The Australian values statement: what it says and who signs it

What it is

Many people call it the Australian values statement. In the application it is the declaration in Part L of form 1300t, the form for general eligibility. Home Affairs does not use the words "Australian values statement" for it. You will see "Declaration" on the form.

You sign it at the end of your application. It is a promise about how you will live as a citizen. See the full application steps.

Who signs it

The main applicant signs it, if aged 18 or over. Read it carefully before you sign.

What you agree to

In plain words, the declaration says:

• What you wrote in your application is true.
• You plan to live in Australia, or keep a close link with it.
• Becoming a citizen makes you a formal member of the community.
• Citizenship is a shared identity that joins all Australians.
• You understand the values of Australian society.
• You accept the rights and the responsibilities of citizenship, including obeying the law, voting and serving on a jury.
• You will live by these values and obey the law.
• You will make reasonable efforts to learn English if it is not your first language.
• You will pledge loyalty to Australia if you qualify and are approved.

The values in the declaration

The form lists seven values. In our words, they are:

1. Respect for each person's freedom and dignity.
2. Freedom of religion, including the freedom not to follow a religion, plus freedom of speech and association.
3. Commitment to the rule of law.
4. Parliamentary democracy.
5. Equal opportunity for all, whatever a person's gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, race or background.
6. A "fair go", which includes mutual respect, tolerance and compassion for those in need.
7. English as the national language.

The Part L list and the text in the booklet are not word for word the same. The ideas match. For the test, learn the booklet.

How values come up in the test

The test has 5 questions on Australian values. They come from Part 4 of the booklet Our Common Bond. You must get all 5 right. You must also score 15 of 20 overall.

This means a score of 19 can still fail if one values question is wrong. The reverse also holds. Five values right does not pass you if the total is 14 or less.

Home Affairs has asked for values questions since 15 November 2020.

How to study the values

• Read Part 4 of the booklet slowly.
• Learn each value in your own words.
• Read the negative words in questions with care, such as "not" and "except".
• Try the free 20-question mock. It shows a clear reason if you fail, such as a wrong values answer.

You can also read our guides on Australian values and Australian values questions.

Why the form asks

The values are a promise to follow the way of life in Australia. They link to the pledge you make at the ceremony. The pledge says you share Australia's democratic beliefs, respect its rights and liberties, and uphold and obey its laws. See the citizenship ceremony.

Independent

We are independent and not Home Affairs. The declaration is part of your legal application. Read form 1300t before you sign.