Australian Values

Supporting our diverse community with freedom and respect

Australian values are the foundation of our free and democratic society. These shared principles, such as a fair go, equality, freedom, and mutual respect, shape our national identity and are the reason many people want to come to Australia to live. They are central to who we are and how we live together as citizens.

They are not only aspirational ideals but provide the tools to protect the way of life we are privileged to enjoy. They empower people to speak out against injustice, uphold the rights of others, and contribute to a society where every person is treated with dignity and respect. These values enable different opinions and respect the right of all Australians to make decisions about how they choose to live as free, law-abiding citizens.

Our representative democracy, built on the rule of law, embodies these values, protecting the stable, inclusive, and peaceful society that Australians are proud to call home.

Fair go

A ‘fair go’ means that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed, no matter their background, gender or social standing. It reflects the belief that all people have dignity and value and should be treated fairly and being given the same chances in life, without discrimination, nor undue interference from the government.

Although not all Australian’s have had a fair go in our history, our laws have constantly evolved to reflect community standards. For example, in 1902 an Act was passed to allow women the right to vote and stand for federal oƯice and in 1962 an Act was passed to give all First Nations people the option to enrol at Federal elections. When introducing the Native Title Act in 1993, Prime Minister Paul Keating said: “We owe it to Aboriginal Australians, to all Australians – indeed, we owe it to our fair and democratic traditions and to future generations – to recognise native title…. How could we say that we stand for a fair go if we were to wipe away a title to land which has lasted through thousands of years of occupation of the continent and 200 years of European settlement?”

Another important part of a ‘fair go’ is economic freedom and the protection of property rights. All Australians should have the opportunity to work hard and use their talents to achieve success. This includes the equal opportunity to be considered for a job on an equal basis to everyone else who applies, no matter our age, race, religion, gender or political affiliations. Economic freedoms should not be hampered by excessive taxation, overregulation or arbitrary government decisions. All Australians should also have the opportunity to lawfully protect their property and take action in court with a fair trial when their rights are eroded.

Respect for Freedoms

In contrast to a rules-based, authoritarian country, Australian values include a respect for the freedom and worth of individuals to make decisions about their lives. These include:

• Freedom of religion allows people to follow (or not follow) any religion they choose - as long as their actions do not break an Australian law. Religious laws possess no legal status in Australia. This is reflected section 116 of the Australian Constitution which states that the Commonwealth government shall not make any laws to establish any religions, impose on religious observation, or prohibit the free exercise of any religion.

• Freedom of speech flows from freedom of thought and freedom of conscience, and allows different opinions to be expressed and debated, including criticism of the government. While this right is protected, it is not unlimited and may be restricted by laws concerning defamation, hate speech, or inciting violence.

• Freedom of association means that individuals can join or form groups, such as political parties, trade unions, or religious organisations, without interference or compulsion. Freedom of assembly gives people the right to gather in public or private spaces for peaceful protests, demonstrations, or meetings. This freedom is protected, provided the gatherings are lawful and not violent, or threaten public safety.

• Freedom of movement allows Australians to travel freely within the country and to enter and leave Australia by lawful means.

• Freedom from slavery and forced labour is the freedom from the practice of one person owning another person and removing their rights. Australia formally outlawed slavery in 1833 alongside the British Empire. However, exploitation has sadly still occurred with the use of forced labour in the early colony of First Nations peoples and Pacific Islanders, and modern slavery cases such as forced marriages, human traƯicking, and child labour.

Respect for Others

At the time of federation, the name ‘Commonwealth of Australia’ was deliberately chosen to reflect a commitment to the common good and social justice, grounded in the JudeoChristian heritage of ‘loving your neighbour’ and respect for others. This civic culture is based on a social contract that respects individual rights and obligations.

Australia is a pluralistic society that reflects its First Nations, British, and migrant heritage, that thrives on tolerance, mutual respect, and the ability to live together despite differences.

Respect for others also encompasses those values that provide compassion and care for those in need and is seen through the welfare system and the provision of LegalAid.