Australian Values Flashcards
What are Australian values based on?
freedom, respect, fairness, and equality of opportunity
Value 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law
Australians recognise the importance of laws in maintaining a peaceful and orderly society. Everybody should obey the law and not break it at any time, otherwise you will face penalties.
Value 2: Parliamentary democracy
Our laws are determined by parliaments elected by the people. Australian citizens are involved in how the country is governed. The power of the government comes from the Australian people because Australian citizens vote for people to represent them in parliament
Value 3: Freedom of speech
People in Australia should be able to express their ideas freely, so long as it is within the law. People are free to meet in public or private places for social or political discussion. People are also free to say and write what they think about any topic and to discuss their ideas with others. Australians are allowed to peacefully protest against the actions of the government because it’s an essential part of democracy
Value 4: Freedom of association
People are free to joint or leave any group voluntarily as long as it is within the law. Australians can gather freely with others, including to protest against government action or an organisation. However, all protests must be within the law - peaceful and must not injure any person or damage property
Value 5: Freedom of religion
Australian has no official national religion and people in Australia are free to follow any religion they choose. The government treats all citizens equally, whatever their religion or beliefs, however religious practices must not break Australian laws. Some religious or cultural practices, such as polygamy (being married to more than one person at the same time) and forced marriage, are against the law in Australia and can result in severe legal penalties, including imprisonment. Religious intolerance is not acceptable in Australian society
Value 6: Equality of all people under the law
Australian society values the equal rights of all people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, race, or national or ethnic origin. The law is applied to Australia so that people from different backgrounds are not given preferential treatment, nor discriminated against. Men and women have equal rights in Australia. It is against the law to discriminate against a person because of their gender.
Value 7: Equality of opportunity and a ‘fair go’
Everyone, regardless of their background, is given an equal opportunity to achieve success in life, and ensuring that everyone has the same legal rights is an important aspect of fairness in Australian society. A person should get a job based on their skills and experience, not because of their gender, wealth or ethnicity.
Value 8: Mutual respect and tolerance for others
In Australia, individuals must respect the freedom and dignity of others, and their opinions and choices. It is against the law to be violent towards another person. Australians believe in peaceful disagreement and above all the right to be safe and free from violence and intimidation. In Australia, there are very strict laws concerning the age of sexual consent, which is 16 or 17 depending on which state or territory you reside in. People should be tolerant of each other where they find that they disagree. Racism has no place in Australia.
Making a contribution - what does it mean?
Australians expect everyone living in Australia to participate in our society and make a contribution to our community. Everyone has a responsibility to try and support themselves and their families when they are able to do so.
Compassion for those in need
Australians value ‘mateship’. We help each other in times of need. In this spirit of mateship, Australia has a strong tradition of community service and volunteering - to look out for each other and strengthen the community.
English as the national language
People living in Australia should make an effort to learn English as an important unifying element of society. It helps people to get an education, a job, and better integrate into the community. It is essential for economic participation and social cohesion.
Helping to keep our society safe
we each have responsibilities to help protect Australian society e.g. report if you suspect someone is planning a serious crime etc. Online abuse is not accepted in Australia - sometimes called cyber abuse.
Loyalty to Australia
Australian citizens pledge their loyalty to Australia and its people. Australian citizens may also hold the citizenship of another country or countries if the laws of those countries allow. But they must follow all Australian laws at all times.
