Skip to content
Responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship · 1 min read

Privileges

Apply for work in the Australian Public Service and the Australian Defence Force A privilege of Australian citizenship is to apply for a job in the Australian Public Service and work for the Australian Government, for example, in Services Australia or the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Australian citizens also have the right to apply for a job in the Australian Defence Force (the Army, Navy and Air Force).

Seek election to parliament Australian citizens who are aged 18 years or over, and who are not dual citizens, can seek election to parliament at the federal, state or territory level. It is an honour and a serious responsibility to serve in an Australian parliament.

Apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely When you become an Australian citizen, you have the right to live freely in Australia. You also have the privilege to apply for an Australian passport. If you travel overseas as an Australian citizen, you are free to return to Australia without the need for a visa.

Ask for consular assistance from an Australian official while overseas In many countries, Australia has an embassy, high commission or consulate. While you are overseas, you can ask for help from an Australian government official in times of need. This includes in the case of emergencies such as civil unrest and natural disasters.

Australian officials can also help Australian citizens overseas with the issue of an emergency passport, and advice and support in the case of an accident, serious illness or death.

When in another country, you must obey the laws of that country.

Apply for children born overseas to become Australian citizens by descent Australian citizens can apply for their child born overseas to become an Australian citizen by descent.

Test yourself on this topic

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

  1. 1. A person who works in the Australian Public Service works for whom?

    • A state government only
    • The Australian Government
    • A private company on contract
    • Their local council

    Explanation: Australian Public Service jobs are jobs with the Australian Government.

  2. 2. A woman aged 30 is an Australian citizen and also holds citizenship of another country. What is her position on standing for parliament?

    • She cannot stand while she is a dual citizen
    • She must wait until she is 35 years old
    • She can stand at any level of parliament
    • She can stand only at state level

    Explanation: Only citizens who are not dual citizens may seek election, so holding a second citizenship stops her from standing.

  3. 3. An Australian citizen is badly injured in an accident while overseas. What can Australian officials give?

    • Payment of any overseas medical bills
    • Advice and support after the accident
    • Free treatment in a local hospital
    • Legal representation in a foreign court

    Explanation: Officials offer advice and support after an accident, serious illness or death, but they do not pay bills or provide treatment.

  4. 4. An Australian citizen living overseas has a baby there. What can she do for her child?

    • Apply for citizenship by descent
    • Wait until the family moves back to apply
    • Apply for a special travel document only
    • Apply for a permanent visa for the child

    Explanation: A citizen parent can apply for their child born overseas to become an Australian citizen by descent.

  5. 5. An Australian citizen travels overseas on holiday and then flies home. Does she need a visa to enter Australia?

    • Yes, a visitor visa on arrival
    • No, citizens return without a visa
    • Yes, a returning resident visa
    • Yes, a re-entry permit from her state

    Explanation: Australian citizens are free to return to Australia without the need for a visa.

  6. 6. At which levels of parliament can an eligible Australian citizen seek election?

    • Federal, state or territory
    • Federal level only
    • State or territory only
    • Local council level only

    Explanation: Eligible citizens may stand for parliament at federal level and at state or territory level.

  7. 7. How is serving in an Australian parliament described?

    • An honour and a serious responsibility
    • A short-term voluntary position
    • A privilege open only to lawyers
    • A duty that may be refused once

    Explanation: Holding a seat in parliament is treated as both an honour and a heavy responsibility.

  8. 8. What is the minimum age for an Australian citizen to seek election to parliament?

    • 25 years
    • 16 years
    • 18 years
    • 21 years

    Explanation: Citizens can stand for parliament from the age of 18.

  9. 9. What must an Australian citizen do while they are in another country?

    • Follow Australian laws instead
    • Obey only international agreements
    • Obey the laws of that country
    • Report to the local police monthly

    Explanation: Australian citizenship does not excuse anyone from the laws of the country they are visiting.

  10. 10. What right do you gain in Australia when you become an Australian citizen?

    • The right to free housing in Australia
    • The right to free health care in each state
    • The right to live freely in Australia
    • The right to travel without a passport

    Explanation: Citizenship gives you the right to live freely in the country.

  11. 11. Where can Australian citizens find Australian government help in many countries overseas?

    • A branch of a federal court
    • An embassy, high commission or consulate
    • A state parliament office
    • An Australian local council office

    Explanation: Australia keeps embassies, high commissions and consulates overseas where citizens can ask for help.

  12. 12. Which document can Australian officials overseas issue to a citizen in an emergency?

    • An international driving permit
    • An emergency passport
    • A temporary local visa
    • A replacement birth certificate

    Explanation: Australian officials can issue an emergency passport to a citizen who needs one while overseas.

  13. 13. Which emergencies are given as times when an Australian official overseas can help a citizen?

    • Job loss and business failure
    • Lost luggage and delayed flights
    • Airline strikes and visa refusals
    • Civil unrest and natural disasters

    Explanation: Civil unrest and natural disasters are the examples given of emergencies overseas where officials can assist.

  14. 14. Which organisation is given as an example of working in the Australian Public Service?

    • The Reserve Bank of Australia
    • The Australian Olympic Committee
    • The Australian Taxation Office
    • The Australian Red Cross

    Explanation: The Australian Taxation Office is one of the examples of an Australian Government workplace open to citizens.

  15. 15. Which three services make up the Australian Defence Force?

    • The Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard
    • The Army, Navy and Air Force
    • The Army, Police and Air Force
    • The Navy, Army and Border Force

    Explanation: The Defence Force is made up of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. Police and border services are separate.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet