Parliamentary Democracy as a Value
Australia's system of government is a parliamentary democracy. But parliamentary democracy isn't just a system — it's a core Australian value. It means that power comes from the people, government must answer to the people, and every citizen's vote matters.
Power Comes from the People
In Australia's parliamentary democracy, the power of the government comes from the Australian people. Citizens vote for people to represent them in parliament, and those representatives must answer to the people — through elections — for the decisions they make.
Responsibilities & Privileges of Citizenship
Becoming an Australian citizen brings both responsibilities (what you give to Australia) and privileges (what Australia gives to you). It is important to know both lists.
Responsibilities — What You Give
- Obey the laws of Australia
- Vote in federal and state/territory elections, and in referendums
- Defend Australia should the need arise
- Serve on a jury if called to do so
Privileges — What You Receive
- Vote in federal and state/territory elections, and in referendums
- Apply for children born overseas to become Australian citizens by descent
- Apply for a job in the Australian Public Service or Australian Defence Force
- Seek election to parliament
- Apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely
- Ask for consular assistance from an Australian official while overseas
Defending Australia
While service in the Australian Defence Force is voluntary, a responsibility for Australian citizens is to defend Australia should the need arise. It is vital that all Australian citizens be committed to joining together to defend the nation and its way of life if necessary.
Serving on a Jury
Australian citizens may be called to serve on a jury — a group of citizens who listen to evidence in a court and decide on the outcome of a trial. Jury service is a fundamental part of Australia's legal system, and being called to serve is a responsibility of citizenship.
Key Points to Remember
- In parliamentary democracy, power comes from the people via voting
- Representatives must answer to the people through elections
- Voting is compulsory — it shows the importance of participation
- 4 responsibilities: obey laws, vote, defend Australia, serve on jury
- 6 privileges: vote, children's citizenship, APS/ADF jobs, seek election, passport, consular assistance
- Voting is both a responsibility AND a privilege
- Defence Force service is voluntary, but defending Australia is a responsibility