Australia's Democracy: Citizenship

This publication explains how Australia’s electoral system works. It will help you understand Australia’s system of government, and the important role you play in it.

Forget what politicians say. What truly matters is what they do. And what they do is vote, to write our laws which affect us all.
Search your representative using your postcode and learn what they stand for on various issues.

Search for and learn about your federal electoral division.

Learn how the full preferential voting system works, work through a sample count and distribution and use the voting tool to work out your own election.

​​​​​​​​​​​​Australian values based on freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity are central to our community remaining a secure, prosperous and peaceful place to live. Our values define and shape our country and they are a reason why so many people want to become Australian citizens. Our democratic institutions and shared Australian values have created our peaceful and stable society.

At the time of Federation, Australians were ‘British subjects’. This meant people who were subject to, or ruled by, the British King or Queen. This is not the case now. Since 1949 all Australians have been ‘Australian citizens’.

"All Australian citizens should understand what it means to be a citizen. It is a critical part of building our nation. Most [immigrants wanting to become Australian citizens] make the Australian citizenship pledge at a citizenship ceremony. You might hear people call it the 'pledge of commitment'."

The test that people not born in Australia have to pass to become an Australian citizen is a test of basic English knowledge, an understanding of Australia and an understanding of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. See if you can pass this sample citizenship test. You need a score of 15 out of 20 to pass the test.

Is it loving Vegemite, playing cricket or maybe wrestling crocodiles? Find out about Australian citizenship and the ways someone can become a citizen of a country. What rights does citizenship afford you in Australia?

Explore ways you can get involved in the work of Parliament with this in-depth video. Find out how you can get informed about the work of the Parliament, contact and vote for members of parliament, petition the Parliament and participate in parliamentary inquiries.