Questions & Answers

Australian citizenship test questions and answers

A quick reference to every practice question and its correct answer, grouped by the five chapters of Our Common Bond. Read a topic’s study guide to learn it, or start a timed practice test to check yourself.

Jump to:1People 2Democratic Beliefs 3Government 4Values 5Rights

1. Australia and Its People

Study guide

What is the capital city of Australia?: Correct answer: Canberra
Who are Australia's first inhabitants?: Correct answer: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Where are Torres Strait Islander peoples from?: Correct answer: The islands between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea
What is Australia's national flower?: Correct answer: The golden wattle
What are Australia's national colours?: Correct answer: Green and gold
What is Australia's national gemstone?: Correct answer: The opal
On what date is Australia Day celebrated each year?: Correct answer: 26 January
What anniversary does Australia Day mark?: Correct answer: The arrival of the First Fleet from Great Britain in 1788
On what date is Anzac Day commemorated?: Correct answer: 25 April
What do Australians remember on Anzac Day?: Correct answer: All Australians who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations
Who was the first Governor of the colony of New South Wales?: Correct answer: Captain Arthur Phillip
When did European settlement of Australia begin?: Correct answer: 1788
How many states and mainland territories does Australia have?: Correct answer: Six states and two mainland territories
Which is the largest state in Australia?: Correct answer: Western Australia
Which is the smallest state in Australia?: Correct answer: Tasmania
What is the capital city of New South Wales, and the nation's largest city?: Correct answer: Sydney
What is the capital city of Victoria?: Correct answer: Melbourne
Along which state's eastern coast does the Great Barrier Reef run?: Correct answer: Queensland
What is the capital city of the Northern Territory?: Correct answer: Darwin
What is the name of Australia's national anthem?: Correct answer: Advance Australia Fair
What does the Union Jack on the Australian National Flag represent?: Correct answer: Our history of British settlement and the laws and institutions we inherited
How many points does the Commonwealth Star on the Australian National Flag have?: Correct answer: Seven
What does the yellow circle on the Australian Aboriginal Flag represent?: Correct answer: The sun
Which two native animals support the shield on the Commonwealth Coat of Arms?: Correct answer: A kangaroo and an emu
What is Australia's national language?: Correct answer: English
Who performs a Welcome to Country?: Correct answer: An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian of the local region
According to the archaeological record, how long ago did Aboriginal peoples arrive in Australia?: Correct answer: Between 65,000 and 40,000 years ago
Approximately what proportion of the Australian population are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?: Correct answer: About three per cent
Besides English, roughly how many distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are valued in Australia?: Correct answer: More than one hundred
How many convict ships made up the 'First Fleet' that arrived in 1788?: Correct answer: Eleven
In which year did a 'gold rush' begin in the colonies of New South Wales and Victoria?: Correct answer: 1851
During the gold rush, which people were the first large group of migrants not from Europe?: Correct answer: Chinese people
About how large was Australia's population in 1901, when the colonies federated?: Correct answer: About four million
What change did the 1967 Referendum bring about?: Correct answer: It allowed Aboriginal peoples to be counted in the Census
Which state is separated from the Australian mainland by the Bass Strait?: Correct answer: Tasmania
Which was the first colony established by the British in Australia?: Correct answer: New South Wales
In which territory are the icons Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon located?: Correct answer: Northern Territory
Which two structures are described as national icons of Sydney?: Correct answer: The Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House
What are the colours of the Australian Aboriginal Flag?: Correct answer: Black, red and yellow
On the Australian Aboriginal Flag, what does the black top half represent?: Correct answer: The Aboriginal peoples of Australia
On the Australian Aboriginal Flag, what does the red bottom half represent?: Correct answer: The earth, which has ceremonial significance
What are the colours of the Torres Strait Islander Flag?: Correct answer: Green, blue, black and white
On the Torres Strait Islander Flag, what do the points of the white star represent?: Correct answer: The island groups in the Torres Strait
What forms the background of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms?: Correct answer: The golden wattle, Australia's national flower
What does the shield in the centre of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms represent?: Correct answer: The six states and federation
On what occasions is 'Advance Australia Fair' sung?: Correct answer: On occasions of national importance, including citizenship ceremonies and major sporting events
Who can deliver an Acknowledgement of Country?: Correct answer: Anyone
What is the Southern Cross, shown on the Australian National Flag?: Correct answer: A group of stars that can be seen in the southern sky
During Australia Day celebrations, who announces the Australian of the Year Awards?: Correct answer: The Prime Minister
Where did the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps land on 25 April 1915?: Correct answer: Gallipoli, in Türkiye
Where does Australia's national flower, the golden wattle, grow mainly?: Correct answer: In south-eastern Australia
According to Aboriginal legend, how were the colours of the opal created?: Correct answer: A rainbow touched the earth

Read the People study guide →Practise People →

2. Australia's Democratic Beliefs

Study guide

What kind of system of government does Australia have?: Correct answer: A parliamentary democracy
In Australia's parliamentary democracy, where does the power of the government come from?: Correct answer: From the Australian people, who vote for their representatives
What does 'the Rule of Law' mean in Australia?: Correct answer: No person, group or religious rule is above the law, and everyone must obey it
What is freedom of speech in Australia?: Correct answer: People can say and write what they think and discuss their ideas with others, within the law
What is freedom of expression in Australia?: Correct answer: People can express their views, including through art, film, music and literature
What is freedom of association?: Correct answer: The right to form and join associations, and to decide not to join
Does Australia have an official national religion?: Correct answer: No — Australia has no official national religion and government is secular
If a religious practice conflicts with Australian law, which prevails?: Correct answer: Australian law prevails
According to Australia's democratic beliefs, how should change to a person's mind or to the law occur?: Correct answer: Through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process
How are people from different backgrounds expected to be treated under Australia's democratic system?: Correct answer: With dignity and respect, regardless of their background
What are the rights of men and women in Australia?: Correct answer: Men and women have equal rights
What does the Australian idea of a 'fair go' mean?: Correct answer: What you achieve should be a result of your talents, work and effort, not your wealth or background
When Australians gather to protest, what does the law require?: Correct answer: Protests must be peaceful and must not injure any person or damage property
Can a person in Australia be forced to join an organisation?: Correct answer: No — people are free to join or not join, and cannot be forced
Can Australians criticise the government?: Correct answer: Yes — people can criticise the government and campaign to change laws, within the law
Which value is described as underpinning Australia's democratic system?: Correct answer: Freedom of speech
Do newspapers, television and radio outlets share the same freedom of speech as individuals?: Correct answer: Yes, media outlets have the same freedom of speech, within the law
Is it acceptable to promote violence against a person or group because of their culture, religion or background?: Correct answer: No — it is never acceptable and is against Australian values and the law
Are people in Australia free to meet for social or political discussion?: Correct answer: Yes, people are free to meet in public or private places for discussion
What is true about the law's treatment of citizens of different religions?: Correct answer: The government and the law treat all citizens equally, whatever their religion or beliefs
Australia's democratic system is based on the principle that every individual has what, regardless of their background?: Correct answer: Rights and equality under Australian law
How do Australians believe disagreements with a government decision should be expressed?: Correct answer: Through peaceful means such as discussion, voting and lawful protest
Reflecting Australia's Judaeo-Christian heritage, on which religious days does Australia have public holidays?: Correct answer: On Christian days such as Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day
Are people in Australia free to choose not to follow any religion?: Correct answer: Yes — people are free to follow any religion they choose, or none at all
Through which of the following can people express their views under freedom of expression?: Correct answer: Through art, film, music and literature
Equality of opportunity, or a 'fair go', is intended to ensure that Australian society has no what?: Correct answer: No formal class distinctions
In Australia's parliamentary democracy, to whom must the representatives in parliament answer for their decisions?: Correct answer: To the people, through elections
Under freedom of association, which kinds of legal organisations are people free to join?: Correct answer: Any legal organisation, such as a political party, trade union, religious, cultural or social group
Even while exercising freedom of speech and freedom of expression, what must always be obeyed?: Correct answer: The laws of Australia
All Australians are expected to treat each other with dignity and respect regardless of which of the following?: Correct answer: Their race, country of origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, heritage, culture, politics, wealth or religion
Does the Rule of Law apply to people who hold positions of power, such as politicians and the police?: Correct answer: Yes — no person, group or religious rule is above the law
While exercising your own freedom of speech, what must you also do?: Correct answer: Respect other people's freedom of speech and expression

Read the Democratic Beliefs study guide →Practise Democratic Beliefs →

3. Government and the Law

Study guide

How many levels of government are there in Australia?: Correct answer: Three
What are the two houses of the Australian Parliament?: Correct answer: The House of Representatives and the Senate
Who is Australia's Head of State?: Correct answer: The King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III
Who represents the King of Australia in Australia?: Correct answer: The Governor-General
Who appoints the Governor-General?: Correct answer: The King of Australia, on the advice of the Prime Minister
Who is the leader of the Australian Government?: Correct answer: The Prime Minister
What is the leader of a state government called?: Correct answer: The Premier
What is the leader of a local council usually called?: Correct answer: The Mayor or Shire President
How many senators are there in the Australian Senate?: Correct answer: 76
On what date did the Australian colonies unite to form the Commonwealth of Australia?: Correct answer: 1 January 1901
What is the Australian Constitution?: Correct answer: The legal document that sets out the basic rules for the government of Australia
How can the Australian Constitution be changed?: Correct answer: By the people voting in a referendum
What is a 'double majority' in a referendum?: Correct answer: A majority of voters across the nation, and a majority of voters in a majority of states
Which court has the ultimate power to interpret and apply the laws of Australia?: Correct answer: The High Court of Australia
Into which three powers does the Australian Constitution divide the power of government?: Correct answer: Legislative, executive and judicial
What is legislative power?: Correct answer: The power to make and change laws
Who holds executive power — the power to put the laws into practice?: Correct answer: The Prime Minister, government ministers and the Governor-General
Who holds judicial power in Australia?: Correct answer: Judges, who are independent of parliament and government
Which independent agency is responsible for conducting federal elections?: Correct answer: The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)
Is voting compulsory in Australian federal elections?: Correct answer: Yes, for Australian citizens aged 18 years or over
How do Australians vote in an election?: Correct answer: By secret ballot
How is the Australian Government formed after a federal election?: Correct answer: The party or coalition with the majority of members in the House of Representatives forms government
What is the Opposition?: Correct answer: The party or coalition with the second largest number of members in the House of Representatives
What is the Cabinet?: Correct answer: The group of ministers with the most important portfolios, the key decision-making body of government
What is the final step before a Bill agreed to by both houses of Parliament becomes law?: Correct answer: The Governor-General gives Royal Assent by signing it
Which of these is a responsibility of the Australian (federal) Government?: Correct answer: Defence, immigration and citizenship, and foreign affairs
Which of these is primarily a responsibility of state and territory governments?: Correct answer: Hospitals, schools and public transport
Which of these is a responsibility of local government (councils)?: Correct answer: Rubbish collection, local roads, parks and building permits
Before 1901, how many self-governing British colonies made up Australia?: Correct answer: Six
Australia is a constitutional monarchy. What does this mean?: Correct answer: The King is Head of State but must act in accordance with the Constitution
Which of these is a role of the Governor-General?: Correct answer: Acting as Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force
Overall, about how many members are elected to the House of Representatives?: Correct answer: Over 150
How many senators does each state elect to the Senate?: Correct answer: Twelve
How is the number of House of Representatives members for each state and territory decided?: Correct answer: It is based on the number of people in that state or territory
What are the other names for the House of Representatives?: Correct answer: The Lower House or the People's House
What are the other names for the Senate?: Correct answer: The Upper House, the House of Review or the States' House
What is the leader of a territory government called?: Correct answer: The Chief Minister
In each Australian state, who represents the King of Australia?: Correct answer: A Governor
In the Northern Territory, who is appointed by the Governor-General to a role similar to a state Governor?: Correct answer: An Administrator
What is one difference between states and territories under the Australian Constitution?: Correct answer: States have rights recognised by the Constitution, while self-governing territory laws can be altered or revoked by the Australian Government
Which of these are the main political parties in Australia?: Correct answer: The Liberal Party of Australia, the Australian Labor Party, the Nationals and the Australian Greens
What is a parliamentarian who does not belong to any political party called?: Correct answer: An independent
When a member of parliament proposes to introduce a new law or change an existing one, what is the proposal called?: Correct answer: A Bill
In Australia's court system, how is a person regarded until they are found guilty?: Correct answer: Innocent until they are found guilty in a court
In a criminal trial, if a jury finds a person guilty, who decides the penalty?: Correct answer: The judge
How is a jury chosen in Australia?: Correct answer: It is a group of ordinary Australian citizens randomly chosen from the general population
Which national police force investigates crimes against federal laws, such as drug trafficking and crimes against national security?: Correct answer: The Australian Federal Police (AFP)
Are Australia's courts independent of the government?: Correct answer: Yes — the courts are independent, and a court decides on the evidence before it
What does Australian law say about offering a bribe to a police officer?: Correct answer: It is a serious crime even to offer a bribe
What must you have in order to legally drive a car in Australia?: Correct answer: A local driver's licence, and the car must be registered
What does it mean that 'not knowing the law is no excuse'?: Correct answer: You can be charged even if you broke a law you did not know about
By what other names is the Australian Government also known?: Correct answer: The Federal Government or the Commonwealth Government
Which of the following is illegal while driving in Australia?: Correct answer: Using a hand-held mobile device, or driving after taking drugs or above the blood alcohol limit
What are the Governor-General's 'reserve powers'?: Correct answer: Special powers that can only be used in specific circumstances

Read the Government study guide →Practise Government →

4. Australian Values

Study guide

On which principles are Australian values based?: Correct answer: Freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity
What does a commitment to the Rule of Law mean for everyone in Australia?: Correct answer: All Australians are equal before the law and no person or group is above it
What are the rights of men and women under Australian values?: Correct answer: Men and women have equal rights
What does freedom of religion mean as an Australian value?: Correct answer: People are free to follow any religion, or none, but must obey Australian law
Under Australian values, who is protected equally by the law regardless of gender, race, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation?: Correct answer: All people in Australia
What does equality of opportunity, or a 'fair go', mean?: Correct answer: Everyone is given an equal opportunity to achieve success, not limited by class distinction
What does mutual respect and tolerance for others involve?: Correct answer: Listening to others and respecting their views, even when they differ from your own
What is the Australian value regarding violence and intimidation?: Correct answer: Violence of any kind, including verbal and physical abuse, is never acceptable and is illegal
Why does Australian society value the English language?: Correct answer: As the national language and an important unifying element of society
What is the Australian value of 'mateship' and compassion for those in need?: Correct answer: Helping each other in times of need and looking out for one another
What is true about parliamentary democracy as an Australian value?: Correct answer: Laws are determined by parliaments elected by the people, and voting is compulsory
What legal status do religious laws have in Australia?: Correct answer: They have no legal status; Australian law must be followed by everyone
What is the Australian value regarding racism?: Correct answer: Racism has no place in Australia and is against our values and the law
Under Australian law and values, who can marry each other?: Correct answer: Two people, including two men or two women
What does it mean that government in Australia is secular?: Correct answer: The government operates separately from religion and there is no official national religion
What is the Australian value about physical violence against a spouse or partner?: Correct answer: It is never acceptable and is a criminal offence
How should a person get a job, according to Australian values of equality of opportunity?: Correct answer: Based on their skills and experience, not their gender, wealth or ethnicity
What is the Australian value about peaceful protest?: Correct answer: Tolerance of peaceful public protest is an essential part of democracy
Should you follow Australian law only when someone is watching?: Correct answer: No — you should follow the law even if no one is watching
What is the Australian value of freedom of association?: Correct answer: People are free to join or leave any legal group voluntarily
What is the Australian value of freedom of speech?: Correct answer: People can express their ideas freely, so long as it is within the law
Both men and women have the right to make their own independent choices about which personal matters?: Correct answer: Personal matters such as marriage and religion
What does Australia expect of everyone living in the country, as part of making a contribution?: Correct answer: To participate in society and try to support themselves and their families when able
How does Australia expect people to treat the lawful actions of the police?: Correct answer: Support the lawful actions of the police and obey lawful requests
To whom do Australian laws apply?: Correct answer: All people in Australia, regardless of their background or culture
Which of these practices are against the law in Australia?: Correct answer: Polygamy (being married to more than one person at the same time) and forced marriage
What does Australian law say about divorce?: Correct answer: Divorce is acceptable, and either a husband or a wife may apply, even if the other spouse wishes to continue the marriage
What is the legal age of sexual consent in Australia?: Correct answer: 16 or 17, depending on the state or territory
As part of loyalty to Australia, what shared obligation do Australians have?: Correct answer: Not to undermine Australia's interests and security — for example, not sharing official government secrets
If you suspect a friend or neighbour may be planning to commit a serious crime, what should you do?: Correct answer: Report it to Australian government authorities as soon as possible
If a person sees or has knowledge of a child being abused, what should they do?: Correct answer: Report it to the police to investigate
What is Australia's stance on online abuse, sometimes called cyber abuse?: Correct answer: It is not accepted, and many forms of it are illegal in Australia
What is Australia's position on religious intolerance?: Correct answer: It is not acceptable in Australian society
Under Australian law, how are people of different faiths treated?: Correct answer: Buddhists and people of all other faiths receive the same treatment as Christians
Under Australian values of equality of opportunity, can a woman be given a job ahead of a man?: Correct answer: Yes — it is a right for a woman to get a job ahead of a man if she has better qualifications and skills
What must applicants for Australian citizenship undertake to do about the English language, if it is not their native language?: Correct answer: Make reasonable efforts to learn the English language

Read the Values study guide →Practise Values →

5. Rights and Responsibilities

Study guide

Which of the following is a responsibility of an Australian citizen?: Correct answer: To obey the laws of Australia
In which of these must Australian citizens aged 18 or over vote?: Correct answer: In federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum
Which of these is a responsibility of Australian citizens, should the need arise?: Correct answer: To defend Australia
If you are called to serve on a jury, what should you do?: Correct answer: Attend, because jury service is a responsibility of citizens
Which of these is a privilege that Australian citizenship gives you?: Correct answer: The right to apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely
What kind of help can an Australian citizen seek from an Australian official while overseas?: Correct answer: Consular assistance in times of need, such as emergencies
Australian citizens can apply for what, for their child born overseas?: Correct answer: Australian citizenship by descent
Which of these jobs is a privilege of Australian citizenship to apply for?: Correct answer: A job in the Australian Public Service or the Australian Defence Force
Who can seek election to parliament?: Correct answer: Australian citizens aged 18 or over who are not dual citizens
What is a referendum?: Correct answer: A vote to change the Australian Constitution
At what age does voting become a responsibility for Australian citizens?: Correct answer: 18 years or over
In the Australian Citizenship Pledge, what do new citizens promise?: Correct answer: Loyalty to Australia and its people, sharing its democratic beliefs, respecting its rights and liberties, and upholding and obeying its laws
Is paying tax required of people living in Australia?: Correct answer: Yes, paying tax is required by law
Can an Australian citizen also hold the citizenship of another country?: Correct answer: Yes, if the laws of the other country allow it (dual or multiple citizenship)
Which of these can an Australian citizen do that a permanent resident cannot?: Correct answer: Vote in federal elections and apply for an Australian passport
What must you do before you can vote in a federal election?: Correct answer: Enrol on the electoral roll
What is the role of a jury in Australia's court system?: Correct answer: To decide whether a person is guilty or not guilty
Is service in the Australian Defence Force compulsory?: Correct answer: No — service is voluntary, but defending Australia should the need arise is a responsibility
What do you receive at your Australian citizenship ceremony?: Correct answer: A Certificate of Australian Citizenship
When an Australian citizen is in another country, whose laws must they obey?: Correct answer: The laws of that country (and some Australian laws still apply too)
How can an Australian citizen actively participate in society?: Correct answer: By volunteering, joining community organisations and taking part in political life
Voting in which type of election may not be compulsory in some states?: Correct answer: Local government (council) elections
Which agency collects tax from the money people earn in Australia?: Correct answer: The Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Which of these services are paid for by the taxes Australians pay?: Correct answer: Government-funded healthcare and education, defence, roads and railways, and social security
Why is voting compulsory in Australian elections?: Correct answer: To make sure the people have a say in who will govern and represent them
What may happen if you do not vote in an election and do not have a good reason?: Correct answer: You may have to pay a fine
What does holding an Australian passport allow a citizen to do when returning from overseas?: Correct answer: Re-enter Australia freely, without the need for a visa
Which three branches make up the Australian Defence Force?: Correct answer: The Army, the Navy and the Air Force
If you applied for a job in the Australian Public Service, which kind of organisation might you work for?: Correct answer: An Australian Government body such as Services Australia or the Australian Taxation Office
How can an Australian citizen raise concerns about government policy?: Correct answer: By contacting their elected representative
Australian citizens can be called to serve on a jury if they are on which list?: Correct answer: The electoral roll
Which levels of government collect taxes to pay for services in Australia?: Correct answer: The Australian Government, state and territory governments, and local councils

Read the Rights study guide →Practise Rights →