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Australian Values: Citizenship Test Practice Questions

Australian Values is one of the four sections of Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official resource every real test question comes from. It covers: Mutual respect, freedom and dignity of the individual, freedom of religion, equality of opportunity, a fair go, mateship and contributing to the community.

Of the 280 questions in our practice bank, 40 are Australian Values questions. On a typical 20-question test you can expect roughly 3 from this section. Below are 9 sample questions with answers and explanations to show you exactly what to prepare for.

The values rule: 5 of the 20 questions on the real test are Australian values questions, and you must get all 5 correct to pass. Even a 19/20 fails if one values answer is wrong.

Sample Australian Values Questions and Answers

Try each question before expanding the answer. Every question below also appears in one of our free practice tests.

1. 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 and explanation
CLaws based on religion lack legal standing within Australia. (Correct answer)

Explanation

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.

2. How is the Australian concept of 'mateship' best understood?

ABeing a close personal friend
BAustralia's official national food
CAn ethos of mutual support, especially in hardship
DA legal obligation for neighbours to assist each other
Show answer and explanation
CAn ethos of mutual support, especially in hardship (Correct answer)

Explanation

Australians hold 'mateship' in high regard, signifying mutual assistance during challenging times. This ethos fosters Australia's robust tradition of community involvement and volunteering.

3. 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 and explanation
BCertain Australian laws apply to citizens even when they are abroad (Correct answer)

Explanation

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.

4. How is Australia's governmental structure best described?

AAn authoritarian parliamentary system
BA system of regulated federalism
CA parliamentary democracy
DA direct democracy
Show answer and explanation
CA parliamentary democracy (Correct answer)

Explanation

Australia employs a system of parliamentary democracy, signifying that its citizens participate in the governance of the nation.

5. 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 and explanation
CYes, tolerating peaceful disagreement aligns with Australian values of mutual respect (Correct answer)

Explanation

Individuals in Australia are obligated to respect the freedom, dignity, opinions, and choices of others. Mutual tolerance is expected, particularly in situations of disagreement.

6. What serves as Australia's official national language?

AEnglish
BFrench
CAustralia does not formally designate a national language
DIndigenous languages collectively
Show answer and explanation
AEnglish (Correct answer)

Explanation

English holds the status of Australia’s national language and constitutes an element of the nation's identity.

7. 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 and explanation
CPeacefully protesting against government policies is a protected form of expression (Correct answer)

Explanation

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.

8. What is the nature of voting participation in Australian federal elections?

AIt is a right available to citizens but not mandatory
BIt is compulsory for eligible citizens
CIt is entirely voluntary for all citizens
DIt is compulsory only for citizens born in Australia
Show answer and explanation
BIt is compulsory for eligible citizens (Correct answer)

Explanation

In Australia, voting is obligatory, highlighting the significance placed on citizen participation in the electoral process.

9. Which of these practices is explicitly mentioned as being against the law in Australia due to conflicting with Australian values and laws?

AAttending religious services weekly
BPolygamy (being married to more than one person)
CJoining a trade union
DCriticising government policy peacefully
Show answer and explanation
BPolygamy (being married to more than one person) (Correct answer)

Explanation

Some religious or cultural practices, such as polygamy (being married to more than one person at the same time) and forced marriage, are against the law in Australia and can result in severe legal penalties, including imprisonment.

Practise Australian Values Until It Sticks

The app has 14 dedicated category tests, so you can practise Australian Values questions on their own. All 16 mock exams, every question in 13 languages, and weak-spot tracking, all in the app.

Study This Section First

Prefer to read before you practise? Our Australian values questions guide breaks down everything this section of Our Common Bond actually tests.

Read the Australian values questions guide

Take a Full Practice Test

Every full test includes Australian Values questions alongside the other three categories, in the same mix as the real exam.

See all 14 practice tests