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50 Australian citizenship test questions and answers

Here are 50 free practice questions for the Australian citizenship test, with answers and explanations. They cover all four testable parts of Our Common Bond. 13 of them are about Australian values, which you must answer perfectly on the real test.

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What is on the Australian citizenship test?

The test has 20 multiple-choice questions and you have 45 minutes. To pass you need at least 75% (15 correct) and you must get all 5 Australian values questions right. Questions come from the testable parts of Our Common Bond: Australia and its people; Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties; Government and the law in Australia; and Australian values.

Answer each question in your head, then open the answer.

Australian Values

Practise this topic
Question 1Values · must get right

Australian values are based on which of the following?

  1. Freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity
  2. Wealth, social class, family status and privilege
  3. Religion, heritage, tradition and family background
  4. Obedience, loyalty to leaders and strict tradition
Show answer

Answer: A. Freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity

The source states that Australian values are based on freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity, and that these are central to Australia remaining a secure, prosperous and peaceful place to live.

Source: Australian Values
Question 2Values · must get right

What does it mean to have a democratic society?

  1. Only religious leaders decide how the country is governed
  2. Only people with wealth have a say in how the country is governed
  3. Only the government decides how the country is governed
  4. All eligible citizens have a say in how the country is governed
Show answer

Answer: D. All eligible citizens have a say in how the country is governed

Australia is a parliamentary democracy: the power of government comes from the people, because citizens vote for people to represent them in parliament.

Source: Australian Values
Question 3Values · must get right

Is it acceptable to use violence to punish someone who has insulted your religion?

  1. Yes, but only if the violence takes place in private and not in public
  2. No, Australians must respect the law and never use violence against others
  3. Only if the insult was very serious and made in front of other people
  4. Yes, if using violence for this reason is allowed in your home country
Show answer

Answer: B. No, Australians must respect the law and never use violence against others

It is never acceptable to promote violence against another person or group, and violence of any kind is illegal. Australians believe in peaceful disagreement.

Source: Australian Values
Question 4Values · must get right

What does compulsory voting show, according to Australian values?

  1. The importance of participating in elections
  2. That only some people should vote
  3. That the government chooses representatives
  4. That elections are not important
Show answer

Answer: A. The importance of participating in elections

Voting is compulsory in Australia. This shows the importance of participating in elections.

Source: Australian Values
Question 5Values · must get right

Which of these is illegal in Australia, even under freedom of speech?

  1. Discussing politics with your friends
  2. Making false allegations about someone
  3. Writing a letter to a newspaper editor
  4. Criticising the government in public
Show answer

Answer: B. Making false allegations about someone

It is illegal to make false allegations or encourage others to break the law.

Source: Australian Values
Question 6Values · must get right

Is polygamy legal in Australia?

  1. No, it is against the law and can result in severe penalties
  2. Yes, if your religion or your culture allows you to do it
  3. Yes, but only if all of the marriages took place overseas
  4. Yes, as long as all of the partners agree to the marriage
Show answer

Answer: A. No, it is against the law and can result in severe penalties

Some religious or cultural practices, such as polygamy and forced marriage, are against the law in Australia and can result in severe legal penalties, including imprisonment.

Source: Australian Values
Question 7Values · must get right

How are men and women treated in Australian courts of law?

  1. Equally
  2. Women’s evidence counts more
  3. It depends on the judge
  4. Men’s evidence counts more
Show answer

Answer: A. Equally

Men and women have equal rights and are treated equally in courts of law.

Source: Australian Values
Question 8Values · must get right

What does the value of a ‘fair go’ say about class distinction?

  1. People should be limited by their family’s wealth
  2. People should be limited by their religion
  3. No one should be limited by any kind of class distinction
  4. People should be limited by their country of birth
Show answer

Answer: C. No one should be limited by any kind of class distinction

We believe that everyone deserves a ‘fair go’ and people should not be limited by any kind of class distinction.

Source: Australian Values
Question 9Values · must get right

What do mutual respect and tolerance mean?

  1. Agreeing with everyone’s views so that there is never any disagreement at all
  2. Listening to others and respecting their views, even when different from your own
  3. Respecting only the views of people who share your own background and culture
  4. Staying silent in public so that you never share views that differ from others
Show answer

Answer: B. Listening to others and respecting their views, even when different from your own

Mutual respect and tolerance means listening to others and respecting their views and opinions, even when they are different from your own.

