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Our values · 1 min read

Commitment to the Rule of Law

AUSTRALIAN VALUES In the real test, every values question must be correct.

All Australians are protected by our laws and legal systems. Australians recognise the importance of laws in maintaining a peaceful and orderly society.

Under the Rule of Law, all Australians are equal in relation to the law and no person or group is above the law. In Australia, everybody should obey the law and not break it at any time, otherwise you will face penalties. You should follow the law even if no one is watching. Australian laws apply to all people in Australia. This means regardless of your background or culture, you must follow Australian laws.

Test yourself on this topic

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

  1. 1. A new arrival says a custom from their culture allows something Australian law forbids. What is required of them?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • They may ask a local community leader to decide the matter for them
    • They may wait until they become a citizen before obeying the law
    • They may quietly follow their own culture's rules in private instead
    • They must follow Australian law, whatever their background or culture

    Explanation: Australian law covers everyone in Australia. Culture and background do not create an exception to it.

  2. 2. A senior official breaks the law and says their position protects them. What does the Rule of Law say?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • Every Australian is equal before the law and no person is above it
    • Officials are judged by their own department, not by the courts
    • Senior officials answer only to the parliament that appointed them
    • Officials may be excused when the offence is not a serious one

    Explanation: The Rule of Law means the same law applies to everyone. A powerful position does not put a person outside the law.

  3. 3. Why do Australians place such importance on their laws?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • Laws keep society peaceful and orderly for everyone
    • Laws remove the need to hold regular elections
    • Laws raise the money the government needs each year
    • Laws protect Australian citizens but not other residents

    Explanation: Laws are valued because they hold society together and keep daily life peaceful and orderly.

  4. 4. You are driving home very late at night. The road is empty and there are no police anywhere. What do Australian values expect of you?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • Drive within the law, even when there is no one watching
    • Follow the road rules only when other drivers can see you
    • Follow the road rules of the country that you came from
    • Decide for yourself which road rules matter at that hour

    Explanation: Obeying the law in Australia is not about being caught. People are expected to keep the law at all times, including when they are alone.

  5. 5. You are new to Australia and worry that you may be treated unfairly here. What do Australia's laws offer you?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • Protection, because all Australians are protected by our laws
    • Protection only once you have become an Australian citizen
    • Protection only if you belong to a registered organisation
    • Protection only in the state or territory where you live

    Explanation: The legal system exists to protect people, not only to punish them. That protection covers all Australians.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet