court evidence and determining a defendant's guilt or innocence.
9. Who has the power to make and change the laws that govern Australia?
- AThe Prime Minister
- BThe parliament
- CThe courts
- DThe Governor-General
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. The parliament
The authority to create and modify the nation's laws rests solely with the parliament.
10. We are all free to follow and share different beliefs and traditions, as long as:
- AYour family think they are acceptable
- BThey exist in an other country
- CThey do not break Australian laws
- DThey are approved by the government
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. They do not break Australian laws
Within Australia's democracy, individuals have the liberty to practice and express diverse beliefs and customs, provided they comply with Australian law.
11. What does a "fair go" mean?
- AThere are class distinctions in our society
- BWhat someone achieves in life should be a result of their wealth or background
- CWhat someone achieves in life should be a result of their hard work and talents
- DEveryone receives the same income
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. What someone achieves in life should be a result of their hard work and talents
Numerous accounts exist in Australia of immigrants achieving success as leaders across various fields like business, professions, arts, public service, and sports, based on their diligence and abilities.
12. Freedom of speech allows people to:
- ASay and write what they think and to discuss their ideas with others
- BOrganise violent protest whenever they want
- CEncourage friends to discriminate against different religions
- DAttack others physically
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A. Say and write what they think and to discuss their ideas with others
The right to free speech enables individuals to articulate their thoughts verbally and in writing, and engage in discussions, provided they adhere to Australian laws consistently.
13. What is the status of religion in relation to Australian government?
- AAustralia has Christianity as its official national religion
- BThe government operates separately from religious entities (secular government)
- CReligious laws override Australian laws
- DPeople must follow a religion chosen by the government
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. The government operates separately from religious entities (secular government)
The government in Australia is secular, meaning it operates separately from religious entities. Australia has no official national religion, and Australian law prevails over religious practices.
14. Gender equality in Australia means that:
- AMen have more rights than women
- BWomen have more rights than men
- CMen and women have equal rights
- DOnly men can hold high positions in government
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. Men and women have equal rights
Men and women have equal rights in Australia. It is against the law to discriminate against a person because of their gender.
Want to take these as a real test?
Try 14 free 20-question practice tests with instant scoring and progress tracking.
Take a practice testGovernment and the law
The biggest share of the test, and the section most people find hardest. Parliament, the courts, the levels of government and how laws are made.
15. What is the core function of the courts within Australia's legal framework?
- ATo interpret laws and apply them to specific cases
- BTo create and enact new legislation
- CTo modify or amend existing laws
- DTo advise the government on legal matters
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A. To interpret laws and apply them to specific cases
Australian courts hold the responsibility for interpreting and applying legislation. They function independently from the government, determining legal breaches and appropriate penalties.
16. What term describes the political party or coalition holding the second-highest number of seats in the House of Representatives?
- AThe Coalition
- BThe Government
- CThe Opposition
- DThe Minor Parties
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. The Opposition
The entity known as the Opposition consists of the party or coalition that has secured the second-largest number of members in the House of Representatives, led by the Leader of the Opposition.
17. What is another common name for the Senate in the Australian Parliament?
- AThe Upper House
- BThe People's House
- CThe Lower House
- DThe Cabinet Room
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A. The Upper House
The Senate is frequently referred to by alternative titles such as the Upper House, the House of Review, or the States’ House.
18. What is the title given to the head of a state government in Australia?
- APrime Minister
- BGovernor
- CPremier
- DChief Minister
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. Premier
While the Prime Minister leads the Australian Government, the leader of an individual state government is referred to as the Premier.
19. Select the accurate statement concerning Judicial power in Australia.
- ACourts and judges maintain independence from the parliament and the government
- BThe judiciary holds the authority to create and modify laws
- CJudges are responsible for implementing and enforcing laws
- DJudicial decisions can be overturned by the Prime Minister
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A. Courts and judges maintain independence from the parliament and the government
The Judicial branch, comprising courts and judges, exercises the power to interpret and apply laws, operating independently from the legislative (parliament) and executive (government) branches.
