Australia
Practice questions and answers
234 questions on the facts of Our Common Bond, each with the right answer. Open a question to read why the answer is right.
No account needed. Full access · A$19.99 — 180 days of access for one payment — it never renews
Australia and its people 1
Who were the first people to live in Australia?Correct answer:Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Australia and its people 2
What is special about the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?Correct answer:They are the oldest continuous cultures in the world.
Australia and its people 3
Where do Aboriginal people come from?Correct answer:Mainland Australia and Tasmania
Australia and its people 4
According to archaeology, how long have Aboriginal people lived in Australia?Correct answer:More than 40,000 years
Australia and its people 5
Where do Torres Strait Islander peoples come from?Correct answer:The islands between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea
Australia and its people 6
How do Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples express their deep connection to the land?Correct answer:Through stories, art and dance
Australia and its people 7
How many distinct Indigenous languages are spoken in Australia today?Correct answer:More than 100
Australia and its people 8
What share of Australia's population are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?Correct answer:Less than 5 per cent
Australia and its people 9
Australia and its people 10
On what date did the First Fleet land and start the first British settlement in Australia?Correct answer:26 January 1788
Australia and its people 11
How many ships sailed to Australia in the First Fleet?Correct answer:11
Australia and its people 12
Where did the First Fleet land to set up the first British settlement?Correct answer:Sydney Cove
Australia and its people 13
Why did Great Britain send convicts to Australia?Correct answer:Because British laws were harsh and the prisons were too full
Australia and its people 14
Who was the first Governor of the colony of New South Wales?Correct answer:Captain Arthur Phillip
Australia and its people 15
Australia and its people 16
In which year did the Australian gold rush begin?Correct answer:1851
Australia and its people 17
Australia and its people 18
What happened to Australia's population in the ten years after gold was found?Correct answer:It more than doubled
Australia and its people 19
On what date did the colonies unite to form one nation?Correct answer:1 January 1901
Australia and its people 20
At Federation, the Constitution set up a national parliament, a national government and which court?Correct answer:The High Court of Australia
Australia and its people 21
Australia and its people 22
After which event were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples included when counting Australia's population?Correct answer:The 1967 referendum
Australia and its people 23
After World War II, a large wave of migrants who were not British came to Australia. Where did most of them come from?Correct answer:Other countries in Europe
Australia and its people 24
True or false? Migrants to Australia have come from fewer than 50 countries.Correct answer:False
Australia and its people 25
What is Australia's national language?Correct answer:English
Australia and its people 26
Which city is the national capital of Australia?Correct answer:Canberra
Australia and its people 27
How many states does Australia have?Correct answer:Six
Australia and its people 28
Which present-day state began as the first British colony in Australia?Correct answer:New South Wales
Australia and its people 29
True or false: Sydney is the capital city of New South Wales.Correct answer:True
Australia and its people 30
Which is the smallest state on the Australian mainland?Correct answer:Victoria
Australia and its people 31
A gold rush in the 1850s made which colony, now a state, very rich?Correct answer:Victoria
Australia and its people 32
What is the capital city of Queensland?Correct answer:Brisbane
Australia and its people 33
The Great Barrier Reef lies off the coast of which state?Correct answer:Queensland
Australia and its people 34
Which is the largest state in Australia by area?Correct answer:Western Australia
Australia and its people 35
The Ningaloo Coast, Margaret River and the Kimberley are all in which state?Correct answer:Western Australia
Australia and its people 36
What is the capital city of South Australia?Correct answer:Adelaide
Australia and its people 37
In which state can you visit the Barossa Valley and the Flinders Ranges?Correct answer:South Australia
Australia and its people 38
Which stretch of water separates Tasmania from the mainland?Correct answer:Bass Strait
Australia and its people 39
What is the capital city of Tasmania?Correct answer:Hobart
Australia and its people 40
Parliament House and the High Court of Australia are in which part of the country?Correct answer:The Australian Capital Territory
Australia and its people 41
True or false: Canberra is a city on the coast.Correct answer:False
Australia and its people 42
Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon are in which part of Australia?Correct answer:Outback Northern Territory
Australia and its people 43
True or false: Queensland is the smallest state in Australia.Correct answer:False
Australia and its people 44
Who gives a Welcome to Country?Correct answer:A Traditional Custodian of the local land
Australia and its people 45
Traditionally, what was a Welcome to Country meant to give visitors?Correct answer:A safe journey through the land of the local people
Australia and its people 46
Which of these can be part of a Welcome to Country?Correct answer:A smoking ceremony
Australia and its people 47
When during an event is a Welcome to Country usually held?Correct answer:At the very beginning, as the first item
Australia and its people 48
Australia and its people 49
What does an Acknowledgement of Country do?Correct answer:It shows respect for the Traditional Custodians of the land
Australia and its people 50
On which date is Australia Day celebrated?Correct answer:26 January
Australia and its people 51
What event in Australia's history does Australia Day mark?Correct answer:The arrival of the First Fleet from Britain in 1788
Australia and its people 52
Anzac Day is held on 25 April. What does the word ANZAC stand for?Correct answer:Australian and New Zealand Army Corps
Australia and its people 53
Australia and its people 54
Which colours are used on the Australian National Flag?Correct answer:Blue, white and red
Australia and its people 55
What does the Union Jack in the top left corner of the Australian National Flag stand for?Correct answer:Australia's history of British settlement
Australia and its people 56
The Commonwealth Star on the Australian National Flag has seven points. What do these points stand for?Correct answer:The six states, plus one point for the territories
Australia and its people 57
Which group of stars is shown on the right-hand side of the Australian National Flag?Correct answer:The Southern Cross
Australia and its people 58
What does the yellow circle in the middle of the Aboriginal Flag stand for?Correct answer:The sun
Australia and its people 59
True or false: on the Aboriginal Flag, the red part stands for the sea.Correct answer:False
Australia and its people 60
What does the blue part of the Torres Strait Islander Flag stand for?Correct answer:The sea
Australia and its people 61
Which white shape is in the centre of the Torres Strait Islander Flag, standing for all Torres Strait Islanders?Correct answer:A dancer's headdress
Australia and its people 62
On the Torres Strait Islander Flag, what do the points of the white star stand for?Correct answer:The main island groups of the Torres Strait
Australia and its people 63
Australia and its people 64
Which two animals hold up the shield on the Commonwealth Coat of Arms?Correct answer:A kangaroo and an emu
Australia and its people 65
What does the shield on the Commonwealth Coat of Arms represent?Correct answer:The six states united as one nation
Australia and its people 66
What is Australia's national flower?Correct answer:Golden wattle
Australia and its people 67
True or false: Australia's national colours are green and gold.Correct answer:True
Australia and its people 68
Which gemstone is Australia's national gemstone?Correct answer:Opal
Australia and its people 69
What is the name of Australia's national anthem?Correct answer:Advance Australia Fair
Democratic beliefs 1
In Australia's parliamentary democracy, where does the government's power come from?Correct answer:The Australian people
Democratic beliefs 2
How do Australians decide who makes laws on their behalf?Correct answer:They vote for representatives in elections
Democratic beliefs 3
How can the people hold their elected representatives responsible for what they do?Correct answer:By voting for someone else at the next election
Democratic beliefs 4
Democratic beliefs 5
What does it mean that all Australians are equal under the law?Correct answer:The same laws apply to everyone, whatever their position or background
Democratic beliefs 6
Sam uses a wheelchair. What rights does Sam have in Australia?Correct answer:The same rights and respect as every other person
Democratic beliefs 7
A group of Australians wants a law to be changed. What is the accepted way to do this?Correct answer:Persuade others peacefully and use the democratic process
Democratic beliefs 8
Democratic beliefs 9
Who should be treated with respect in Australia?Correct answer:Every person, whatever their background or beliefs
Democratic beliefs 10
Can people in Australia say in public that they think the government is doing a bad job?Correct answer:Yes, as long as they stay within the law
Democratic beliefs 11
Freedom of association lets people join many kinds of groups. Which group does it NOT protect?Correct answer:A group set up to plan crimes
Democratic beliefs 12
Which statement about a person's religion in Australia is correct?Correct answer:They may follow any religion, or no religion at all
