Brainstorm for secondary students

Updated 29 Oct 2021

A person who is born in Australia of at least one parent who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of the birth, is automatically granted citizenship of Australia. A citizen of Australia can also be someone who has applied to the Minister for citizenship. Any person born outside of Australia needs to apply for citizenship. See www.citizenship.gov.au

Australians are free, within the bounds of the law, to say or write what we think privately or publicly, about the government, or about any topic. We do not censor the media and may criticise the government without fear of arrest. Free speech comes from facts, not rumours, and the intention must be constructive, not to do harm. There are laws to protect a person's good name and integrity against false information. There are laws against saying or writing things to incite hatred against others because of their culture, ethnicity or background. Freedom of speech is not an excuse to harm others.

Freedom of the press (or freedom of the media) is the guarantee by a government of free public speech extended to members of news gathering organisations, and their published reporting. It extends to news gathering and processes involved in obtaining information for the public consumption. It is the freedom to print or publish without governmental interference.

Civilian control of the military means that the decision to go to war and make peace rest in the hands of our democratically elected officials, not the military generals.

A legal system is the mechanism for creating, interpreting and enforcing the laws in a given jurisdiction. In Australia there are two levels of judicial courts:

The Federal Judicature

Chapter III of the Constitution (sections 71-80), called 'The Judicature', provides for the judicial branch of the Commonwealth. It establishes the High Court of Australia and empowers the Commonwealth Parliament to create other federal courts and to vest federal judicial power in State and Territory courts.

There are four principal federal courts:

1. The High Court

2. The Federal Court of Australia

3. The Family Court

4. The Federal Magistrates Court of Australia

State and Territory Courts

Australian State and Territory courts decide cases brought under State or Territory laws and, where jurisdiction is conferred on these courts by the Commonwealth Parliament, they also decide cases arising under federal laws. Most criminal matters, whether arising under Commonwealth, State or Territory law, are dealt with by State or Territory courts.

The State and Territory courts are:

1. The Supreme Courts

2. State intermediate courts

3. State and Territory courts of summary jurisdiction

A political system is a complete set of institutions, political organisations, interest groups (such as political parties, trade unions, lobby groups), the relationships between those institutions and the political rules that govern their functions (constitution, election law).

The Australian Constitution of 1901 established a federal system of government. Under this system, powers are distributed between a national government (the Commonwealth) and the six States (three Territories - the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory, and Norfolk Island have self-government arrangements). The Constitution defines the boundaries of law-making powers between the Commonwealth and the States/Territories.

To promote the common good means to benefit members of society. Helping the common good equates to helping all people, or at least the vast majority of them. It has been defined as "the sum of those conditions of social life which allow social groups and their individual members relatively thorough and ready access to their own fulfilment." The common good, then, consists primarily of having the social systems, institutions, and environments on which we all depend, work in a manner that benefits all people.

Transparent government refers to open and accountable political systems. It is a means of holding public officials and members of parliament accountable and free from corruption.

It encompasses freedom of the press and freedom of speech. It means that government meetings, such as when parliament sits, are open to the press and the public. Official documents such as the budget are free to be reviewed by anyone. Laws and policy decisions are able to be viewed and discussed without fear of recrimination. Transparent government ensures that there is less opportunity for the people in power to abuse the system in their own interest.

Accountable government, also known as responsible government, is essentially government that governs with the consent of the people. The government is held accountable at election time and can be replaced if the public sees fit.

However, at another level accountable government also means that the Ministers (members of parliament with a specific portfolio) must firstly account to Parliament for their policy decisions and for the performance of their departments.

“Secularism” is defined as the separation of religion from civic affairs and the state (government).

A secular country or state is officially neutral regarding religion. This means that secular states support neither religion nor irreligion and do not have an official religion.

A secular government does not interfere with religion and its activities, and faith does not play a role in law and policy making of the government. A secular government does not discriminate or favour individuals or groups based on their religious beliefs.

To have true freedom of religion, a country must have a secular government.

Privileges of Australian citizens

As an Australian citizen you can:

  • Vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum;
  • Apply for children born overseas as Australian citizens by descent;
  • Apply for a job in the Australian Public Service or in the Australian Defence Force;
  • Seek election to parliament;
  • Apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely; and
  • Ask for consular assistance from an Australian official while overseas.

Responsibilities of Australian Citizens

As an Australian citizen you must:

  • Obey the laws of Australia;
  • Enrol and vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum;
  • Defend Australia should the need arise; and
  • Serve on a jury if called to do so.

Australia’s democratic beliefs, freedoms, equalities and values

  • Commitment to parliamentary democracy;
  • Commitment to the rule of law;
  • Living peacefully;
  • Respect for all individuals regardless of background;
  • Freedom of speech and expression;
  • Freedom of association;
  • Freedom of religion and secular government;
  • Equality of men and women;
  • Equality of opportunity and a 'fair go';
  • Mutual respect and tolerance for others; and
  • Compassion for those in need.

See: www.citizenship.gov.au