Australia's Democratic Values

Question 1

What are some of
Australia’s
democratic values?

Answer 1

*Respect
* Equality
* Fairness
* Freedom

Question 2

Why are Australia’s
democratic values
important?

Answer 2

Australian values are essential to maintaining a cohesive and
peaceful society.

Question 3

Why is respect an important value
in modern Australian society?

Answer 3

Respect is the essence of a civil society and the cornerstone of human rights

Question 4

Equality ensures that people are
not discriminated against based on
what factors?

Answer 4

• Race
• Colour
• Gender
• Language
• Religion
• Political or other opinion
• National or social origin
• Property
• Birth

Question 5

When would it be okay
for public authorities to
not treat people ‘equally’?

Answer 5

• However, sometimes it may be necessary to treat people differently to
  achieve equality.
• This is because differences between people may make it difficult for
  them to enjoy their rights without support.
• This may not amount to prohibited discrimination if the criteria for the
  differentiation are reasonable and objective.

Question 6

Explain the concept of a
‘fair go’ to your partner

Answer 6

This is where everyone, regardless of their background, is given an
equal opportunity to achieve success in life.
* Ensuring that everyone has the same legal rights is an important aspect
of fairness in Australian society.

Question 7

What are the 5 democratic freedoms?

Answer 7

• The freedom of assembly – gather in large groups.
• The freedom of movement – travel within a country and between countries.
• The freedom of association – join clubs, association or political parties
• The freedom of religion – worship the deity of choosing, or non at all.
• The freedom of expression – say, write or ‘express’ your thoughts and
  feelings.

Question 8

Which of the 5 freedoms is directly
protected by the constitution?

Answer 8

• Freedom of religion (Section 116)
• Protection against acquisition of property on unjust terms
  (Section 51)
• Freedom from discrimination on the basis of state of residency (Section 117)
• The right to vote (Section 41)
• The right to a trial by jury (Section 80)

Question 9

How are the other
freedoms protected in
Australia?

Answer 9

Other protections for freedoms may be found in legislation passed by the
Commonwealth Parliament or State or Territory Parliaments.