Responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship

Being a citizen of a particular country generally means that you are officially recognised as being a 'formal member' of that country. Becoming an Australian citizen is a significant expression of commitment and a bond to the Australian way of life. Being an Australian citizen provides a common purpose and a vision for a shared future for us all.

Why is being an Australian citizen important?

• it gives all Australians a shared identity
• it helps to build our nation
• Australian citizenship unites us as people and as a nation
• it allows migrants to feel welcome and become full and formal members of the Australian community.

What responsibilities do you have as an Australian citizen?

Australian citizenship comes with certain responsibilities. As an Australian citizen you must:

• obey Australia's laws
• enrol on federal and state/territory electoral registers
• vote in elections
• serve on a jury, if called upon to do so
• defend Australia, should the need arise.

What privileges do you have as an Australian citizen?

Australian citizenship also comes with some privileges. As an Australian citizen you can:

• live in Australia indefinitely
• vote to help elect Australia's governments
• nominate for election to parliament
• apply for a job in the defence forces, or work for the government
• apply for an Australian passport
• leave and re-enter Australia without a return visa
• seek assistance from Australia's diplomatic representatives while overseas
• register children born overseas as Australian citizens by descent.