Australian Citizenship Test Study Guide - Our Common Bond

The test is 20 multiple-choice questions taken on a computer at a Home Affairs office. There is no time pressure for most takers - typical sittings finish in 15-25 minutes.[1][2]

The values questions test your commitment to the Australian values listed in the Australian Values Statement. The test cannot pretend to read your mind, so questions ask whether a given action is consistent with those values.

• Respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual.
• Freedom of religion (including the freedom not to follow a religion) and a secular government.
• Commitment to the rule of law - no one is above the law.
• Parliamentary democracy - laws are made by Parliament, and elections are free and fair.
• Equality of men and women - opportunity, treatment, and protection under the law.
• Equality of opportunity for all, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background.
• English as the national language and a unifying element of Australian society.
• The rejection of all forms of violence - including against women, children, or to settle disputes.

1. Indigenous heritage - Australia's First People (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander), with cultures dating back at least 65,000 years.
2. European arrival - Captain James Cook claimed the eastern coast for Britain in 1770. The First Fleet arrived in 1788.
3. Colonies and federation - six self-governing British colonies federated on 1 January 1901 as the Commonwealth of Australia.
4. World wars - Gallipoli (1915), known as the day Anzac was forged; commemorated on 25 April (Anzac Day). World War II saw Japanese bombings on Darwin (1942).
5. Modern era - 1967 referendum recognised Aboriginal Australians in the census; the 2008 Apology to the Stolen Generations was delivered by PM Kevin Rudd.

• Australia is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. The British monarch is head of state, represented by the Governor-General federally and Governors in each state.
• Federal Parliament has three parts: the King/Queen (represented by the Governor-General), the Senate (76 senators, 12 from each state and 2 from each mainland territory), and the House of Representatives (currently 151 members).
• The Prime Minister is the head of government and is the leader of the party with majority support in the House of Representatives.
• Australia has six states (NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS) and two mainland territories (ACT, NT). Each state has its own Premier; the territories have Chief Ministers.
• Voting is compulsory for all Australian citizens 18 and over. Australia uses preferential voting in the House and proportional voting in the Senate.

• National flag - adopted 1901, redesigned 1953. Features the Union Jack, Commonwealth Star, and Southern Cross.
• Aboriginal flag (1971) and Torres Strait Islander flag (1992) are also recognised national flags.
• National anthem - 'Advance Australia Fair' (proclaimed 1984). The line was updated in 2021 to 'For we are one and free' to reflect Aboriginal heritage.
• Coat of Arms - features kangaroo and emu (animals that cannot easily walk backward, symbolising progress).
• Australia Day (26 January) commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet. Anzac Day (25 April) commemorates Australians who served and died in war.

• Rights: vote in elections, apply for an Australian passport, seek consular help overseas, work in the Australian Public Service or defence force, run for parliament.
• Responsibilities: obey the law, vote in elections, defend Australia (if needed), serve on jury duty if called, register to vote within 8 weeks of becoming a citizen.
• The Pledge of Commitment is taken at the citizenship ceremony - it is not optional. It commits you to Australia's democratic beliefs, rights and liberties, and laws.

1. Days 1-2: Read Our Common Bond, Part 1 (Australia and its people). Underline every fact in bold.
2. Day 3: Drill the values section in tutorial mode until perfect.
3. Days 4-5: Our Common Bond Part 2 (Australia's democratic beliefs, rights, and liberties).
4. Day 6: Government and elections - three levels, three branches, voting system.
5. Day 7: Take a full-length practice test to identify weak chapters.
6. Day 8: Geography - states, territories, capitals, regions.
7. Day 9: Symbols, anthems, public holidays, and traditions.
8. Day 10: Australia's role in the world (Commonwealth, UN, ANZUS).
9. Day 11: Re-take the values section. Confirm 100% before moving on.
10. Day 12: Second full-length practice test.
11. Day 13: Review every wrong answer; re-read the source paragraph in Our Common Bond.
12. Day 14: Light review only. Bring your appointment letter and ID to the Home Affairs office.