Source: Australian Values
Question 10Values · must get right

In the spirit of mateship, what strong tradition does Australia have?

  1. Staying out of others’ business
  2. Community service and volunteering
  3. Competition between neighbours
  4. Paying others to help
Show answer

Answer: B. Community service and volunteering

In the spirit of mateship, Australia has a strong tradition of community service and volunteering, to look out for each other and strengthen the community.

Source: Australian Values
Question 11Values · must get right

If you see or know of a child being abused, what should you do?

  1. Report it to the police to investigate
  2. Ask the child to keep it a secret for now
  3. Wait and see whether it happens again
  4. Deal with it privately within the family
Show answer

Answer: A. Report it to the police to investigate

If a person in Australia sees or has knowledge of a child being abused, they should report this to the police to investigate.

Source: Australian Values
Question 12Values · must get right

What is Australian society based on regarding its interests and security?

  1. Shared obligations not to undermine Australia’s interests and security
  2. Making all government secrets public on social media
  3. Each person acting only in their own interests, whatever the effect
  4. Loyalty to other countries first, and to Australia second
Show answer

Answer: A. Shared obligations not to undermine Australia’s interests and security

Australian society is based on our shared obligations not to undermine Australia’s interests and security.

Source: Australian Values
Question 13Values · must get right

Why do so many people want to become Australian citizens?

  1. Australian values define and shape our country
  2. Australian citizens do not have to pay tax
  3. Australian citizens do not have to obey laws
  4. Australian citizens can choose not to vote
Show answer

Answer: A. Australian values define and shape our country

Our values define and shape our country and they are a reason why so many people want to become Australian citizens.

Source: Australian Values

Australia and its People

Practise this topic
Question 14

What is the capital city of Australia?

  1. Sydney
  2. Melbourne
  3. Brisbane
  4. Canberra
Show answer

Answer: D. Canberra

Canberra is Australia’s capital city. It is located in the Australian Capital Territory, between Sydney and Melbourne.

Source: Australia and its People
Question 15

What is the capital city of Western Australia?

  1. Darwin
  2. Hobart
  3. Adelaide
  4. Perth
Show answer

Answer: D. Perth

Perth is the capital city of Western Australia.

Source: Australia and its People
Question 16

How many points does the Commonwealth Star on the Australian flag have?

  1. Five
  2. Six
  3. Seven
  4. Eight
Show answer

Answer: C. Seven

The Commonwealth Star has seven points: six represent the states and one represents the territories.

Source: Australia and its People
Question 17

Where did Australia’s early free settlers come from?

  1. Great Britain and Ireland
  2. The United States and Canada
  3. Italy and Greece
  4. China and Japan
Show answer

Answer: A. Great Britain and Ireland

Early free settlers came from Great Britain and Ireland. This British and Irish heritage has had a major influence on Australia’s history, culture and politics.

Source: Australia and its People
Question 18

What does Australia’s diverse and prosperous society enhance?

  1. The number of states in the federation
  2. Australia’s connection to the world
  3. The number of official religions
  4. The power of the King in Australia
Show answer

Answer: B. Australia’s connection to the world

The diversity of Australia’s population has increased over two centuries, and this diverse and prosperous society enhances Australia’s connection to the world.

Source: Australia and its People
Question 19

Which description best matches Queensland’s environment?

  1. A rugged coastline, famous wine regions and fine colonial architecture
  2. Unspoilt wilderness landscapes on an island separated by Bass Strait
  3. Mostly desert in the east, with rich wine-growing land in the south-west
  4. Tropical rainforests, temperate coastal areas and an often dry inland
Show answer

Answer: D. Tropical rainforests, temperate coastal areas and an often dry inland

Queensland has tropical rainforests, temperate coastal areas and an often dry inland.

Source: Australia and its People
Question 20

Which describes the environment of the Northern Territory?

  1. Unspoilt wilderness landscapes, separated by Bass Strait
  2. Tropical in the north and dry red desert in the south
  3. A rugged coastline with many famous wine regions
  4. Desert in the east and wine-growing land in the south-west
Show answer

Answer: B. Tropical in the north and dry red desert in the south

The Northern Territory has a tropical environment in the north and dry red desert in the south.

Source: Australia and its People
Question 21

What is a key difference between a Welcome to Country and an Acknowledgement of Country?

