Australian Citizenship Test: questions and answers
All 117 practice questions with answers and explanations, grouped by official topic. Select a question to see the answer.
Australia and its people 42 questions
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, states and territories, symbols and national days.
Practise only: Australia and its people →
What is the capital city of Australia?
Canberra
Canberra is in the Australian Capital Territory and is home to Parliament House.
What are the colours of the Australian Aboriginal flag?
Black, red and yellow
Black represents the people, red the earth and yellow the sun.
On which date is Australia Day celebrated?
26 January
It marks the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788.
What is commemorated on Anzac Day, 25 April?
Australians who served and died in wars and conflicts
Anzac Day is named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps that landed at Gallipoli in 1915.
How many states does Australia have?
6
The states are New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.
How many mainland territories does Australia have?
2
They are the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
What is the capital of New South Wales?
Sydney
Sydney is Australia's largest city.
What is the capital of Victoria?
Melbourne
Melbourne was the seat of the federal Parliament until 1927.
What is the capital of Queensland?
Brisbane
Brisbane is on the Brisbane River in south-east Queensland.
What is the capital of the Northern Territory?
Darwin
Darwin is on the Timor Sea in the far north.
What is Australia’s national floral emblem?
Golden wattle
The golden wattle's green and gold are Australia's national colours.
What is Australia’s national anthem?
Advance Australia Fair
Advance Australia Fair became the national anthem in 1984.
Who are recognised as Australia’s first inhabitants?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are Australia's first inhabitants and have the oldest continuous cultures and traditions in the world.
Where do Torres Strait Islander people originally come from?
Islands between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea
Torres Strait Islander people are from the islands between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea.
According to archaeological evidence, roughly how long ago did Aboriginal people arrive in Australia?
65,000 to 40,000 years ago
Archaeological evidence suggests that Aboriginal people arrived on the Australian continent between 65,000 and 40,000 years ago.
How many ships made up the First Fleet that arrived in 1788?
11
The First Fleet was a group of 11 ships that set out from Great Britain under Captain Arthur Phillip and arrived in 1788.
Who was the first Governor of New South Wales?
Captain Arthur Phillip
Captain Arthur Phillip led the First Fleet and became the first Governor of the colony of New South Wales.
Why did Great Britain begin sending convicts to New South Wales?
British jails could not hold the large number of prisoners
Britain's jails were overcrowded and could not hold the large number of people imprisoned for their crimes, so convicts were transported to the new colony of New South Wales.
In which year did the Australian gold rush begin?
1851
Gold was discovered in New South Wales and Victoria in 1851, attracting people from all over the world and more than doubling Australia's population within 10 years.
Who were the first large group of non-European migrants to arrive in Australia?
Chinese migrants
During the gold rush, Chinese migrants became the first large group of non-European people to migrate to Australia.
What was Australia’s approximate population in 1901?
About four million
At Federation in 1901, Australia's population was about four million. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were not counted until after the 1967 Referendum.
In which year did a referendum approve counting Aboriginal peoples in the Census?
1967
In the 1967 Referendum more than 90 per cent of voters said Yes to counting Aboriginal peoples in the national Census.
People from roughly how many countries have made Australia their home?
More than 200
Australia is a multicultural society. People from more than 200 countries have made Australia their home.
What is the capital of Western Australia?
Perth
Perth is the capital city of Western Australia, the largest Australian state by area.
What is the capital of South Australia?
Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital of South Australia and is known for its fine colonial architecture.
What is the capital of Tasmania?
Hobart
Hobart is the capital of Tasmania, Australia's island state.
Which is the largest Australian state by area?
Western Australia
Western Australia is Australia's largest state. Its east is mostly desert, while the south-west is an agricultural and wine-growing region.
Which Australian state is the smallest and is also an island?
Tasmania
Tasmania is the smallest state and Australia's island state. It is separated from the mainland by Bass Strait.
Which is the smallest of Australia’s mainland states?
Victoria
Victoria is the smallest of the mainland states. Its icons include the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 12 Apostles and the Royal Exhibition Building.
