Australian Culture - Core Concepts — Cultural Atlas

Australian Culture - Core Concepts — Cultural Atlas



Australian values



​​​​​​​​​​​Australian values based on freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity are central to our community remaining a secure, prosperous and peaceful place to live. Our values define and shape our country and they are a reason why so many people want to become Australian citizens. Our democratic institutions and shared Australian values have created our peaceful and stable society.

Australian values include:​respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual
freedom of religion (including the freedom not to follow a particular religion), freedom of speech, and freedom of association
commitment to the rule of law, which means that all people are subject to the law and should obey it
parliamentary democracy whereby our laws are determined by parliaments elected by the people, those laws being paramount and overriding any other inconsistent religious or secular “laws"
equality of opportunity for all people, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, race, or national or ethnic origin
a 'fair go' for all that embraces:
​mutual respect
tolerance
compassion for those in need
equality of opportunity for all
recognising the English language as the national language, and as an important unifying element of Australian society.

These values are outlined in the Australian Values Statement (AVS) that visa applicants must sign. When you sign the AVS , you acknowledge those Australian values and undertake to conduct yourself in accordance with these values. The aim of the AVS has been to help new residents understand the values that have helped to create a society that is stable and cohesive but, at the same time, dynamic and ​diverse. The Australian Government has changed the AVS to make it more meaningful and to reflect the importance we place on the values that define and shape our country and culture.​​


For further information see Australian values and the Australian Values Statement​​ or visit the Australian Values​ website.