  1. An Acknowledgement is performed only by Elders, while anyone can give a Welcome
  2. There is no difference between them
  3. A Welcome is only held on Australia Day, while an Acknowledgement is held on Anzac Day
  4. A Welcome is performed by a local custodian, while anyone can deliver an Acknowledgement
Show answer

Answer: D. A Welcome is performed by a local custodian, while anyone can deliver an Acknowledgement

A Welcome to Country is performed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian of the local region. Anyone can deliver an Acknowledgement of Country.

Source: Australia and its People
Question 22

What does the Union Jack on the Australian National Flag represent?

  1. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who were the first inhabitants
  2. Australia’s history of British settlement and the laws and institutions inherited
  3. The six states and the territories that make up the Commonwealth of Australia
  4. The group of stars that can be seen in the southern sky from Australia
Show answer

Answer: B. Australia’s history of British settlement and the laws and institutions inherited

The Union Jack represents our history of British settlement and the laws and institutions we inherited as a result.

Source: Australia and its People
Question 23

What does the Commonwealth Coat of Arms represent?

  1. Australia’s sporting teams
  2. The British Royal Family
  3. Australia’s national unity
  4. The Aboriginal peoples only
Show answer

Answer: C. Australia’s national unity

The Commonwealth Coat of Arms is the official symbol of the Commonwealth of Australia. It represents our national unity.

Source: Australia and its People

Government and the Law

Practise this topic
Question 24

What is the role of the Governor-General?

  1. To make all laws
  2. To choose Australia’s Head of State
  3. To lead the government
  4. To represent the King in Australia
Show answer

Answer: D. To represent the King in Australia

The Governor-General is appointed by the King, on the advice of the Prime Minister, as his representative in Australia. The Prime Minister, not the Governor-General, leads the government.

Source: Government and the Law in Australia
Question 25

What is the role of the Australian Electoral Commission?

  1. To make and change the laws of Australia in both Houses
  2. To investigate crimes against federal laws like drug trafficking
  3. To conduct federal elections and maintain the electoral roll
  4. To interpret and apply the Australian Constitution in court
Show answer

Answer: C. To conduct federal elections and maintain the electoral roll

The AEC is an independent Commonwealth agency responsible for conducting federal elections and referendums and maintaining the Commonwealth electoral roll.

Source: Government and the Law in Australia
Question 26

What happens if you are not correctly enrolled to vote?

  1. You are not able to vote in an election
  2. You can ask a friend to vote for you
  3. You can vote at any polling place anyway
  4. You are automatically enrolled on election day
Show answer

Answer: A. You are not able to vote in an election

If you are not correctly enrolled, you are not able to vote in an election.

Source: Government and the Law in Australia
Question 27

Which of these was a reason people wanted to unite the colonies?

  1. The colonies had no constitutions or laws of their own
  2. The separate colonies had weak systems of defence
  3. Trade and transport between colonies was cheap and fast
  4. The King ordered all the colonies to become one nation
Show answer

Answer: B. The separate colonies had weak systems of defence

The separate colonies had weak systems of defence, and enforcing the law across borders was difficult, so people wanted to unite the colonies into a single nation.

Source: Government and the Law in Australia
Question 28

Who holds legislative power in Australia?

  1. The Governor of each state
  2. The police
  3. The courts
  4. Parliament
Show answer

Answer: D. Parliament

Under the Constitution, Parliament has legislative power, the power to make and change laws.

Source: Government and the Law in Australia
Question 29

Which traditions does the Australian system of parliamentary democracy reflect?

  1. French and Spanish traditions, combined with local Aboriginal customs
  2. British and North American traditions, combined in a uniquely Australian way
  3. Ancient Roman and Greek traditions, adopted without any changes at all
  4. Chinese and Indian traditions, brought to Australia during the gold rush
Show answer

Answer: B. British and North American traditions, combined in a uniquely Australian way

The Australian system of parliamentary democracy reflects British and North American traditions combined in a way that is uniquely Australian.

Source: Government and the Law in Australia
Question 30

What are other names for the House of Representatives?

  1. The High House
  2. The Upper House or the House of Review
  3. The Lower House or the People’s House
  4. The States’ House
Show answer

Answer: C. The Lower House or the People’s House

Other names for the House of Representatives are the Lower House or the People’s House.

Source: Government and the Law in Australia
Question 31

What is a key difference between states and territories?

  1. Territories are not part of the Commonwealth of Australia
  2. States have rights recognised by the Constitution, while territories do not
  3. States do not have capital cities, while territories each have one
  4. Territories have more senators in the Senate than each of the states
Show answer

Answer: B. States have rights recognised by the Constitution, while territories do not

States have rights recognised by the Constitution while territories do not. Self-governing territory laws can be altered or revoked by the Australian Government at any time.

