Part 2 of Our Common Bond: beliefs, rights and liberties
Last updated 22 October 2026
Everything on the test is in the free booklet, Our Common Bond. We help you practise reading the questions the way the test asks them. This page shows what Part 2 holds.
Part 2 is short, about five pages. It is built from lists, and the test likes lists.
Our democratic beliefs
Australia is a parliamentary democracy. The power of the government comes from the people, who vote for their representatives. Those representatives answer to the people at elections.
The Rule of Law means everyone is equal under the law. No person, group or religious rule is above it. That includes leaders, business people and the police.
Australians believe change should come through talk, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process. Violence is rejected. Every person has equal rights and must be treated with dignity, whatever their background.
Our freedoms
Three freedoms are named.
- Speech and expression. You can say and write what you think, including criticism of the government. You can protest peacefully. You must still obey the law, and you must respect the freedom of others.
- Association. You can join a legal group, such as a party, a union or a social group. You can also choose not to join. No one can force you.
- Religion. Australia has no national religion. You can follow any religion or none. The government is secular. If a religious practice conflicts with Australian law, the law wins.
Our equalities
Men and women have equal rights, and it is against the law to discriminate because of gender. The "fair go" means what you achieve should come from your talent, work and effort, not your wealth or background.
What citizens owe, and what they receive
The booklet gives two lists. Keep them apart.
Responsibilities. Obey the laws. Vote in federal and state or territory elections and in a referendum. Defend Australia if the need arises. Serve on a jury if called.
Privileges. Vote. Apply for children born overseas to become citizens by descent. Apply for a job in the Australian Public Service or the Defence Force. Seek election to parliament. Apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely. Ask for consular help overseas.
Voting appears on both lists. A question may ask which item is on only one of them.
Voting and tax
Voting is for citizens aged 18 or over. It is compulsory in federal and state or territory elections. It may not be compulsory in local government elections in some states. Paying tax is required by law. The Australian Taxation Office collects it, and it pays for health, education, defence, roads and social security.
Where people slip
- Responsibility against privilege. A passport is a privilege.
- Seeking election: you must be 18 or over and not a dual citizen.
- "Compulsory" in federal and state elections, but not always in local ones.
Practise Part 2
Last checked against Our Common Bond (2020): 22 October 2026
Questions people ask
Is voting a responsibility or a privilege?
Both. The booklet lists it under each heading. It is compulsory for citizens aged 18 or over in federal and state or territory elections.
Can a dual citizen stand for parliament?
No. The booklet says citizens who are 18 or over and not dual citizens can seek election.
Which freedoms does Part 2 name?
Speech and expression, association, and religion. Part 4 repeats them as values.
Does Part 2 repeat in Part 4?
Yes, in part. Part 2 lists the beliefs. Part 4 turns them into the five values questions that must all be right. Read both.