Updated 2026-03-20
Responsibilities and Privileges of Australian Citizenship
Know what changes when you become an Australian citizen — these ideas appear across democratic beliefs and values questions.
Key privileges of Australian citizenship
Australian citizens can apply for an Australian passport, vote in elections, and receive consular assistance from Australian officials while overseas. Citizenship also means you belong fully to the Australian community.
- Apply for an Australian passport
- Vote in federal and state or territory elections and referendums
- Seek election to Parliament (if eligible)
- Register children born overseas as Australian citizens by descent (subject to rules)
Key responsibilities
Citizenship comes with duties. Adults must enrol and vote, obey Australian laws, and defend Australia should the need arise. Understanding these responsibilities helps with both democratic-beliefs and Australian-values questions.
- Obey the laws of Australia
- Enrol and vote in elections and referendums (if aged 18 or over)
- Serve on a jury if called
- Defend Australia should the need arise
How to revise this for the test
Read the relevant sections in Our Common Bond, then take free mock tests and check every missed question. Pair this article with our democratic beliefs and Australian values topic pages for deeper practice.
Related articles
- What Are the Responsibilities of an Australian Citizen? 2026 Guide
From voting to jury duty, here are the core responsibilities every new Australian citizen must understand — including exactly which duties appear in the citizenship test.
- Rights of an Australian Citizen: Complete 2026 Guide
Australian citizenship unlocks specific rights — from an Australian passport to the right to vote and stand for Parliament. Here is what you are entitled to and how these topics appear in the test.
Keep practising
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