Source: Government and the Law in Australia
Question 32

Which level of government is responsible for rubbish collection?

  1. State governments
  2. The Australian Electoral Commission
  3. The Australian Government
  4. Local government
Show answer

Answer: D. Local government

Local governments are responsible for rubbish collection, local roads, parks and local libraries.

Source: Government and the Law in Australia
Question 33

Who becomes the Prime Minister after a federal election?

  1. The leader of the party or coalition with the majority in the House of Representatives
  2. The leader of the party or coalition with the majority of members in the Senate
  3. The leader of the party or coalition with the second most members in the House
  4. The person chosen by the King of Australia after consulting all the state premiers
Show answer

Answer: A. The leader of the party or coalition with the majority in the House of Representatives

The leader of the party or coalition with the majority of members in the House of Representatives becomes the Prime Minister.

Source: Government and the Law in Australia
Question 34

What is the role of a jury in court?

  1. To arrest the accused and bring them to court
  2. To decide the penalty for a guilty person
  3. To explain the law to the judge and lawyers
  4. To decide if a person is innocent or guilty
Show answer

Answer: D. To decide if a person is innocent or guilty

The role of a jury is to decide in court if a person is innocent or guilty. The judge explains the law to the jury.

Source: Government and the Law in Australia
Question 35

Which of these is listed as one of the most serious crimes in Australia?

  1. Fraud
  2. Parking in the wrong place
  3. Littering
  4. Forgetting to vote in a council election
Show answer

Answer: A. Fraud

Some of the most serious crimes include murder, assault, sexual assault, armed robbery or theft, dangerous driving, possession of illegal drugs, and fraud.

Source: Government and the Law in Australia

Democratic Beliefs, Rights & Liberties

Practise this topic
Question 36

What is freedom of speech in Australia?

  1. Only politicians and journalists can express their opinions
  2. You can say anything you like, even if it breaks the law
  3. You can express opinions only if the government agrees
  4. You can express your opinions freely, but within the law
Show answer

Answer: D. You can express your opinions freely, but within the law

In Australia, you have the right to express your opinions freely, but this freedom is balanced with responsibilities and must be exercised within the law.

Source: Australia’s Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties
Question 37

In a parliamentary democracy, where does the power of the government come from?

  1. The Australian people, who vote for representatives in parliament
  2. The High Court, which interprets and applies the nation’s laws
  3. The King, who is represented in Australia by the Governor-General
  4. The Prime Minister, who is the leader of the governing party
Show answer

Answer: A. The Australian people, who vote for representatives in parliament

The power of the government comes from the Australian people because Australian citizens vote for people to represent them in parliament.

Source: Australia’s Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties
Question 38

Which of these is listed as a characteristic that should not affect how Australians treat each other?

  1. A person’s criminal record for violence
  2. Marital status
  3. Whether a person obeys the law
  4. Whether a person votes
Show answer

Answer: B. Marital status

All Australians are expected to treat each other with dignity and respect regardless of race, country of origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, heritage, culture, politics, wealth or religion.

Source: Australia’s Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties
Question 39

Anh’s employer tells her she must join a particular political party to keep her job. Is this consistent with freedom of association?

  1. Yes, employers can require staff to join a party
  2. No, people cannot be forced to join an association
  3. Yes, if that party is the one currently in government
  4. Only if she works in the Australian Public Service
Show answer

Answer: B. No, people cannot be forced to join an association

Freedom of association means people are free to join any legal organisation, and can also decide not to join. No one can be forced into doing so.

Source: Australia’s Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties
Question 40

What must people do at all times, even while engaging in religious practices?

  1. Keep their religion secret
  2. Ask the government for permission
  3. Obey the laws of Australia
  4. Pray in English
Show answer

Answer: C. Obey the laws of Australia

At all times, even while engaging in religious practices, the laws of Australia must be obeyed.

Source: Australia’s Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties
Question 41

What is a parliamentary democracy?

  1. A system of government in which religious leaders choose the representatives
  2. A system of government in which judges make all laws without elections
  3. A system of government based on the regular election of representatives by the citizens
  4. A system of government in which the King makes all decisions without parliament
Show answer

Answer: C. A system of government based on the regular election of representatives by the citizens

A parliamentary democracy is a system of government based on the regular election of representatives to parliament by the citizens.

