Australian Values

Respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual

Every person in Australia is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect. Australians value freedom of speech, thought and belief, and the right of each person to live their life as they choose, provided they obey the law and respect others.

Freedom of religion, including the separation of church and state

Australians are free to follow any religion they choose, or none at all. There is no official national religion. Religious laws have no legal standing in Australia — civil law applies to everyone equally.

Religious tolerance and respect between people of different faiths is an essential part of Australian life.

Commitment to the rule of law

No one in Australia is above the law. The same laws apply to everyone, including the government and the police. Disagreements are settled peacefully through the legal system, not through violence.

Australian citizens are expected to obey the laws of Australia. If you believe a law is unjust, you may campaign to change it through democratic means.

Parliamentary democracy

In a parliamentary democracy, the people choose their representatives at free and fair elections. Power is exercised by elected parliaments — not by force, hereditary right, or unelected officials. Voting in elections is both a right and a responsibility of citizenship.

Equality of opportunity and a fair go

Australians believe everyone should have a fair go — an equal opportunity to succeed in life, regardless of where they come from, what they look like, what they believe, who they love, or what they earn.

A fair go means hard work, talent and integrity are rewarded — not connections, wealth or background. Discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender or other protected attributes is against the law.

Mutual respect, tolerance and compassion

Australians from many different backgrounds live together peacefully. Mutual respect, tolerance and compassion for those in need are highly valued. Helping others — whether through volunteering, donating, or simply lending a hand — is a deeply Australian tradition.

Equality of men and women

Men and women have equal rights and equal status in Australia. Both men and women have equal access to education, employment, public services and public office. Violence against any person — including in the family — is a serious crime.

English as the national language

English is the national language of Australia and the language of communication for government, education, business and public life. Speaking English helps newcomers settle in, find work and participate fully in Australian society. Australia is also proud of the many other languages spoken by its people.

The Australian Citizenship Pledge

At your citizenship ceremony, you make the Australian Citizenship Pledge — a public commitment to Australia and its people. By making the Pledge, you become an Australian citizen.

You may choose one of two versions of the Pledge:

Pledge (without reference to God): "From this time forward, 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."

Pledge (with reference to God): "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."

The four commitments in the Pledge mirror the four pillars of Australian citizenship: loyalty to Australia and its people, shared democratic beliefs, respect for rights and liberties, and obedience to the law.