Along the coast of which state does the Great Barrier Reef run?
Queensland
The Great Barrier Reef runs along the eastern coast of Queensland.
In which territory are Uluru and Kata Tjuta located?
Northern Territory
Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon are icons of the Northern Territory, which has a tropical north and dry red desert in the south.
Between which two cities is the Australian Capital Territory located?
Sydney and Melbourne
The Australian Capital Territory is located between Sydney and Melbourne and is home to Canberra, Parliament House and the High Court of Australia.
Who performs a Welcome to Country?
An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian of the local region
A Welcome to Country is a cultural practice performed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian of the local region, usually at the start of an event.
Who can deliver an Acknowledgement of Country?
Anyone
Anyone can deliver an Acknowledgement of Country. It recognises Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander land and pays respect to Traditional Custodians, particularly Elders past and present.
What does the word ‘Anzac’ stand for?
Australian and New Zealand Army Corps
Anzac stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, which landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 during World War I.
What does the Union Jack on the Australian National Flag represent?
Australia's history of British settlement
The Union Jack in the top left corner represents Australia's history of British settlement and the laws and institutions inherited from it.
How many points does the Commonwealth Star on the Australian National Flag have?
Seven
The Commonwealth Star has seven points: one for each of the six states and one for the territories.
What are the colours of the Torres Strait Islander Flag?
Green, blue, black and white
The Torres Strait Islander Flag is green, blue, black and white. The green stripes represent the land and the blue panel represents the sea.
What does the yellow circle on the Australian Aboriginal Flag represent?
The sun
On the Australian Aboriginal Flag, the yellow circle represents the sun, the black top half represents Aboriginal peoples and the red bottom half represents the earth.
Which two animals support the shield on the Commonwealth Coat of Arms?
A kangaroo and an emu
The Commonwealth Coat of Arms shows a shield representing the six states and federation, supported by a kangaroo and an emu, both native Australian animals.
What are Australia’s national colours?
Green and gold
Australia's national colours are green and gold, the colours of the golden wattle. National sports teams usually wear green and gold.
What is Australia’s national gemstone?
The opal
The opal is Australia's national gemstone. According to Aboriginal legend, a rainbow touched the earth and created the colours of the opal.
Australia's democratic beliefs, rights and liberties 22 questions
Freedoms, equality and the responsibilities of citizens.
Practise only: Australia's democratic beliefs, rights and liberties →
Is voting compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 and over in federal elections?
Yes
Enrolling and voting are compulsory for adult citizens in federal and state elections and referendums.
What does equality before the law mean?
The law applies equally to everyone
Everyone is treated equally by the law, whatever their background, wealth or position.
In Australia’s parliamentary democracy, where does the power of government come from?
The Australian people, who vote for their representatives
Australia is a parliamentary democracy. Government power comes from the people, who vote for representatives who must answer to voters through elections.
Under the rule of law in Australia, who is above the law?
No one
The rule of law means all Australians are equal under the law. No person, group or religious rule is above the law, including leaders, business people and police.
How do Australians believe change should be achieved in society?
Through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process
Australians believe change should come through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process, and reject violence as a way to change people's minds or the law.
Are people in Australia free to criticise the government?
Yes, as long as they obey Australian law
Freedom of speech means people can say, write and discuss their views, criticise the government, protest peacefully and campaign to change laws, provided they obey the law.
Can a person in Australia be forced to join an organisation such as a trade union or political party?
No, people may choose not to join
Freedom of association means people may join any legal organisation, such as a political party, trade union or religious group, and may also choose not to join; they cannot be forced to.
What kind of government does Australia have in relation to religion?
A secular government that operates separately from religious entities
Australia's government is secular, operating separately from churches and other religious entities. Australia has no official national religion.
Does Australia have an official national religion?
No
Australia has no official national religion. People are free to follow any religion or none, and the government treats everyone equally regardless of religion.
What does a ‘fair go’ mean in Australia?
Success should come from talent, work and effort, not wealth or background
Australians value equality of opportunity and a 'fair go': what someone achieves should result from their talents, work and effort rather than wealth or background. There are no formal class distinctions.