20. Which house of the Australian Parliament is often called the 'States' House'?
- AThe House of Representatives
- BThe Senate
- CThe Legislative Assembly
- DThe Cabinet Room
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. The Senate
The Senate is often referred to as the 'States' House' because it represents the interests of the states and territories, with each state having equal representation.
21. What is the term for a proposed law before it is passed by Parliament?
- AAn Act
- BA Regulation
- CA Bill
- DA Referendum
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. A Bill
A proposal for a new law or a change to an existing law presented to Parliament is called a Bill. It only becomes an Act (law) after passing both Houses and receiving Royal Assent.
Australian values
You must answer all five values questions on the real test correctly. There is no margin for error here. Practise these until you get them right every time.
Remember: all five values questions on the real test must be correct, regardless of your overall score. Practise these until you can answer them confidently, then take the full set as interactive values questions.
22. Regarding freedom of religion in Australia, which statement is accurate?
- AThe government provides preferential treatment to certain religions
- BAustralia designates an official religion at the national level
- CLaws based on religion lack legal standing within Australia.
- DReligious holidays are mandatory public holidays for everyone
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. Laws based on religion lack legal standing within Australia.
Australia does not have an official state religion, and individuals are free to practice any religion they wish. The government accords equal treatment to all citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs. Nevertheless, religious observances must comply with Australian law.
23. Concerning loyalty to Australia, which statement holds TRUE?
- AHolding citizenship of another country is forbidden for Australian citizens
- BCertain Australian laws apply to citizens even when they are abroad
- CA person with dual citizenship can disregard Australian laws while in Australia
- DLoyalty oaths are required annually for all citizens
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. Certain Australian laws apply to citizens even when they are abroad
Australian citizens might also possess citizenship of other nations if permitted by those countries' laws. Regardless of dual citizenship, an Australian citizen must always adhere to all Australian laws within Australia. Furthermore, specific Australian laws, such as those concerning illegal sexual activity with minors, remain binding on citizens even outside Australia.
24. Is tolerance expected between people in Australia when they hold differing views?
- AExpressing disagreement is illegal in Australia
- BNo, respect is only required between people who agree with each other
- CYes, tolerating peaceful disagreement aligns with Australian values of mutual respect
- DTolerance is encouraged but not considered a core value
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. Yes, tolerating peaceful disagreement aligns with Australian values of mutual respect
Individuals in Australia are obligated to respect the freedom, dignity, opinions, and choices of others. Mutual tolerance is expected, particularly in situations of disagreement.
25. Regarding the limits of freedom of speech, which statement is TRUE?
- APromoting violence against individuals or groups is considered acceptable speech
- BMaking deliberately false and damaging statements (defamation) against someone is permitted
- CPeacefully protesting against government policies is a protected form of expression
- DHate speech is fully protected under freedom of speech
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. Peacefully protesting against government policies is a protected form of expression
Australians have the right to peacefully protest government actions, as tolerance for such dissent is fundamental to democracy. However, advocating violence or disseminating false accusations against others is never acceptable.
26. What does "equality of all people under the law" mean in Australia?
- APeople from certain backgrounds receive preferential treatment.
- BMen have more legal rights than women.
- CThe law is applied the same way to everyone, regardless of background, gender, or other personal attributes.
- DOnly Australian citizens are protected by the law.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. The law is applied the same way to everyone, regardless of background, gender, or other personal attributes.
Australian society values the equal rights of all people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, race, or national or ethnic origin. The law is applied in Australia so that people from different backgrounds are not given preferential treatment, nor discriminated against.
27. If someone suspects a person is planning a serious crime, what action aligns with Australian values?
- AConfronting the person directly.
- BIgnoring the suspicion to avoid trouble.
- CReporting the suspicion to government authorities.
- DDiscussing it only with close friends.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. Reporting the suspicion to government authorities.
If people in Australia suspect their friend or neighbour may be planning to commit a serious crime, they should report this to Australian government authorities as soon as possible. In this way, we can help to protect the safety of our community.
How to get the most from these questions
Reading questions is useful, but the test rewards recall under time pressure, not recognition. The most effective routine is to read a section of Our Common Bond, answer the questions for that section here, then take a timed practice test to confirm it has stuck. Keep going until the values questions in particular feel automatic. For the full picture of the format, fee and booking, see the complete guide to the test.