Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties: Australia citizenship test questions
Practice questions for the Australia citizenship test.
Last checked against the official sources:
20 free sample questions
Answer each one in your head, then open the answer to see why it is right.
1.Which body collects tax in Australia?
- The Australian Electoral Commission
- The Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
- Services Australia
- The Australian Federal Police
Show the answer
Answer: The Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Tax is paid out of the money you earn and is collected by the ATO. Taxes pay for services such as healthcare, education, defence and roads.
From the official guide: “is collected by the ATO” Official source, checked October 14, 2026
2.Australia has an official national religion.
- True
- False
Show the answer
Answer: False
People in Australia are free to follow any religion they choose, or none. The government is secular and has no official religion.
From the official guide: “Australia has no official national religion.” Official source, checked October 14, 2026
3.What is Australia’s system of government?
- A parliamentary democracy
- A military government
- A presidential republic
- An absolute monarchy
Show the answer
Answer: A parliamentary democracy
In a parliamentary democracy citizens vote for people to represent them in parliament. Those representatives must answer to the people at elections.
From the official guide: “Australia’s system of government is a parliamentary democracy.” Official source, checked October 14, 2026
4.In Australia a person can be forced to join a trade union.
- True
- False
Show the answer
Answer: False
Freedom of association includes the freedom not to join. Nobody can be forced into joining an organisation.
From the official guide: “People can also decide not to join, and cannot be forced into doing so.” Official source, checked October 14, 2026
5.From what age must Australian citizens vote in federal and state or territory elections?
- 18
- 25
- 21
- 16
Show the answer
Answer: 18
Voting is a responsibility, right and privilege for citizens aged 18 or over. It is compulsory in federal and state or territory elections.
From the official guide: “all Australian citizens aged 18 years or over” Official source, checked October 14, 2026
6.A religious leader in Australia does not have to obey a law that goes against their religion.
- True
- False
Show the answer
Answer: False
Under the Rule of Law everyone must obey Australia’s laws. That includes government, community and religious leaders, business people and the police.
From the official guide: “no person, group or religious rule is above the law” Official source, checked October 14, 2026
7.The government in Australia is secular. What does that mean?
- It funds one official church
- It operates separately from churches and other religious entities
- It is led by church leaders
- It bans religion
Show the answer
Answer: It operates separately from churches and other religious entities
Australia has no official national religion. The government and the law treat all citizens equally, whatever their religion or beliefs.
From the official guide: “it operates separately from churches or other religious entities” Official source, checked October 14, 2026
8.Service in the Australian Defence Force is compulsory for all citizens.
- True
- False
Show the answer
Answer: False
Serving in the Defence Force is voluntary. Citizens do have a responsibility to defend Australia should the need arise.
From the official guide: “service in the Australian Defence Force is voluntary” Official source, checked October 14, 2026
9.Which of these is NOT a privilege of Australian citizenship listed in the booklet?
- Serving on a jury if called to do so
- Asking for consular assistance overseas
- Seeking election to parliament
- Applying for an Australian passport
Show the answer
Answer: Serving on a jury if called to do so
Privileges are what Australia gives a citizen, such as a passport and consular help. Jury service is a responsibility, something a citizen must do.
From the official guide: “As an Australian citizen you can:” Official source, checked October 14, 2026
10.A religious practice conflicts with an Australian law. Which one prevails?
- The religious practice
- Whichever is older
- Whatever community leaders decide
- Australian law
Show the answer
Answer: Australian law
People are free to follow any religion, but the laws of Australia must be obeyed at all times. Where the two conflict, Australian law prevails.
From the official guide: “Australian law prevails” Official source, checked October 14, 2026
11.Which of these is NOT a responsibility of Australian citizens listed in the booklet?
- Serving on a jury if called
- Voting in elections and referendums
- Obeying the laws of Australia
- Applying for an Australian passport
Show the answer
Answer: Applying for an Australian passport
Citizens must obey the law, vote, defend Australia if needed and serve on a jury if called. Applying for a passport is a privilege, something a citizen can do.
From the official guide: “As an Australian citizen you must:” Official source, checked October 14, 2026
12.What is freedom of association?
- The right to pay less tax
- The right to own property
- The right to form and join associations to pursue common goals
- The right to travel overseas
Show the answer
Answer: The right to form and join associations to pursue common goals
People are free to join any legal organisation, such as a political party, trade union or religious group. They can also decide not to join.
From the official guide: “Freedom of association is the right to form and join associations to pursue common goals.” Official source, checked October 14, 2026
13.Where does the power of the Australian government come from?