Which of the following is a responsibility of Australian citizens?
Serve on a jury if called to do so
Responsibilities of citizenship include obeying the law, voting in elections and referendums, defending Australia should the need arise, and serving on a jury if called to do so.
Is service in the Australian Defence Force compulsory for citizens?
No, military service is voluntary
Citizens have a responsibility to defend Australia should the need arise, but service in the Australian Defence Force is voluntary.
From what age must Australian citizens enrol to vote?
18
Australian citizens aged 18 years or over must enrol to vote in federal, state and territory elections and in referendums.
Which of these is a privilege of Australian citizenship?
Applying for jobs in the Australian Public Service or Australian Defence Force
Privileges of citizenship include applying for work in the Australian Public Service or the Australian Defence Force, seeking election to parliament and applying for an Australian passport.
Who may seek election to the Australian Parliament?
Australian citizens aged 18 or over who are not dual citizens
Australian citizens can seek election to parliament if they are aged 18 or over and are not a dual citizen.
Do Australian citizens need a visa to re-enter Australia?
No, citizens with an Australian passport can re-enter freely
Australian citizens can apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely without needing a visa.
Must Australian citizens obey the laws of other countries when travelling overseas?
Yes, they must obey the laws of the country they are in
Citizens can seek consular assistance from Australian officials overseas, but they must still obey the laws of the country they are in.
What can Australian citizens apply for on behalf of children born overseas?
Australian citizenship by descent
A privilege of citizenship is the ability to apply for children born overseas to become Australian citizens by descent.
What conditions apply to protests in Australia?
They must be peaceful and must not injure people or damage property
People may protest against the government, but protests must be peaceful and must not injure any person or damage property.
Who may be called to serve on a jury in Australia?
Citizens aged 18 or over who are on the electoral roll
Jury service is a responsibility of Australian citizens aged 18 or over who are on the electoral roll.
Is voting compulsory in all local government elections in Australia?
No, it may not be compulsory in some states
Voting is compulsory in federal, state and territory elections and referendums, but it may not be compulsory in local government elections in some states.
Under Australian law, is discrimination on the basis of gender lawful?
No, it is unlawful
Men and women have equal rights in Australia and it is unlawful to discriminate against a person because of their gender.
Government and the law in Australia 28 questions
Federation, Parliament, the Constitution and the courts.
Practise only: Government and the law in Australia →
Who is Australia’s head of state?
The King, represented by the Governor-General
Australia is a constitutional monarchy.
In which year did the Australian colonies federate?
1901
The Commonwealth of Australia was created on 1 January 1901.
What are the two houses of the federal Parliament?
The House of Representatives and the Senate
Members of both houses are elected by the people.
Which agency is responsible for conducting federal elections and referendums?
The Australian Electoral Commission
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is a Commonwealth agency that runs federal elections and referendums and maintains the Commonwealth electoral roll.
What does voting by ‘secret ballot’ mean?
No one can know how you voted unless you tell them
Voting in Australia is by secret ballot, so no one can know how you voted unless you choose to tell them.
Before Federation in 1901, what was Australia made up of?
Six separate, self-governing British colonies
Before 1901, Australia was six separate, self-governing British colonies, each with its own constitution and laws on defence, immigration, postage, trade and transport.
On what date did the Australian Constitution come into effect?
1 January 1901
The Australian Constitution came into effect on 1 January 1901, when the colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia.
How can the Australian Constitution be changed?
By a referendum in which the people vote
The Constitution can only be changed if the Australian people vote for the change in a referendum, which requires a 'double majority'.
What is the ‘double majority’ needed to change the Constitution?
A majority of voters nationally and a majority of voters in a majority of states
A referendum succeeds only with a double majority: a majority of voters in a majority of states, and a majority of voters across the nation.
What are the three arms of government set out in the Australian Constitution?
Legislative, executive and judicial
The Constitution divides power between the legislative (Parliament), executive (Prime Minister, ministers and Governor-General) and judicial (courts) arms so no one group holds all power.
Which court has the ultimate power to apply and interpret the laws of Australia?
