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Our freedoms · 1 min read

Freedom of association

Freedom of association is the right to form and join associations to pursue common goals. For example, in Australia people are free to join any legal organisation, such as a political party, trade union, religious, cultural or social group. People can also decide not to join, and cannot be forced into doing so. Australians can gather with others to protest against a government action or an organisation. At all times, however, the laws of Australia must be obeyed. This means that such gatherings must be peaceful, and must not injure any person or damage property.

Test yourself on this topic

5 questions on this topic, each with the answer explained.

  1. 1. Can a person in Australia be forced to join an organisation?

    • Yes, if the local community votes for it
    • Yes, every adult must belong to a political party
    • No, people may decide not to join and cannot be forced
    • Yes, employers may require staff to join a union

    Explanation: The choice works both ways: you may join, and you may also refuse to join.

  2. 2. What is freedom of association?

    • The right to hold a paid job in any industry that you choose
    • The right to form and join associations to pursue common goals
    • The right to enter any private building at any time of day
    • The right to move to another state without giving any notice

    Explanation: Freedom of association is about joining with other people who share your aims.

  3. 3. What may Australians gather to protest against?

    • Only an employer they work for
    • Only a decision made by a local council
    • A government action or an organisation
    • Only a decision of the federal government

    Explanation: Protest is not limited to government matters; people may also protest against an organisation.

  4. 4. What must a gathering or protest in Australia always be like?

    • Organised only by a registered political party or union
    • Held only at weekends and on official public holidays
    • Small enough to fit inside one single public building
    • Peaceful, with no harm to people and no damage to property

    Explanation: Because Australian law must be obeyed at all times, protests have to stay peaceful and must not hurt people or damage property.

  5. 5. Which organisations may people in Australia join?

    • Only organisations approved in advance by the local council
    • Any legal organisation, such as a political party or union
    • Only organisations that have no political aims of any kind
    • Only one single organisation in a person's whole lifetime

    Explanation: Political parties, unions, and religious, cultural or social groups are all open to people, as long as the organisation is legal.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet