Part 2
Democratic beliefs, rights and liberties
Freedoms, equality, citizen responsibilities
Key points
- Four democratic beliefs: parliamentary democracy, Rule of Law, living peacefully, respect for all.
- Freedoms always come with obeying the law.
- Four responsibilities: obey the law, vote, defend Australia, serve on a jury.
- Voting is both a responsibility and a privilege, and is compulsory from age 18.
Our democratic beliefs
Power comes from the people, who elect representatives. Those representatives answer to voters at elections.
No person, group or religious rule is above the law, including leaders, business people and the police.
Change happens through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process. Violence is rejected.
Everyone has rights and equality under the law, whatever their race, gender, age, religion, wealth or background.
Our freedoms and equalities
Say and write what you think, criticise the government and protest peacefully, through art, film, music and literature too. Always within the law.
Join any legal group, such as a political party, trade union or religious group, or choose not to. No one can be forced.
No official religion; the government is secular. Follow any religion or none. If religion and law conflict, Australian law prevails.
Men and women have equal rights. Success should come from talent, work and effort, not wealth or background.
Responsibility or privilege?
Responsibilities are what you give Australia. Privileges are what Australia gives you. Voting is both, so it is not in this game.