The High Court of Australia
The Constitution established the High Court of Australia, which has the ultimate power to apply and interpret the law.
What type of system of government is Australia?
A constitutional monarchy
Australia is a constitutional monarchy: the King is Head of State but must act in accordance with the Australian Constitution.
Who represents the King in Australia at the federal level?
The Governor-General
Because the King lives outside Australia, his powers are delegated to the Governor-General, who acts independently of all political parties.
What is ‘Royal Assent’?
The Governor-General signing a Bill so that it becomes law
After both houses of Parliament pass a Bill, the Governor-General gives Royal Assent by signing it, and the Bill becomes law.
Who represents the King in each Australian state?
A Governor
Each state has a Governor who represents the King and performs a role similar to that of the Governor-General.
Which level of government is responsible for immigration and citizenship?
The Australian (federal) Government
The Australian Government is responsible for matters such as immigration and citizenship, defence, taxation, foreign affairs, social security and trade.
Which level of government is primarily responsible for hospitals and schools?
State and territory governments
State and territory governments are primarily responsible for hospitals and health services, schools, roads and railways, police and ambulance services, and public transport.
What is another name for the Senate?
The House of Review
The Senate is also called the Upper House, the House of Review or the States' House, because each state is equally represented regardless of population.
How many senators are there in the Australian Senate?
76
The Senate has 76 senators: 12 for each state and 2 each for the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
How many senators represent each Australian state?
12
Each state is equally represented in the Senate with 12 senators, regardless of its size or population.
After a federal election, who generally forms the Australian Government?
The party or coalition with the majority of members in the House of Representatives
The party or coalition with a majority in the House of Representatives forms the Government and its leader becomes the Prime Minister.
What is the title of the leader of a state government?
Premier
The leader of a state government is the Premier, while the leader of a territory government is the Chief Minister.
What is the leader of a local council usually called?
The Mayor or Shire President
Local areas are governed by councils made up of elected councillors. The leader of a council is called the Mayor or Shire President.
What is a proposed new law or change to a law called when it is introduced to Parliament?
A Bill
A member of Parliament proposes a new law or change as a Bill. Both houses debate and vote on it, and it becomes law after the Governor-General gives Royal Assent.
In a criminal trial, who decides the penalty after a jury finds the accused guilty?
The judge
A jury of ordinary citizens decides whether the accused is guilty or innocent, and the judge explains the law and decides the penalty if the person is found guilty.
Which police force investigates federal crimes such as drug trafficking and crimes against national security?
The Australian Federal Police
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigates federal crimes, including drug trafficking, crimes against national security and environmental crimes, and polices the ACT.
What does the presumption of innocence mean in the Australian legal system?
A person is considered innocent until a court finds them guilty
Under Australian law, people are considered innocent until a court finds them guilty, and every person has the right to be represented by a lawyer.
Is it a crime to offer a bribe to a police officer in Australia?
Yes, even offering a bribe is a crime
Bribing a police officer is a serious crime in Australia, and even offering a bribe is itself a crime.
Australian values 25 questions
Respect, equality, freedom and the rule of law. You must get all 5 values questions right.
Practise only: Australian values →
Is it acceptable to use violence to settle a disagreement in Australia?
No, never
Values question: disagreements are settled peacefully and through the law.
Do men and women have equal rights in Australia?
Yes
Values question: equality of men and women is a core Australian value.
Can people in Australia follow any religion, or no religion?
Yes, as long as they obey the law
Values question: Australia has freedom of religion and no official state religion.
Must people in Australia obey Australian laws even when they differ from their own customs?
Yes
Values question: everyone in Australia must obey Australian laws.
Is it acceptable for an employer to refuse a job to someone because of their religion?
No, that is discrimination
Values question: Australians believe in equal opportunity and reject discrimination.
Do religious laws have any legal status in Australia?
No, religious laws have no legal status in Australia
Religious laws have no legal status in Australia. Australian law must be followed by everyone, including where it differs from religious laws.
In Australia, is it legal to be married to more than one person at the same time?