Democratic beliefs 13
Australia's government is described as secular. What does this mean?Correct answer:The government is separate from all religions
Democratic beliefs 14
Which religious tradition has had the biggest influence on Australia's heritage?Correct answer:Judaeo-Christian
Democratic beliefs 15
True or false: Good Friday is a public holiday in Australia.Correct answer:True
Democratic beliefs 16
Why does Australia have laws against discrimination?Correct answer:To stop unfair treatment because of race, sex, age or disability
Democratic beliefs 17
True or false: In Australia, women and men have the same rights.Correct answer:True
Democratic beliefs 18
A manager refuses to promote a worker only because she is a woman. Under Australian law, this is:Correct answer:Against the law
Democratic beliefs 19
What does the Australian idea of a 'fair go' mean?Correct answer:Success should come from your effort, not your wealth or family
Democratic beliefs 20
Which statement about social class in Australia is correct?Correct answer:There are no formal class distinctions in Australia
Democratic beliefs 21
Which of these is a responsibility of every Australian citizen?Correct answer:Obeying the laws of Australia
Democratic beliefs 22
Who must vote in federal elections in Australia?Correct answer:Australian citizens aged 18 or over
Democratic beliefs 23
Democratic beliefs 24
In some states, voting may not be compulsory in which kind of election?Correct answer:Local council elections
Democratic beliefs 25
Citizens have a responsibility to help defend Australia if the need arises. Which statement about the Australian Defence Force is correct?Correct answer:Joining the defence force is voluntary
Democratic beliefs 26
What does a jury decide in a court case?Correct answer:Whether the accused person is guilty or not guilty
Democratic beliefs 27
How are people chosen to be called for jury service?Correct answer:From the names on the electoral roll
Democratic beliefs 28
An Australian citizen has a baby while living overseas. What can the parent do?Correct answer:Apply for Australian citizenship by descent for the child
Democratic beliefs 29
Applying for which kind of job is a privilege of Australian citizenship?Correct answer:A job in the Australian Public Service
Democratic beliefs 30
Australian citizens can apply to join the Australian Defence Force. Which three services make up the defence force?Correct answer:The Army, the Navy and the Air Force
Democratic beliefs 31
An Australian citizen wants to stand for election to the federal parliament. Which of these would stop them?Correct answer:They also hold citizenship of another country
Democratic beliefs 32
Democratic beliefs 33
An Australian citizen is caught up in a natural disaster while travelling overseas. Where can they ask for help?Correct answer:At an Australian embassy, high commission or consulate
Democratic beliefs 34
Which of these can Australian consular officials help a citizen with while they are overseas?Correct answer:Getting an emergency passport if theirs is lost or stolen
Democratic beliefs 35
Democratic beliefs 36
Which of these is a voluntary way to take part in the community, not a duty of citizens?Correct answer:Volunteering at a local charity
Democratic beliefs 37
Which organisation collects taxes for the Australian Government?Correct answer:The Australian Taxation Office
Democratic beliefs 38
What are taxes in Australia used for?Correct answer:Services such as healthcare, schools and roads
Democratic beliefs 39
Which organisation runs federal elections and referendums in Australia?Correct answer:The Australian Electoral Commission
Democratic beliefs 40
Democratic beliefs 41
Australians vote by secret ballot. What does this mean?Correct answer:How you vote stays private unless you tell others
Democratic beliefs 42
What can happen to an enrolled citizen who does not vote and has no good reason?Correct answer:They can be fined
Democratic beliefs 43
What is the electoral roll?Correct answer:The list of people who are enrolled to vote
Democratic beliefs 44
True or false? To vote in a federal election, you must be enrolled.Correct answer:True
Democratic beliefs 45
What is an electorate (also called a division or seat)?Correct answer:An area that elects one member to the House of Representatives
Democratic beliefs 46
You are worried about a problem in your community. What can you do?Correct answer:Contact your elected representative
Government and the law 1
Government and the law 2
Each colony had its own rules on things like trade, transport and the post. What problem did this cause before Federation?Correct answer:Trade between the colonies was slow and expensive
Government and the law 3
Government and the law 4
Government and the law 5
The Constitution set up a national Parliament with two houses. What are they called?Correct answer:The House of Representatives and the Senate
Government and the law 6
Which body has the final power to apply and interpret the law, including the Constitution?Correct answer:The High Court of Australia
Government and the law 7
