Active participation in international forums
NOT IN THE TEST This part is worth reading, but the citizenship test never asks about it.
Australia has been an active member of the United Nations (UN) from its beginning in 1945. Australia provides protection for people who have been identified as refugees under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention. It also contributes to UN peacekeeping efforts and humanitarian and emergency responses for developing countries, and has a strong involvement in the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
In 1971, Australia became a full member of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The OECD aims to improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world while expanding world trade.
Australia strongly supports closer cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. It is an active member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the East Asia Summit, and the Pacific Islands Forum. It is an Association of Southeast Asian Nations dialogue partner and participates in its Regional Forum.
Dr Catherine Hamlin AC (born 1924–2020)
Dr Catherine Hamlin was a gynaecologist, renowned for saving young Ethiopian women from a life of suffering. Since 1959, Dr Hamlin worked in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia helping women with the childbirth injury known as ‘obstetric fistula’. Women with this internal injury cannot control their bodily functions and are left humiliated and made outcasts from their communities.
Dr Hamlin and her husband established the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital. Their efforts have meant thousands of women are able to return home to lead full, healthy lives.
In 1995, Dr Hamlin was made a Companion of the Order of Australia, the highest Australian award.
From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet