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Australian values questions
The part of the test where every answer must be right
The rule: 5 of the 20 questions on the citizenship test are about Australian values, from Part 4 of Our Common Bond. You must answer all 5 correctly to pass, even if your overall score is above 75%.
What the values questions cover
Part 4 of the booklet explains the values Australians share and the behaviour that goes with them. Questions ask what these mean in everyday situations, for example:
- Freedom of speech, association and religion, and their limits under the law.
- Respect for the equal worth, dignity and freedom of every person.
- The Rule of Law: the same laws apply to everyone, and no one is above them.
- Equality of men and women, and equal opportunity whatever your background.
- A fair go and mateship: helping others, especially in hard times.
- Peaceful ways to change things: by persuasion and voting, never by violence.
Sample values questions
What are Australian values based on?
- AFreedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity
- BWealth and power
- CThe rules of one religion
Show answer
A. Freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity
Australian values based on freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity are central to Australia remaining a secure, prosperous and peaceful place to live.
Source: Our Common Bond, Part 4, page 34
Daniel is driving late at night on an empty road with no police around. Should he still obey the road rules?
- ANo, laws only matter when police are present
- BYes, you should follow the law even if no one is watching
- COnly if there are other cars
Show answer
B. Yes, you should follow the law even if no one is watching
In Australia, everybody should obey the law and not break it at any time. You should follow the law even if no one is watching.
Source: Our Common Bond, Part 4, page 34
Can a person in Australia be forced to join a political party or a trade union?
- AYes, if their employer says so
- BYes, at age 18
- CNo
Show answer
C. No
In Australia, individuals cannot be compelled to join an organisation or forced to leave it.
Source: Our Common Bond, Part 4, page 35
Is polygamy legal in Australia?
- AYes, if your religion allows it
- BNo, it is against the law
- CYes, if all the partners agree
Show answer
B. No, it is against the law
Polygamy, being married to more than one person at the same time, is against the law in Australia and can result in severe penalties.
Source: Our Common Bond, Part 4, page 35
What does a 'fair go' mean?
- APeople with money get ahead first
- BEveryone gets the same income
- CEveryone, regardless of background, has an equal opportunity to achieve success in life
Show answer
C. Everyone, regardless of background, has an equal opportunity to achieve success in life
A 'fair go' means everyone, regardless of their background, is given an equal opportunity to achieve success in life.
Source: Our Common Bond, Part 4, page 36
Huong suspects her neighbour may be planning to commit a serious crime. What should she do?
- AKeep quiet so she does not get involved
- BReport it to Australian government authorities as soon as possible
- CWarn the neighbour first
Show answer
B. Report it to Australian government authorities as soon as possible
If people in Australia suspect a friend or neighbour may be planning a serious crime, they should report it to Australian government authorities as soon as possible.
Source: Our Common Bond, Part 4, page 38
How to get every one right
Values questions often describe a situation and ask what's acceptable in Australia. Read every answer before you choose, and look for the one that respects the law, equality and other people's freedom. Practise until you'd answer them without hesitating.
Drill the values until they're automatic. CitizenOz's values drill covers every Part 4 question, and your values are tracked separately from your score.
Written from Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, Part 4. CitizenOz is not affiliated with the Australian Government.