The Constitution is Australia's highest law. How can it be changed?Correct answer:Parliament passes the proposed change, then the voters approve it at a referendum
Government and the law 8
What does a proposed change to the Constitution need in order to pass at a referendum?Correct answer:A majority of voters across the nation and a majority of voters in at least four of the six states
Government and the law 9
In 1967 more than 90% of voters said Yes at a referendum. What did this vote allow?Correct answer:Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be counted as part of Australia's population
Government and the law 10
Why does Australia's Constitution split the power of government into three separate parts?Correct answer:So that no one person or group has all the power
Government and the law 11
Who holds legislative power, the power to make and change laws?Correct answer:The elected Parliament
Government and the law 12
What does executive power mean?Correct answer:The power to put laws into practice
Government and the law 13
Which of these is part of the executive arm of government?Correct answer:The Prime Minister and ministers
Government and the law 14
Who is responsible for the work of government departments?Correct answer:Ministers
Government and the law 15
Which of these people uses judicial power, the power to interpret and apply the law?Correct answer:A judge in a court
Government and the law 16
Government and the law 17
Who is Australia's Head of State?Correct answer:The King of Australia
Government and the law 18
Australia is a constitutional monarchy. What does this mean?Correct answer:Australia has a King, and his powers are set out and limited by the Constitution
Government and the law 19
The King does not live in Australia. Who carries out his powers and duties at the national level?Correct answer:The Governor-General
Government and the law 20
How is the Governor-General chosen?Correct answer:By the King, on the advice of the Prime Minister
Government and the law 21
Government and the law 22
A bill has been passed by both Houses of the federal Parliament. What does the Governor-General do next?Correct answer:Gives it Royal Assent, so it becomes law
Government and the law 23
Who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force?Correct answer:The Governor-General
Government and the law 24
Government and the law 25
Who represents the King in each Australian state?Correct answer:The Governor
Government and the law 26
In the Northern Territory, who is appointed by the Governor-General to carry out duties like those of a state Governor?Correct answer:The Administrator
Government and the law 27
Government and the law 28
Who leads a local council?Correct answer:A Mayor or Shire President
Government and the law 29
In Australian government, what is a minister?Correct answer:A member of parliament in charge of an area such as health
Government and the law 30
Which part of the federal Parliament is also called the Lower House or the People's House?Correct answer:The House of Representatives
Government and the law 31
What decides how many members each state has in the House of Representatives?Correct answer:The number of people who live in the state
Government and the law 32
How many senators does each state elect to the Senate?Correct answer:12
Government and the law 33
Government and the law 34
The Senate is sometimes called the States' House. Why?Correct answer:Because each state has the same number of senators, whatever its size
Government and the law 35
What do we call a member of Parliament who does not belong to any political party?Correct answer:An independent
Government and the law 36
In Australian politics, what is a coalition?Correct answer:Two or more parties that work together
Government and the law 37
Which list names four of the main political parties in Australia?Correct answer:Liberal, Labor, the Nationals and the Greens
Government and the law 38
Government and the law 39
After a federal election, which group forms the government?Correct answer:The party or coalition with a majority in the House of Representatives
Government and the law 40
What is the title of the leader of the federal government?Correct answer:The Prime Minister
Government and the law 41
Which group usually forms the Opposition in the federal Parliament?Correct answer:The largest party or coalition that is not in government
Government and the law 42
The Prime Minister chooses people to be ministers. Who then formally appoints them?Correct answer:The Governor-General
Government and the law 43
What is the Cabinet in the Australian Government?Correct answer:The most senior ministers, who make the key decisions
Government and the law 44
Government and the law 45
Government and the law 46
Where is the government of each Australian state based?Correct answer:In the capital city of that state
Government and the law 47
Which statement about Australia's states and territories is correct?Correct answer:The Constitution protects the rights of the states in a way that it does not protect the territories.
