Our Community
Australian citizenship isn't just about rights — it's about contributing to and caring for the community. This final section covers the community values that make Australia a cohesive, safe and welcoming place for everyone.
Making a Contribution
Citizenship gives you the opportunity to fully participate in Australia's life and community. Australians expect everyone living in Australia to participate in our society and make a contribution to our community. Everyone has a responsibility to try and support themselves and their families when they are able to do so.
Mateship & Volunteering
Australians value 'mateship' — we help each other in times of need. This might mean taking a meal to an elderly neighbour, driving a friend to a medical appointment, or visiting someone who is sick or lonely.
In this spirit of mateship, Australia has a strong tradition of community service and volunteering — to look out for each other and strengthen the community. Volunteering is a great opportunity to share knowledge, learn new skills, and increase your sense of belonging to the Australian community.
English as the National Language
Australian society values the English language as the national language of Australia and an important unifying element of society. People living in Australia should make an effort to learn English.
It is important to learn to speak English because it helps you get an education, a job, and better integrate into the community. It is essential for economic participation and social cohesion. Applicants for Australian citizenship must undertake to make reasonable efforts to learn the English language, if it is not their native language.
Helping Keep Our Society Safe
In Australia, we each have responsibilities to help protect Australian society. If people suspect their friend or neighbour may be planning to commit a serious crime, they should report this to Australian government authorities as soon as possible.
If a person sees or has knowledge of a child being abused, they should report this to the police to investigate. Online abuse (cyber abuse) is also not accepted — including sharing sexual photos or videos without consent, online stalking, or racially abusive comments. Many forms of cyber abuse are illegal.
Loyalty to Australia
In the citizenship pledge, Australian citizens pledge their loyalty to Australia and its people. Australian citizens may also hold the citizenship of another country — known as dual (or multiple) citizenship — if the laws of those countries allow.
Key Points to Remember
- Mateship means helping each other in times of need — volunteering is a great expression of this
- English is Australia's national language — citizenship applicants must make reasonable efforts to learn it
- Report suspected serious crimes or child abuse to government authorities as soon as possible
- Cyber abuse (online stalking, sharing intimate images without consent, racist abuse online) is illegal
- Dual citizenship is allowed — but Australian law must always be followed, even overseas in some cases
- It is illegal for Australians to have sexual activity with a child under 16 years old, even overseas
- Never undermine Australia's interests or security (e.g., sharing government secrets)