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Our values · 1 min read

Freedom of association

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

In Australia, people are free to join or leave any group voluntarily as long as it is within the law. People are free to join any legal organisation, such as a political party, trade union, religious, cultural or social group. Individuals cannot be compelled to join an organisation or forced to leave it.

Australians can gather freely with others, including to protest against a government action or an organisation. However, all protests must be within the law. This means they 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. Local residents want to gather to protest against a decision made by a private company. Is this allowed?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • No, private companies cannot lawfully be the subject of a protest
    • Only if the company gives the residents written permission first
    • Yes, people may protest against a government action or an organisation
    • No, protests may only be held against decisions of the government

    Explanation: Australians may gather to protest about the actions of governments and of other organisations alike.

  2. 2. Which organisations are people in Australia free to join?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • Any legal organisation, such as a party, union or church
    • Only organisations connected with their own culture
    • Only organisations that the government has approved
    • Only organisations that have been running for many years

    Explanation: Any lawful organisation is open to people here, whether it is political, religious, cultural or social.

  3. 3. Workmates are pressuring you to join their trade union, but you would rather not. What does Australian law allow?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • You must join first and may resign after one year
    • Your employer decides whether you should join the union
    • You must join if most of your workmates are members
    • No one can be compelled to join an organisation

    Explanation: Joining any group in Australia is a personal choice. Nobody can be forced into a group or forced out of one.

  4. 4. You are invited to a protest where some people plan to damage an office building. What should you do?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • Attend, because the right to protest covers everything done there
    • Stay away, because a protest must be peaceful and damage no property
    • Attend, as long as the damage done to the building is fairly small
    • Attend, but leave just before any damage is done to the building

    Explanation: The right to protest only covers peaceful protest. Hurting people or damaging property is never part of it.

  5. 5. You want to leave a social club you joined years ago, but the members say that you cannot. What do Australian values say?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • You must stay until the club's members agree to release you
    • You may leave only if you join a similar group instead
    • You are free to leave any group voluntarily, within the law
    • You must find another member to take your place first

    Explanation: Membership of a group is voluntary, so a person may walk away whenever they choose.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet