Glossary
115 key terms drawn from Our Common Bond, with plain-language definitions. Search, filter by topic, or review as flashcards.
These terms come up throughout the Australian Citizenship Test.
115 terms
The original inhabitants of the land in Australia, who have the oldest continuous cultures and traditions in the world. They make up about three per cent of the Australian population.
A term for the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia, who are the First Peoples of this country.
The group of 11 ships that set out from Britain under Captain Arthur Phillip to establish a convict settlement in New South Wales. The First Fleet landed at Sydney Cove on 26 January 1788.
To build, establish or start something. For example, Governor Phillip set up the first colony in New South Wales.
The rush of people seeking their fortune after gold was discovered in New South Wales and Victoria in 1851, which more than doubled Australia's population within 10 years.
A territory settled and governed under Britain. Before 1901 Australia was made up of six separate, self-governing British colonies, each with its own constitution and laws.
The union of colonies into one nation, with the colonies retaining certain powers. In 1901 the colonies were united into a federation called the Commonwealth of Australia.
The nation formed in 1901 when the six colonies united into a federation of states and territories. It is also called the Federal or Commonwealth Government when referring to the national government.
Australia is a federation made up of six states and two mainland territories. Canberra is the capital city, and each state and mainland territory has its own capital.
A cultural practice performed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian of the local region, welcoming visitors to their traditional land. It is usually the first item to open an event.
An opportunity to recognise that a gathering is on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander land and to pay respect to Traditional Custodians, Elders past and present. Anyone can deliver it.
Celebrated on 26 January each year, it is a public holiday marking the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 and a time to reflect on Australia's shared achievements.
Commemorated on 25 April each year, it is named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps that landed at Gallipoli in 1915 and honours all Australians who served and died in wars and conflicts.
The official flag of Australia, in blue, white and red. It shows the Union Jack, the seven-pointed Commonwealth Star, and the Southern Cross.
The official symbol of the Commonwealth of Australia, representing national unity. It features a shield supported by a kangaroo and an emu, a gold Commonwealth Star, and the golden wattle.
The process of adaptation by migrants so that they can participate in and contribute to their new, evolving society.
Australia's national language is English, which is part of the national identity. Migrants should learn and use English to help them participate in Australian society.
A system of government based on the regular election of representatives to parliament by the citizens. The power of the government comes from the people because citizens vote for those who represent them.
The principle that all people, including citizens and the government, are bound by the law. No person, group or religious rule is above the law.
The Australian belief that change should occur through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process, rejecting violence as a way to change a person's mind or the law.
The freedom for people to say and write what they think and discuss their ideas with others, including criticising the government and protesting peacefully, so long as they obey Australian laws.
The freedom for people to express their views, including through art, film, music and literature, and to meet in public or private places for social or political discussion.
The right to form and join associations to pursue common goals, such as a political party, trade union, or religious, cultural or social group. People also cannot be forced to join.
The freedom for people in Australia to follow any religion they choose, or none. The government treats all citizens equally regardless of religion, and Australia has no official national religion.
Separate from religion. In a secular society there is no official religion, and the government operates separately from churches or other religious entities.
Personal freedom and independence. In Australia people value liberties such as freedom of speech, expression, religion and association.
Being the same in status. Australians believe in the equality of all people, who have rights and equality under Australian law regardless of background.
Men and women have equal rights in Australia, and it is against the law to discriminate against a person because of their gender.
What a citizen gives Australia: to obey the laws, vote in elections and referendums, defend Australia should the need arise, and serve on a jury if called.
What Australia gives a citizen: to vote, apply for citizenship by descent for overseas-born children, work in the Public Service or Defence Force, seek election, hold a passport, and ask for consular help.
Voting is compulsory in federal and state or territory elections for citizens aged 18 or over. Those who do not vote without a good reason may have to pay a fine.
Help an Australian citizen can ask for from an Australian government official while overseas, such as during emergencies, accidents or serious illness.
A privilege that allows an Australian citizen to apply for their child born overseas to become an Australian citizen.
A process through which citizens choose people to represent them in Parliament. Australian citizens aged 18 or over must vote in an election.
An election held in a single electorate to fill a seat that has become vacant, rather than a general election across the whole country.
A vote by all voters on a proposed change to the Australian Constitution. For example, in the 1967 referendum people voted to count Aboriginal peoples in the census.
The requirement for a referendum to succeed: a majority of voters in a majority of states, and a majority of voters across the nation, must both vote for the change.
A system of voting where people vote privately, so no one can influence or pressure them to vote in a certain way.
The list of people registered to vote in an election or referendum. A citizen must be correctly enrolled in order to vote.
A district made up of voters who vote to elect politicians in the House of Representatives. Electorates are also called electoral districts, divisions or seats.
A Commonwealth agency responsible for conducting federal elections and referendums and maintaining the electoral roll. It is independent of government, and political parties cannot influence its decisions.
The supreme law of Australia by which the government must abide. It sets out the legislative, executive and judicial powers and the basic rules for the government of Australia.
A country in which a king or queen is the head of state, whose powers are limited by the Constitution. Australia is a constitutional monarchy with the King as Head of State.
Australia's Head of State is the King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III, who appoints the Governor-General as his representative and does not have a day-to-day role in government.
The representative of the Head of State in Australia, appointed by the King on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Governor-General must remain neutral and acts independently of all political parties.
The representative of the Head of State in each Australian state, in a role similar to the Governor-General at the national level.
The signing of a Bill passed by the Australian Parliament into law by the Governor-General.
Special powers held by the Governor-General that can only be used in specific circumstances.
The power and authority to make and change the laws, one of the three powers under the Australian Constitution. Parliament holds legislative power.
