Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties

1         Our democratic beliefs

1.1         Australia is governed by a parliamentary democracy

1.2         Every Australian enjoys equality under the law

1.3         The laws of Australia must be obeyed by every citizen, even the most powerful

1.4         It is not acceptable ever to use violence as a means of trying to promote a cause or implement new laws

1.5         The democratic system of Australia is founded on the belief that all individuals share the same rights and are equal in Australian law

2         Our freedoms

2.1         Freedom of speech is central to the Australian system of democracy

2.2         Australian citizens have a right to be critical of the government

2.3         Australian citizens have the right to meet up publicly or privately to discuss social issues and politics

2.4         The rights of freedom of speech and freedom of expression do not mean that Australian law can be broken

2.5         All Australians have the right of joining any legal organisation. Along with this goes the right to choose not to join any organisation and not to be forced into it

2.6         Every Australian has the right to join up with others in protesting against government decisions or organisations

2.7         Australia is a country with a Judaeo-Christian tradition, with public holidays on special days for Christianity

2.8         The government of Australia and Australian law makes no distinction between citizens on the grounds of their beliefs or religion

2.9         Australia has a secular government, meaning that it is not influenced by any religious organisation or group

2.10    If Australian law clashes with religious practices, Australian law has precedence

3         Our equalities

3.1         The system of law in Australia is designed so that nobody will experience different treatment on the grounds of their age, gender, race, or disabilities

3.2         In Australia, men and women and enjoy equal rights

3.3         In addition, the right to equal opportunities is valued in Australia, frequently referred to as a “fair go”

4         Responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship

4.1         Every Australian citizen is obliged to obey all laws of Australia

4.2         it is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18+ to cast their vote in federal and state/territory elections and in any referendums on the Australian constitution

4.3         Every Australian citizen has a responsibility to engage in the defence of the nation and its way of life if required

4.4         Any Australian citizen aged 18+ may be called for jury service in order to serve on a jury

4.5         Australian citizenship confers the right to apply for jobs in the Australian Public Service

4.6         All Australian citizens aged 18+ (unless they hold dual citizenship) may stand for election

4.7         Every Australian citizen enjoys the right to live anywhere in Australia they choose

4.8         Every Australian citizen may apply for an Australian passport

4.9         Any Australian visiting other countries has a right to apply to the Australian embassy, high commission, or consulate in that country if they need help

4.10    Any Australian citizen whose child is born overseas has the right to apply for that child to become an Australian citizen themselves

5         Participating in Australian society

5.1         Every Australian citizen is encouraged to be an active participant in society

5.2         Every Australian citizen has a responsibility to pay tax on their income