Australian citizenship test: Freedoms practice questions

Speech, joining a group, and religion all stop where Australian law begins. You may follow a religion or follow none.

Question 1

People in Australia may criticise the government

  1. as long as they obey Australian law
  2. even if they encourage other people to break the law
  3. only if they already sit in parliament

Answer: as long as they obey Australian law

Freedom of speech includes criticising the government and peaceful protest, but the law still applies. Encouraging others to break the law, and promoting violence, are not protected.

Question 2

Freedom of association means a person

  1. may join a lawful group, or choose not to join
  2. must join the union that covers their workplace
  3. may join only groups that a minister has approved

Answer: may join a lawful group, or choose not to join

People may join a lawful organisation, such as a party, union or religious group, and they may also decide not to join. They cannot be forced either way.

Question 3

Which statement matches freedom of religion in Australia?

  1. A person may follow any religion, or follow none
  2. A person must follow the religion with the most members
  3. A religious rule overrides Australian law when they differ

Answer: A person may follow any religion, or follow none

People may follow any religion or none. There is no national religion. Religious practice must still obey Australian law, and Australian law prevails if the two conflict.