The power and authority to administer the laws, one of the three powers under the Constitution. It is held by the Prime Minister, government ministers and the Governor-General.
The power and authority to interpret and apply the laws, one of the three powers under the Constitution. The courts in Australia hold judicial power.
The way the Constitution divides government power between the legislative, executive and judicial branches to stop one person or group from holding all the power.
Also called the Federal or Commonwealth Government, it is made up of members of the Australian Parliament and is generally formed by the party or coalition with a majority in the House of Representatives.
The body that makes and changes laws in Australia, made up of elected representatives. The Australian Parliament has two Houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
One House of the Australian Parliament, also called the Lower House or People's House. Members represent the people in their electorate, with over 150 members elected.
The other House of the Australian Parliament, also called the Upper House, House of Review or States' House. All states are equally represented, with a total of 76 senators.
An elected representative of the people in the Australian Parliament or a state parliament.
An elected representative of a state or territory in the Australian Parliament, sitting in the Senate.
The leader of the Australian Government, usually the leader of the party or coalition with a majority in the House of Representatives.
A Member of Parliament chosen by a government leader to be responsible for an area of government, called a portfolio. Ministers are appointed by the Governor-General on the Prime Minister's advice.
The ministers with the most important portfolios, who make up the key decision-making body of the government.
After a federal election, the party or coalition with the second largest number of members in the House of Representatives. Its leader is called the Leader of the Opposition.
An elected member of a local council. Citizens in each local government area vote to elect their local councillors.
The level of government for local areas, which may be called cities, shires, towns or municipalities. Each area has its own council responsible for planning and delivering local services.
Australia's federal, state and territory, and local levels of government, which generally provide different services to the community.
A group of people who share similar ideas about how a country should be governed and usually seek to be elected. The main parties include the Liberal Party, Labor Party, the Nationals and the Greens.
The joining of two or more political parties, usually to form a government or opposition.
A proposal to introduce a new law or change an existing one, considered, debated and voted on by both Houses of Parliament before it can become law.
A place where legal cases are heard by a judge or magistrate. Courts in Australia are independent and decide if a person has broken the law based only on the evidence before them.
The court established by the Constitution that has the ultimate power to apply and interpret the laws of Australia.
The highest authority in a court, who interprets and applies the law and decides penalties. Judges are independent, and the government cannot remove them for disagreeing with their decisions.
A group of ordinary Australian citizens randomly chosen from the general population to listen to the evidence in a court case and decide if a person is guilty or not guilty.
A hearing of facts by a court to decide if a person is guilty or not guilty of a crime. If a jury finds a person guilty, the judge decides the penalty.
To make sure that people follow the law. Police enforce the law and keep the peace.
Officers who maintain peace and order, protect life and property, and can arrest people they believe have broken the law and bring them before a court. They are independent of the government.
Australia's national police force, which investigates crimes against federal laws such as drug trafficking, national security and the environment, and provides general policing in the ACT.
Carrying or buying drugs to sell illegally, which is a serious crime in Australia.
A serious breach of the law. Examples include murder, assault, sexual assault, armed robbery or theft, dangerous driving, possession of illegal drugs, and fraud.
Behaviour or threats that aim to control a partner by causing fear or threatening their safety. It is not accepted and is against the law in Australia.
A marriage where one or both of the couple did not have a free choice. Forced marriage is against the law in Australia.
Behaviour that uses technology to threaten, intimidate, harass or humiliate someone with the intent to hurt them. Many forms of cyber abuse are against the law in Australia.
Government departments and the people employed by them. Citizens can apply for a job in the Australian Public Service to work for the Australian Government.
An Australian Government agency that delivers a range of health, social and welfare payments and services through Medicare, Centrelink and Child Support.
An Australian Government agency that manages the tax and superannuation systems that support and fund services for Australians. Most Australians submit a tax return to the ATO each year.
Government pensions or benefits to help unemployed people, disabled people, elderly people and others in need.
Australia's military, made up of the Army, Navy and Air Force. Service is voluntary, but citizens have a responsibility to defend Australia should the need arise.
An independent Commission that investigates complaints about discrimination and human rights breaches. Incidents of racism can be reported to it.
A group of people with an official responsibility. For example, an independent commission organises the elections.
Demonstrations and riots by large numbers of people, usually protesting against a government decision or policy.
A person who acts or speaks for others. Citizens vote for representatives to speak for them in parliament.
Holding the citizenship of another country as well as Australia, where the laws of those countries allow. An Australian citizen in Australia must still follow all Australian laws at all times.
The shared principles based on freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity that define and shape the country and that citizens are expected to respect, share and uphold.
The principles that help a person decide what is right and wrong, and how to act in various situations. Australia has a shared set of values called Australian values.
The value that everyone, regardless of their background, is given an equal opportunity to achieve success in life based on their talents, work and effort rather than wealth or class.
The value that everyone should have the same chance to succeed and the same legal rights, so that achievement comes from hard work and talent and not from gender, wealth or ethnicity.
Helping and receiving help from others, especially in difficult times. Australians value mateship and have a strong tradition of community service and volunteering.
Listening to others and respecting their views and opinions, even when they differ from your own, and respecting the freedom and dignity of others.
The value that all people have equal rights regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, race, or national or ethnic origin, and are not given preferential treatment or discriminated against.
Prejudice, discrimination, harassment or hatred directed at someone because of their race, colour, national or ethnic origin. Racism is against the law in Australia and has no place in society.
A person who gives their time to a person or organisation without expecting payment.
Able to provide for your own needs, without the help of other people. Everyone has a responsibility to try to support themselves and their families when able.
The commitment made in the citizenship pledge to Australia and its people, including the shared obligation not to undermine Australia's interests and security.
From now and in the future. At the citizenship ceremony, you promise to be loyal to Australia from this time forward.