1. Responsibilities — what you give Australia
As an Australian citizen you must obey the laws of Australia; vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum; defend Australia should the need arise; and serve on a jury if called to do so.
Voting is compulsory in federal and state or territory elections for citizens aged 18 years or over (it may not be compulsory in some local government elections). While service in the Australian Defence Force is voluntary, defending the nation should the need arise is a responsibility of citizenship. Jury service, if requested, applies to citizens aged 18 or over who are on the electoral roll: a jury is a group of ordinary men and women who listen to the evidence in a court case and decide whether a person is guilty or not.
- Obey the law, vote, defend Australia if needed, and serve on a jury if called
- Voting is compulsory for citizens aged 18 or over
- Jury service helps keep the court system open and fair
2. Privileges — what Australia gives you
As an Australian citizen you can vote in federal and state or territory elections and in a referendum; apply for children born overseas to become citizens by descent; apply for a job in the Australian Public Service or the Australian Defence Force; seek election to parliament; apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely; and ask for consular assistance from an Australian official while overseas.
Seeking election to parliament is open to citizens aged 18 or over who are not dual citizens. As a citizen you have the right to live freely in Australia and, when travelling overseas, to return without a visa. While overseas you can ask an Australian embassy, high commission or consulate for help in times of need — such as emergencies, an emergency passport, or support after an accident, serious illness or death — but you must still obey the laws of the country you are in.
- Vote, apply for a passport and return to Australia freely
- Apply for jobs in the Australian Public Service or Defence Force, and seek election to parliament (if not a dual citizen)
- Ask for consular assistance from Australian officials while overseas
3. Participating in Australian society
Australia encourages all citizens to actively participate in society and help shape the nation's future — for example by joining neighbourhood and community organisations, volunteering, joining arts or cultural groups, and taking part in political life.
Paying tax is another important way you contribute, and is required by law. Tax is paid out of the money you earn and collected by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), and there are also taxes on many goods and services. Taxes fund services such as government healthcare and education, defence, roads and railways, and social security — so by working and paying tax you help provide the services that make Australia peaceful and prosperous.
- Active citizens volunteer and take part in community and political life
- Paying tax is required by law and collected by the ATO
- Taxes fund healthcare, education, defence, infrastructure and social security