Source: Australian Values
Question 42

Mei wants to start a community group for people who enjoy gardening. Which freedom allows her to do this?

  1. Freedom of religion
  2. Freedom of association
  3. Equality under the law
  4. Parliamentary democracy
Show answer

Answer: B. Freedom of association

Freedom of association is the right to form and join associations to pursue common goals.

Source: Australia’s Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties
Question 43

Which of these statements about Australia’s parliamentary democracy is correct?

  1. Representatives must answer to the people through elections
  2. Citizens have no say in which people represent them in parliament
  3. Representatives answer only to the King and not to the people
  4. Representatives are appointed for life and never face elections
Show answer

Answer: A. Representatives must answer to the people through elections

The representatives in parliament must answer to the people, through elections, for the decisions they make.

Source: Australia’s Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties

Responsibilities and Privileges of Citizenship

Practise this topic
Question 44

Which of these is a responsibility of Australian citizenship?

  1. Obeying the laws of Australia
  2. Attending local council meetings
  3. Holding a current Australian passport
  4. Joining a political party
Show answer

Answer: A. Obeying the laws of Australia

The responsibilities of Australian citizens are to obey the laws of Australia, vote in elections and referendums, defend Australia should the need arise, and serve on a jury if called to do so.

Source: Australia’s Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties
Question 45

What is your responsibility as a citizen to help maintain Australia’s democratic system?

  1. To take part only if you are a party member
  2. To avoid voting if you do not like the candidates
  3. To leave democracy to politicians and officials
  4. To participate in democratic processes, such as voting
Show answer

Answer: D. To participate in democratic processes, such as voting

Citizens have a say in how Australia is governed by voting for representatives and raising matters with them. Active participation helps shape Australia’s future.

Source: Australia’s Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties
Question 46

By voting, what do Australian citizens contribute to?

  1. A say in how Australia is governed and its future
  2. The appointment of judges to the courts of Australia
  3. The direct choice of who is Australia’s Head of State
  4. The selection of the people who will serve on juries
Show answer

Answer: A. A say in how Australia is governed and its future

By voting, Australian citizens have a say in how Australia is governed and contribute to its future.

Source: Australia’s Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties
Question 47

Which of these is an example of working in the Australian Public Service?

  1. Owning and running your own small business in your local area
  2. Working for a private bank or for a large insurance company
  3. Working for a foreign government’s embassy based in Canberra
  4. Working for Services Australia or the Australian Taxation Office
Show answer

Answer: D. Working for Services Australia or the Australian Taxation Office

A privilege of citizenship is to apply for a job in the Australian Public Service, for example in Services Australia or the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Source: Australia’s Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties
Question 48

In which situations might Australian officials help citizens overseas?

  1. Avoiding fines or penalties for breaking the laws of that country
  2. Civil unrest, natural disasters, accidents, serious illness or death
  3. Paying for shopping, rent and other everyday living costs abroad
  4. Choosing a holiday destination and booking hotels and restaurants
Show answer

Answer: B. Civil unrest, natural disasters, accidents, serious illness or death

Australian officials can help in emergencies such as civil unrest and natural disasters, issue emergency passports, and give advice and support in the case of an accident, serious illness or death.

Source: Australia’s Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties
Question 49

Which organisation collects tax paid out of the money people earn?

  1. The Australian Electoral Commission
  2. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
  3. The High Court
  4. Services Australia
Show answer

Answer: B. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

Tax is paid out of the money you earn, whether from a job, a business or investments, and is collected by the ATO.

Source: Australia’s Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties
Question 50

What is the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)?

  1. A government agency that delivers Medicare and Centrelink payments
  2. A government agency that conducts elections and maintains the roll
  3. A government agency that manages the tax and superannuation systems
  4. A government agency that investigates crimes against federal laws
Show answer

Answer: C. A government agency that manages the tax and superannuation systems

The ATO is an Australian Government agency that manages the tax and superannuation systems that support and fund services for Australians.

Source: Australian Values

About these questions

Are these the real Australian citizenship test questions?

No. The real test questions are not published. These practice questions are written from the testable sections of Our Common Bond, which is the official resource the test is based on.

How many questions do I need to get right on the real test?

At least 15 out of 20 (75%), and all 5 Australian values questions must be correct.

What is the best way to use this list?

Read each question and choose an answer before opening it. Note the ones you miss, then take a full timed mock test to check you can do it under test conditions.

Ready for the real format?

A mock test gives you 20 new questions, a 45-minute timer and the values rule.

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