I think it does a pretty good job (not perfect) of setting out how I would like Australia to be.
Have a read, have a think about where the "ideal" set out here is at odds with reality.
Our democratic beliefs
Parliamentary democracy
Australia’s system of government is a parliamentary democracy. This means that all Australians are involved in how the country is governed. The power of the government comes from the Australian people because Australian citizens regularly vote for people to represent them in parliament. Only parliament has the power to make and change the laws that govern the country.
In a parliamentary democracy, the representatives in parliament must answer to the people, through elections, for the decisions they make.
The rule of law
Australia’s laws are important for all people living in Australia. Australians recognise the value of laws in maintaining a peaceful and orderly society. All Australians have the right to be protected by Australia’s laws.
Everyone must obey Australia’s laws. If they don’t obey the law, they may be arrested by the police and have to go to court.
Respect for all individuals regardless of background
People come to settle in Australia from countries all around the world. Many people have a different cultural heritage with different beliefs and traditions. In our democratic society, we are all free to follow and share these beliefs and traditions as long as they do not break Australian laws.
Compassion for those in need
In Australia, there is a spirit of ‘mateship’. This means we help and receive help from each other in times of need. A mate is often a friend, but can also be a total stranger. A mate might take a meal to an elderly neighbour, drive a friend to a medical appointment or visit someone who is lonely.
Our freedoms
Freedom of speech and freedom of expression
Freedom of speech allows people to say and write what they think and to discuss their ideas with others.
Freedom of expression allows people to express their views through art, film, music and literature.
In Australia, we are free to say and write what we think, privately or publicly, about any topic. However,
we cannot harm others.
We cannot make false allegations, encourage others to break the law or damage another person’s reputation.
Freedom of association
Australians are free to join any legal organisation, such as a political party, trade union, religious, cultural or social group. People can also decide not to join. Australians can gather with others to protest against a government action or an organisation. However, all protests must be within the law. This means they must be peaceful, and must not injure any person or damage property.
Freedom of religion and secular government
Australia has a Judaeo-Christian heritage, and many Australians describe themselves as Christians. Australia
has public holidays on Christian days such as Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day.
However, the government in Australia is secular. This means that there is no official national religion.
People in Australia are free to follow any religion they choose, as long as its practices do not break Australian laws. In addition to Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism and many other religions are practised freely in Australia.
Australians are also free to not follow a religion. The government treats all citizens equally, whatever their religion or beliefs.
Responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship
Responsibilities – what you will give Australia
As an Australian citizen you must:
• obey the law
• vote in federal and state or territory elections,and in a referendum
• defend Australia should the need arise
• serve on a jury if called to do so.
Privileges – what Australia will give you
As an Australian citizen you have the right to:
• vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum
• apply for work in the Australian Public Service or in the Australian Defence Force
• seek election to parliament
• apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely
• receive help from an Australian official while overseas
• register children born overseas as Australian citizens by descent.
THE PLEDGE
From this time forward, under God,*
I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,
whose democratic beliefs I share,
whose rights and liberties I respect, and
whose laws I will uphold and obey.
* A person may choose whether or not to use the words ‘under God’.
Taken from Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond
all the information you need to help you pass the citizenship test.
http://www.citizenship.gov.au/learn/cit_test/test_resource/_pdf/our-common-bond-2013.pdf
For Reference: The Australian Constitution
http://www.peo.gov.au/publications/2012_Australian_Constitution.pdf
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