No, polygamy is against the law
Polygamy, being married to more than one person at the same time, is against the law in Australia and can result in severe penalties including imprisonment.
Is it acceptable in Australia to force someone to marry against their will?
No, forced marriage is against the law
Forced marriage is against the law in Australia and can result in severe legal penalties, including imprisonment. Individuals make their own choices about marriage.
Under Australian law, can two people of the same sex marry each other?
Yes, including marriage between two men or two women
Under Australian law, two people can marry each other, including marriage between two men or two women.
In Australia, is it acceptable for a woman to be given a job ahead of a man?
Yes, if she has better qualifications and skills
In Australia it is a right for a woman to get a job ahead of a man if she has better qualifications and skills. Men and women have equal access to education and employment.
In Australia, who may apply to the courts for a divorce?
Either a husband or a wife
Divorce is acceptable in Australia. Either a husband or a wife may apply to the courts for a divorce, even if the other person wishes to stay married.
Is physical violence against a spouse or partner ever acceptable in Australia?
No, it is a criminal offence
Violence against a spouse or partner is never acceptable in Australia and is a criminal offence. Domestic and family violence, including controlling behaviour, is illegal.
What should people living in Australia make an effort to do regarding language?
Learn English
English is the national language and a unifying element of society. People living in Australia should make an effort to learn English, which helps with education, work and integration.
What must applicants for Australian citizenship undertake to do if English is not their first language?
Make reasonable efforts to learn the English language
Applicants for Australian citizenship must undertake to make reasonable efforts to learn the English language, which is the national language of Australia.
What does the Australian value of ‘mateship’ mean?
Helping and receiving help from others, especially in difficult times
Australians value 'mateship': helping one another in hard times, such as caring for neighbours or visiting people who are lonely. It underpins a strong tradition of volunteering.
In Australia, is it acceptable to make racially abusive comments at a sporting event?
No, racism has no place in Australia
Racism has no place in Australia. This includes racially abusive comments in a public place or at a sporting event, and racially offensive material online.
What is the age of sexual consent in Australia?
16 or 17, depending on the state or territory
There are very strict laws on the age of sexual consent, which is 16 or 17 depending on the state or territory. Sexual relations with a much younger person are illegal everywhere.
Is it acceptable for an Australian to share official government secrets on social media?
No, this would undermine Australia's interests
Loyalty to Australia means not undermining its interests or security. Using social media to share official government secrets is an example of undermining Australia's interests.
Can an Australian citizen also hold citizenship of another country?
Yes, if the other country's laws allow it
Australians may hold dual or multiple citizenship if the laws of the other country allow it. They must still obey Australian law and remain loyal to Australia.
Does freedom of speech in Australia allow a person to promote violence against a group of people?
No, promoting violence against others is unacceptable and illegal
Freedom of speech is valued, but promoting violence against a group, making false allegations or encouraging others to break the law is unacceptable and illegal.
In Australia, must people respect the opinions and choices of others even when they disagree with them?
Yes, individuals must respect the freedom and dignity of others
In Australia, individuals must respect the freedom and dignity of others, and their opinions and choices, even when they disagree. Disagreements must be settled peacefully.
What should a person in Australia do if they know a child is being abused?
Report it to the authorities or the police
Helping to keep society safe means that anyone in Australia who sees or has knowledge of a child being abused should report it to the authorities or the police.
Is cyber abuse, such as racially abusive comments made online, acceptable in Australia?
No, many forms of cyber abuse are illegal
Abusing people online is sometimes called cyber abuse. It is not accepted in Australia, and many forms of cyber abuse, including racially abusive comments online, are illegal.
When an employer in Australia chooses who to hire, what does the law support?
Selecting the person with the best skills and experience for the job
Equality of opportunity and a 'fair go' means employers are supported by law in selecting the person with the best skills and experience for the job.
Is it illegal for an Australian to engage in sexual activity with a child under 16 while overseas?
Yes, it is illegal both in Australia and overseas
Some Australian laws apply overseas. It is illegal for Australians to be involved in any sexual activity, here or overseas, with a child under 16 years of age.
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