Part 2 · Sub-section 4 of 4
Responsibilities & Privileges
Australian citizenship is more than a document. It brings genuine privileges not available to permanent residents — and it comes with genuine responsibilities that citizens are expected to uphold. Together, these define full membership of the Australian community.
Side-by-Side: Duties vs Rights
The table below maps exactly what citizenship demands of you and what it gives you in return — the exchange at the heart of belonging to Australia.
Responsibilities (Duties)
1
Obey Australian lawAll federal, state and local laws — at all times
2
Enrol and voteCompulsory for all citizens aged 18+. Failure = fine
3
Serve on a juryCivic duty when called — cannot refuse without cause
4
Defend AustraliaMay be called upon in national emergency
5
Pay taxesAll income earners must pay tax to fund public services
Privileges (Rights)
✓
Vote in electionsFederal, state elections and referendums
✓
Australian passportOne of the most respected travel documents in the world
✓
Right to returnUnconditional right to re-enter Australia at any time
✓
Stand for ParliamentOnly citizens can seek elected public office
✓
Government jobs & MedicareFull access to senior roles, welfare and public health
⚠️ Voting is COMPULSORY in Australia
All citizens aged 18 and over must enrol on the electoral roll and vote in federal and state elections. Failing to vote without a valid reason can result in a fine. This makes Australia unique — most other democracies make voting voluntary.
Key Fact: Voting, an Australian passport, and the right to stand for Parliament are exclusive to citizens. Permanent residents — no matter how long they have lived in Australia — cannot vote or apply for an Australian passport.
Australian Values
Before becoming a citizen, applicants affirm their commitment to Australian values. These values define the kind of society Australia aspires to be.
| Australian Value | What It Means |
|---|---|
| ⚖️Equal worth & dignity | Every person has equal worth regardless of background, religion, or gender |
| 🌟Freedom & equality | A "fair go" for all — equal opportunity regardless of who you are or where you came from |
| 🤝Egalitarianism | Treating everyone with respect; rejecting snobbery and social hierarchies |
| 🌏Mutual respect | People of all backgrounds and beliefs must live together peacefully, respecting each other's rights |
| 📜Rule of law | Everyone — individuals, governments, businesses — must obey the same laws |
The Pledge of Commitment
At the citizenship ceremony, new citizens formally pledge their loyalty to Australia. This is the defining moment of becoming a full member of the Australian community.
The Pledge of Commitment
From this time forward, under God,
I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,
whose democratic beliefs I share,
whose rights and liberties I respect, and
whose laws I will uphold and obey.
I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,
whose democratic beliefs I share,
whose rights and liberties I respect, and
whose laws I will uphold and obey.
✦ An affirmation (non-religious version) is also available, which omits "under God" — both versions carry equal legal weight.
Key Fact: The Pledge of Commitment promises loyalty to Australia and its people, to share its democratic beliefs, respect its rights and liberties, and obey its laws. Both a religious and non-religious version are recognised.
Australia Day — 26 January
🇦🇺
Australia Day
26 JANUARY
Australia Day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson in 1788 and the proclamation of British sovereignty over New South Wales. Citizenship ceremonies are frequently held on this date. Ceremonies also take place throughout the year at council and other events.
Key Points to Remember
- Voting is compulsory for all citizens aged 18+ — non-voters can be fined
- Citizens may be required to serve on a jury — a civic duty, not optional
- Only citizens can apply for an Australian passport
- Only citizens can vote in elections and stand for Parliament
- Citizens have an unconditional right to return to Australia — permanent residents do not
- New citizens take the Pledge of Commitment at the citizenship ceremony
- Australia values: equal worth, freedom, egalitarianism, mutual respect, and the rule of law
- Citizenship ceremonies are often held on Australia Day — 26 January
Quick Check
Score: 0/5 — You need 5/5 to complete Part 2
Question 1 of 5
Is voting compulsory in Australia?
Why it matters: Australia is one of the few countries in the world where voting is compulsory. Citizens aged 18+ must enrol on the electoral roll and vote. Failing to do so without a valid reason results in a fine. This applies to both federal and state elections.
Question 2 of 5
Which privilege is available to Australian citizens but NOT permanent residents?
Why it matters: Voting rights and the Australian passport are exclusive to citizens. Permanent residents can work and access many public services, but they cannot vote in elections, obtain an Australian passport, or stand for Parliament.
Question 3 of 5
What do new Australian citizens pledge at the citizenship ceremony?
Why it matters: The Pledge of Commitment is a solemn promise to be loyal to Australia and its people, share its democratic beliefs, respect its rights and liberties, and uphold and obey its laws. It is the defining moment of the citizenship ceremony.
Question 4 of 5
Who is eligible to stand for election to the Australian Parliament?
Why it matters: Standing for Parliament is an exclusive privilege of citizenship. Permanent residents — no matter how long they have lived in Australia — cannot stand for federal or state elections. This is a key distinction between citizenship and permanent residency.
Question 5 of 5
What date is Australia Day, and what does it commemorate?
Why it matters: Australia Day falls on 26 January. It marks the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson in 1788 and the proclamation of British sovereignty. Citizenship ceremonies are frequently held on this date, making it a common day for new Australians to formally become citizens.
🎉 Part 2 Complete!
You've finished all four sub-sections of Part 2: Democratic Beliefs & Rights. Head back to the main course menu to continue your citizenship journey.
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