Australia's Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties / Values Flashcards
What is Australia’s 4 democratic beliefs?
- Parliamentary Democracy
- The Rule of Law
All Australias are equal under the law. No person, group or religion is above the law.
- Living peacefully
We reject violence as a way to change a person’s mind and law
- Respect for all individuals regardless of background
Every person has equal rights, regardless of race, origin, gender, sex, age, etc
What is Australia’s freedoms?
Freedom of Speech and expression
- People can say and write what they think
- Protest peacefully
- Must respect the law
Freedom of association
- Free to join organizations, policial parties, religious or cultural groups
- Can also decide not to join
Freedom of religion
- Australia has Judaeo-Christian Heritage
- Government is secular
- No official religion
- Australian law prevails over religious beliefs
What are Australian’s Equalities?
- Gender equality
- Equality of opportunity
Means no “classes”, every one should be given the same chance
What are Australian’s responsibilities?
- Obey the law
- vote in federal and state and referendum elections
- defend Australia should the need arise
- Serve on a jury if called to do so
What are Australia’s privileges?
- Vote
- Give citizenship by descent (children born outside of australia)
- Apply for jobs in the public sector or in the Defence Force
- seek election
- Apply for a passport and re-enter Australia freely
- ask of consular assistance
Who needs to vote in australia?
Compulsory for All citizens 18 and above.
It may not be compulsory in some states.
Is army service Compulsory in Australia?
No, it’s voluntary.
Who can seek election to parliament?
Citizens who are NOT dual citizens
Explain “The Rule of Law value”
- everyone must equally obey the law
Explain the “Parliamentary Democracy” value
- Voting is compulsory
- The laws are determined by parliaments elected by the people
Explain the “Freedom of Speech” value
- People are free to express their opinions so long as they don’t break the law
- People are free to meet in public or private to discuss political ideas
- Peaceful protests
Explain the “Freedom of association” value
- People are free to join or leave any party or group.
Explain the “freedom of religion” value
- Australia has no official religion
- Free to follow any religion
- Relegious laws have no legal status
- People should be provided equal opportunity regardless of religion
Explain the “Equality of all people under the law” value
- Equal rights regardless of gender, sexuality, age, disability, religion, race, country of origin.
- ## Same sex marriage
