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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. 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.

3. What is the legal age of sexual consent across Australia?

AIt varies between 14 and 15 based on the state or territory
BIt varies between 16 and 17 based on the state or territory
CIt varies between 18 and 19 based on the state or territory
DIt is uniformly 18 across all states and territories
Show answer and explanation
BIt varies between 16 and 17 based on the state or territory (Correct answer)

Explanation

In the ACT, NSW, NT, Qld, Vic, and WA, the age of consent is 16. However, in Tasmania and South Australia, the legal age of consent is 17.

4. From where does the Australian government derive its authority?

AThe citizens of Australia through the voting process
BThe judges and magistrates of the court system
CThe Australian Federal Police and defence forces
DThe Head of State (the King)
Show answer and explanation
AThe citizens of Australia through the voting process (Correct answer)

Explanation

Governmental power originates from the Australian populace, as citizens exercise their right to vote for individuals who will represent them in parliament.

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. 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.

7. Is learning English expected of people residing in Australia?

AIndividuals should prioritize speaking the language most common in their immediate area
BThere is no societal expectation regarding language acquisition in Australia
CYes, as the national language, English facilitates education, employment, and community integration
DLearning English is only expected for those seeking citizenship
Show answer and explanation
CYes, as the national language, English facilitates education, employment, and community integration (Correct answer)

Explanation

Australian society regards English as the national language and a vital unifying factor. It is generally expected that residents make an effort to learn English.

8. According to Australian values, what is the relationship between religious laws and Australian law?

AReligious laws take precedence over Australian law in personal matters.
BAustralian law and religious laws have equal legal status.
CAustralian law must be followed by everyone, even if it differs from religious laws.
DReligious laws apply only to those who follow that specific religion.
Show answer and explanation
CAustralian law must be followed by everyone, even if it differs from religious laws. (Correct answer)

Explanation

Religious laws have no legal status in Australia. Australian law must be followed by everyone in Australia, including where it is different from religious laws.

9. 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 and explanation
CThe law is applied the same way to everyone, regardless of background, gender, or other personal attributes. (Correct answer)

Explanation

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.

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.

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