Government and the law 48
Government and the law 49
What are local government areas in Australia usually called?Correct answer:Cities, shires, towns or municipalities
Government and the law 50
Who usually makes decisions for a local government area?Correct answer:A council elected by local people
Government and the law 51
Which level of government is responsible for immigration and citizenship?Correct answer:The Australian (federal) Government
Government and the law 52
Which level of government looks after Australia's defence forces?Correct answer:The Australian (federal) Government
Government and the law 53
Which level of government pays social security, such as the age pension and family support payments?Correct answer:The Australian (federal) Government
Government and the law 54
In an Australian state, which level of government is responsible for the police and ambulance services?Correct answer:The state government
Government and the law 55
Which of these is usually done by the local council?Correct answer:Collecting household rubbish
Government and the law 56
A neighbour's dog keeps barking all night. Which level of government usually deals with noise and animal control?Correct answer:The local council
Government and the law 57
What must an Australian court base its decision on when it decides whether someone is guilty?Correct answer:The evidence presented in court
Government and the law 58
What is a magistrate?Correct answer:A judge in a lower court
Government and the law 59
Government and the law 60
How is a person who has been charged with a crime treated in Australia?Correct answer:As innocent until a court finds them guilty
Government and the law 61
Which right does a person accused of a crime have in Australia?Correct answer:The right to be represented by a lawyer
Government and the law 62
What is one of the main jobs of the police in Australia?Correct answer:To keep peace and protect life and property
Government and the law 63
Government and the law 64
Which police force investigates crimes against national laws, such as drug trafficking and threats to national security?Correct answer:The Australian Federal Police
Government and the law 65
What does Australian law say about offering money or a gift to a police officer so they will let you off?Correct answer:It is a serious crime, even if the officer says no
Government and the law 66
A person breaks a law and says they did not know that the law existed. What is true?Correct answer:Not knowing the law is not an excuse for breaking it
Government and the law 67
Which of these is against the law in Australia?Correct answer:Buying or having illegal drugs
Government and the law 68
Who can be sent to prison for domestic and family violence in Australia?Correct answer:Both men and women
Government and the law 69
Who must wear a seatbelt in a car in Australia?Correct answer:Everyone in the car
Australian values 1
Under the rule of law in Australia, who does the law protect?Correct answer:Everyone
Australian values 2
Late at night, a driver is on an empty road with no police or cameras nearby. Does the driver still have to keep to the speed limit?Correct answer:Yes, the law applies even when nobody is watching
Australian values 3
What may happen to a person who breaks the law in Australia?Correct answer:They may face a penalty, such as a fine or a prison sentence
Australian values 4
A new arrival says the laws of their home country should apply to them while they live in Australia. Which statement is correct?Correct answer:Australian law applies to everyone in Australia, whatever their background
Australian values 5
Your neighbour says that the rules of their religion come before Australian law. Which statement is correct?Correct answer:Australian law applies, and no religious rule can override it
Australian values 6
Voting in federal, state and territory elections is compulsory for adult Australian citizens. What does this show?Correct answer:That taking part in elections is considered very important
Australian values 7
A police officer makes a lawful request, such as asking you to pull your car over. What should you do?Correct answer:Do what you are asked
Australian values 8
Australian values 9
What does freedom of speech mean in Australia?Correct answer:People can say and write what they think, as long as they stay within the law
Australian values 10
Can newspapers, radio and TV in Australia criticise the government?Correct answer:Yes, the media are free to criticise the government, within the law
Australian values 11
How is peaceful protest against the government seen in Australia?Correct answer:As an important part of democracy
Australian values 12
Is it acceptable in Australia to encourage violence against people because of their religion or ethnic background?Correct answer:No, it is never acceptable
Australian values 13
Which of these is NOT protected by freedom of speech in Australia?Correct answer:Spreading false stories about a person that damage their good name
Australian values 14
Australian values 15
What does freedom of association allow people in Australia to do?Correct answer:Join any legal group, such as a political party or a trade union
Australian values 16
Your manager says you must join a certain political party to keep your job. What does freedom of association say about this?Correct answer:You cannot be forced to join a political party
Australian values 17
Which of these is NOT allowed at a protest in Australia?Correct answer:Damaging property or hurting people
