Citizenship› Part 4› Rule of Law
Part 4 · Sub-section 1 of 6

Commitment to the Rule of Law

One of Australia's most fundamental values is that no one is above the law. This principle — called the Rule of Law — is the foundation of Australia's fair and orderly society. When you become an Australian citizen, you commit to upholding it.

What the Rule of Law Means

The Rule of Law means that all Australians are equal in relation to the law and no person or group is above it. In Australia, everybody should obey the law at all times — otherwise you will face penalties.

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Everyone is Equal
All Australians are equal under the law, regardless of their position, wealth, religion or background.
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No One is Above the Law
No person, group or religious rule is above Australian law — not even the Prime Minister.
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Always Follow the Law
You should follow Australian law even if no one is watching. It is not conditional on being observed.
Key Fact: The Rule of Law protects all Australians. It means the government itself must also follow the law — it cannot simply do whatever it wants. Laws apply equally to everyone.

Who Must Obey the Law

Everyone living in Australia — regardless of their role or status — must obey Australian laws. This includes people who hold positions of great power and authority.

RoleMust Obey Australian Law?
The Prime Minister✅ Yes — no exceptions
Members of Parliament✅ Yes — no exceptions
Police Officers✅ Yes — no exceptions
Religious Leaders✅ Yes — no exceptions
Business Leaders✅ Yes — no exceptions
Community Leaders✅ Yes — no exceptions
Ordinary Citizens✅ Yes — no exceptions

Living Peacefully & Change Through Democracy

Australians are proud to live in a peaceful country with a stable system of government. A core Australian belief is that change should occur through discussion, peaceful persuasion, and the democratic process — not through violence or intimidation.

If you disagree with a law, the right way to seek change is through the democratic process: contacting your elected representative, peaceful protest, or campaigns to change laws — all within the law.

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Discussion
Engage in open debate. Share your views and listen to others. Peaceful dialogue is how ideas are tested.
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Peaceful Persuasion
Campaign and advocate for change without violence, threats or intimidation. Protest peacefully within the law.
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Democratic Process
Vote in elections. Contact your representative. Let parliament make changes through the proper legal channels.
Critical: Violence is never an acceptable way to change a person's mind or the law in Australia. Australians reject violence as a means of change.

Key Points to Remember

Quick Check

Score: 0/5 — 5/5 required
Question 1 of 5
What does the Rule of Law mean in Australia?
Why it matters: The Rule of Law is fundamental to Australian society. It means everyone — including government, police, and religious leaders — must obey the law equally. No one gets special exemptions.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following people must obey Australian laws?
Why it matters: Under the Rule of Law, everyone must obey Australian laws — no exceptions. This includes the Prime Minister, police, religious leaders, business people and all citizens.
Question 3 of 5
Should you follow Australian law even if no one is watching?
Why it matters: The commitment to the Rule of Law means following the law is unconditional. You must obey Australian law at all times — not just when you might be caught.
Question 4 of 5
How do Australians believe change to laws should occur?
Why it matters: Australians value peaceful democratic change. If you disagree with a law, the right approach is through discussion, peaceful persuasion, and the democratic process — not violence or illegal means.
Question 5 of 5
Is violence an acceptable way to change a law in Australia?
Why it matters: Australia completely rejects violence as a means of political change. Australians believe in peaceful democratic processes. Using violence to change a law is both illegal and fundamentally un-Australian.

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