Privileges and responsibilities of Australian citizenship
Australian citizenship formalises your membership of the Australian community.
Privileges of Australian citizens
It entitles you to privileges of Australian citizenship giving you the right to:
- live in Australia
- apply for an Australian passport and to leave and re-enter Australia without applying for a resident return visa
- seek assistance from Australian diplomatic representatives while overseas
- vote to help elect Australia's governments
- stand for Parliament
- work in the public service
- serve in the armed forces
- register as Australian citizens by descent any of your children born overseas after you become an Australian citizen.
Responsibilities of Australian citizens
Citizenship also brings with it responsibilities. For example, citizens are required to:
- obey Australian laws
- enrol on Federal and state/territory electoral registers
- vote in elections
- defend Australia should the need arise
- serve on a jury if called to do so.