Key facts
- Values questions often describe a situation and ask what is right or lawful in Australia.
- Australian law applies to everyone, including where it differs from religious or cultural practice.
- Freedoms of speech, association and religion all operate within the law.
- When in doubt, pick the answer that shows equality, respect, peaceful behaviour and following the law.
Many Australian values questions describe an everyday situation and ask what is acceptable or lawful in Australia. The right answer almost always reflects the principles in Part 4 of Our Common Bond: everyone follows Australian law, people are treated equally, disagreements are peaceful, and freedoms are exercised within the law. Here are 12 worked examples in that style.
These are our own examples, not real test questions. For the full explanation of each value, see the Australian values hub.
Rule of Law
1. A neighbour says it’s fine to break a road rule late at night because no one is around. Are they right?
No. Our Common Bond says you should follow the law even if no one is watching.
2. A community leader says their group’s religious rules override Australian law. Is that correct?
No. Religious laws have no legal status in Australia. Australian law must be followed by everyone, including where it differs from religious law.
Freedom of speech
3. Someone disagrees with a government decision. Can they criticise it publicly and join a peaceful protest?
Yes. Freedom of speech includes criticising the government and protesting peacefully, as long as the law is obeyed.
4. Someone is insulted online. Can they post a message encouraging violence against the person’s community?
No. It is never acceptable to promote violence against a person or group. It is against Australian values and the law.
Freedom of association
5. A colleague is pressured to join a trade union to keep their job. Can they be forced to join?
No. People are free to join or leave any legal organisation and cannot be compelled to join.
Freedom of religion
6. A friend decides to follow no religion at all. Is that allowed?
Yes. Australia has no official national religion. People are free to follow any religion, or none.
7. A family arranges for their daughter to marry someone she does not want to marry. Is that lawful?
No. Forced marriage is against the law in Australia and can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.
Equality
8. Two candidates apply for a job. The woman has better qualifications. Can she get the job ahead of the man?
Yes. Jobs should go to the person with the best skills and experience, regardless of gender.
9. A husband wants a divorce but his wife does not. Can he still apply?
Yes. Either a husband or a wife may apply to the courts for a divorce, even if the other spouse wants to continue the marriage.
Mutual respect and tolerance
10. Two neighbours strongly disagree about politics. What should they do?
Disagree peacefully and respect each other’s views. People should be tolerant of each other where they disagree.
11. Someone makes racially abusive comments at a sporting event. Is that acceptable?
No. Racism has no place in Australia, including racially abusive comments in a public place or at a sporting event.
Our community
12. You suspect someone you know is planning a serious crime. What should you do?
Report it to Australian government authorities as soon as possible. This helps keep the community safe.
How to answer a values scenario
- Ask: is it lawful? If the action breaks Australian law, it’s wrong, whatever the reason.
- Ask: does it treat people equally?
- Ask: is it peaceful? Violence, including verbal abuse, is never the answer.
- Ask: does it respect other people’s freedoms?
All five values questions must be right to pass. Practise until you get them all right every time: values practice.