Become AuggieStudy / Part 2: Australia's democratic beliefs, rights and liberties
Responsibilities of citizenship
- Four responsibilities: obey laws, vote, defend Australia, serve on a jury
- Voting is compulsory for citizens 18 and over
- A referendum is a vote to change the Constitution
- Local council voting may not be compulsory in some states
- Joining the Defence Force is voluntary
- Jury duty applies to enrolled citizens aged 18 and over
- A jury decides guilty or not guilty
| Responsibilities (what you give) | Privileges (what you get) |
|---|---|
| Obey the laws of Australia | Vote in elections and referendums |
| Vote in elections and referendums | Apply for citizenship by descent for children born overseas |
| Defend Australia if needed | Apply for Australian Public Service and Defence Force jobs |
| Serve on a jury if called | Seek election to parliament |
| Apply for a passport and re-enter freely | |
| Ask for consular help overseas |
Key facts
- Four responsibilities: obey the law, vote, defend Australia, serve on a jury.
- Voting is compulsory for citizens aged 18+.
- Referendum: a vote to change the Australian Constitution.
- Local government voting may not be compulsory in some states.
- Australian Defence Force service is voluntary.
- Jury duty applies to citizens 18+ on the electoral roll.
- A jury decides guilty or not guilty.