Australian values 18
A man in Australia is already married. Can he legally marry a second wife while his first marriage continues?Correct answer:No, having more than one spouse at a time is illegal
Australian values 19
What is the legal position on forcing someone to marry in Australia?Correct answer:It is a serious crime and can lead to prison
Australian values 20
A person regularly insults and excludes neighbours because of their faith. How do Australian values view this behaviour?Correct answer:It is not acceptable, because religious intolerance goes against Australian values
Australian values 21
A Buddhist and a Christian live in the same town in Australia. How does the law treat them?Correct answer:They have the same rights and must be treated equally
Australian values 22
Australian values 23
How does Australian law treat people of different races and national or ethnic backgrounds?Correct answer:Everyone has the same rights, whatever their race or origin
Australian values 24
A family in Australia has a son and a daughter. What chances do they have to get an education?Correct answer:Both have the same right to go to school and to study further
Australian values 25
Which statement about women and politics in Australia is correct?Correct answer:Women can vote and can stand for parliament
Australian values 26
Can women serve in the Australian Defence Force and in the police?Correct answer:Yes, women can join both
Australian values 27
A man and a woman each go to an Australian court in the same kind of case. How should the court treat them?Correct answer:Equally, under the same law
Australian values 28
Ana and Tom apply for the same job. Ana has better qualifications for it. What is right in Australia?Correct answer:The employer can give Ana the job because she is better qualified
Australian values 29
A man hits his wife during an argument at home. What is true under Australian law?Correct answer:It is a crime, even though it happened at home within the family
Australian values 30
Australian values 31
Which statement about migrants in Australia is correct?Correct answer:Many migrants have become leaders in fields such as business, the arts and sport
Australian values 32
Australian values 33
Two neighbours strongly disagree about where their shared fence should be. What is the right way to deal with this in Australia?Correct answer:Talk about it calmly and, if needed, use mediation or the courts
Australian values 34
What is the age of consent for sexual activity in Australia?Correct answer:16 or 17, depending on the state or territory
Australian values 35
A 25-year-old man wants a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl. Is this legal anywhere in Australia?Correct answer:No, it is illegal everywhere in Australia, even if she agrees
Australian values 36
What does tolerance mean in everyday life in Australia?Correct answer:Respecting other people's views, even when you disagree
Australian values 37
Your adult daughter decides to marry someone you do not like. Which response fits Australian values?Correct answer:Respect her choice, even if you disagree with it
Australian values 38
At a football match, a spectator shouts racist insults at a player. Which statement is correct?Correct answer:This is racial abuse, and it is not accepted in Australia
Australian values 39
Where can a person report racism in Australia?Correct answer:To the Australian Human Rights Commission
Australian values 40
What is expected of people in Australia who are able to work?Correct answer:To support themselves and their family where they can
Australian values 41
Which of these is a good example of mateship?Correct answer:Bringing a meal to an elderly neighbour who lives alone
Australian values 42
What does it mean to volunteer in your community?Correct answer:To give your time to help others without being paid
Australian values 43
Australian values 44
You find out that someone is planning a serious crime. What should you do?Correct answer:Report it to the authorities, such as the police
Australian values 45
If you suspect that a child is being abused, who should you report it to?Correct answer:The police
Australian values 46
Australian values 47
When people become Australian citizens, to whom do they pledge their loyalty?Correct answer:To Australia and its people
Australian values 48
Can an Australian citizen also be a citizen of another country?Correct answer:Yes, if the other country allows it, but in Australia they must obey Australian law
Australian values 49
Is sexual activity with a child under 16 a crime for Australians when they are overseas?Correct answer:Yes, it is against Australian law both in Australia and overseas
Australian values 50
Which of these actions would go against Australia's interests or security?Correct answer:Sharing government secrets on social media
Source
Our own practice questions on the facts of the official resource “Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond” (© Commonwealth of Australia, CC BY 4.0). They are not the real test questions, which are not published. Each was written, answered blind and fact-checked by separate passes. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Home Affairs.
Official informationTry it under exam conditions.
The same number of questions and the same pass mark as the real test, marked at once. Your first mock is free and needs no account.
The pass A$19.99 · 180 days of access for one payment — it never renews