What Are the Responsibilities of an Australian Citizen? 2026 Guide

The core responsibilities of an Australian citizen

When you become an Australian citizen, you take on specific civic responsibilities alongside the rights that citizenship grants. Our Common Bond — the official study resource for the citizenship test — outlines these responsibilities clearly.

The key responsibilities of an Australian citizen are:

• Obey the laws of Australia
• Enrol and vote in federal and state or territory elections and referendums (for citizens aged 18 and over)
• Serve on a jury if called upon
• Defend Australia should the need arise
• Respect and uphold the rights and freedoms of other people

Why obeying the law is a fundamental duty

All residents and citizens must follow Australian law. This includes Commonwealth, state and territory laws. The rule of law is a core Australian value — everyone, including the government, must act within the law and be treated equally before it.

For the citizenship test, remember that obeying the law appears as both a civic responsibility and a reflection of Australian values. Questions often test whether you understand that no one — including government officials — is above the law.

Voting: a right and a legal obligation

Australian citizens aged 18 and over must enrol to vote and must vote in federal and state or territory elections and referendums. This is a legal obligation, not just an option — failing to vote without a valid reason can result in a fine.

Voting is also unique to Australian citizens: permanent residents who are not citizens cannot vote in federal elections. This makes it one of the most significant privileges and responsibilities of citizenship.

Jury service and defending Australia

Citizens may be called to serve on a jury — a group of people who hear evidence and decide the outcome of a trial. Jury service is a cornerstone of the fair trial system and is one of the responsibilities the citizenship test asks about.

Citizens are also expected to defend Australia should the need arise. While this is rarely required in practice today, it reflects the mutual commitment between citizens and their country that underpins Australian democratic life.

Responsibilities as a global citizen

Beyond formal civic duties, Australian citizenship carries broader obligations. Citizens are expected to treat people of all backgrounds with respect, protect the rights of others, and contribute positively to their community.

These ideas connect directly to Australian values of equality, fairness, and the rule of law — all of which are tested in both the democratic beliefs and the Australian values sections of the citizenship test.

How responsibilities appear in the citizenship test

The citizenship test draws from Our Common Bond and regularly asks about citizen responsibilities. Common question types include: what citizens must do in elections, what jury service means, which duties apply only to citizens rather than all residents, and how the rule of law applies to everyone.

Review both the democratic beliefs section and the Australian values section carefully — responsibilities appear across both topic areas and are frequently paired with rights questions.