- From the Australian Defence Force
- From the courts
- From the Australian people, who vote for their representatives
- From the King alone
Show the answer
Answer: From the Australian people, who vote for their representatives
Citizens vote for people to represent them in parliament. That is why the government’s power is said to come from the people.
From the official guide: “the power of the government comes from the Australian people” Official source, checked October 14, 2026
14.What does a jury do?
- Arrests people suspected of crimes
- Writes the laws
- Listens to the evidence in a court case and decides if a person is guilty or not guilty
- Decides the penalty for a crime
Show the answer
Answer: Listens to the evidence in a court case and decides if a person is guilty or not guilty
A jury is a group of ordinary Australian men and women. Citizens on the electoral roll can be called to serve on one.
From the official guide: “decide if a person is guilty or not guilty” Official source, checked October 14, 2026
15.How do Australians believe change should happen?
- By order of the police
- Through force when a cause is just
- By decision of religious leaders
- Through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process
Show the answer
Answer: Through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process
Australians are proud to live in a peaceful country with a stable government. Violence is rejected as a way to change a person’s mind or the law.
From the official guide: “change should occur through discussion, peaceful persuasion, and the democratic process” Official source, checked October 14, 2026
16.An Australian citizen is caught up in civil unrest while overseas. What can they ask for?
- A trial by an Australian jury
- Help from an Australian government official
- Nothing: Australia cannot help abroad
- A refund of their taxes
Show the answer
Answer: Help from an Australian government official
Australia has embassies, high commissions or consulates in many countries. Citizens overseas can ask an Australian official for help in times of need.
From the official guide: “you can ask for help from an Australian government official in times of need” Official source, checked October 14, 2026
17.What do Australians mean by a “fair go”?
- Everyone should be paid the same
- What someone achieves should come from their talents, work and effort, not their wealth or background
- Sport should always be played fairly
- The government should give everyone a job
Show the answer
Answer: What someone achieves should come from their talents, work and effort, not their wealth or background
A fair go is another name for equality of opportunity. It means there are no formal class distinctions in Australian society.
From the official guide: “rather than their wealth or background” Official source, checked October 14, 2026
18.What is a referendum?
- An election for the Prime Minister
- An opinion poll run by a newspaper
- A vote in a local council
- A vote to change the Australian Constitution
Show the answer
Answer: A vote to change the Australian Constitution
The Constitution can only be changed by the people voting in a referendum. Citizens aged 18 or over must vote in one.
From the official guide: “a referendum, which is a vote to change the Australian Constitution” Official source, checked October 14, 2026
19.Who can seek election to parliament in Australia?
- Any citizen aged 21 or over
- Anyone born in Australia
- Citizens aged 18 or over who are not dual citizens
- Any permanent resident
Show the answer
Answer: Citizens aged 18 or over who are not dual citizens
Standing for parliament is a privilege of citizenship. A candidate must be 18 or over and must not hold another citizenship as well.
From the official guide: “who are not dual citizens, can seek election to parliament” Official source, checked October 14, 2026
20.What can Australian citizens do for a child of theirs who is born overseas?
- Nothing until the child turns 18
- Register the child as a permanent resident only
- Apply for the child to become an Australian citizen by descent
- Apply only if the child returns to Australia to live
Show the answer
Answer: Apply for the child to become an Australian citizen by descent
This is one of the privileges of citizenship. Australian citizens can apply for their child born overseas to become a citizen by descent.
From the official guide: “become an Australian citizen by descent” Official source, checked October 14, 2026
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Study for the Australia testThe test
Australian citizenship test
20 questions, 15 to pass, 45 minutes
Common questions
- How can I practice Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties questions for the Australia citizenship test?
- Swornly has 21 checked practice questions on Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties. The sample on this page is free, with the answers explained; the rest are in the app.
- How many questions are on the Australia citizenship test?
- The Australian citizenship test has 20 questions.
- What score do you need to pass the Australia citizenship test?
- To pass the Australian citizenship test you need 15 correct answers out of 20 (75%).
- How long does the Australia citizenship test take?
- You have 45 minutes for the Australian citizenship test.
- What language is the Australia citizenship test in?
- The test is taken in English.
- Where do these practice questions come from?
- Each question is written from the official study material, checked against it by a reviewer, and linked to its source. They are for practice: the questions you are asked on the day may be worded differently.
- Is Swornly an official government website?
- No. Swornly is an independent study app and is not affiliated with any government. To book the test or check the rules that apply to you, use the official website. Official source
To book the test or check the rules that apply to you, use the official website linked above. Swornly is an independent study app and is not affiliated with any government.