Australian Citizenship Quiz
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Australian values based on freedom, respect and equality

Community Contribution and Mateship

Short answer

Australian values encourage people to contribute to their community, support themselves and their families when able, volunteer where they can and show compassion for people in need. Mateship describes mutual support and practical help.

Last reviewed 2026-06-19

Active citizenship

Active citizenship means taking part in community life. It can include helping neighbours, joining community activities, volunteering and contributing skills or time where possible.

Personal responsibility

People are encouraged to make a contribution and, when able, support themselves and their families. This is about responsibility as well as receiving help when it is genuinely needed.

Mateship and compassion

Mateship is commonly associated with friendship, loyalty and helping others in difficult times. It is expressed through practical support and compassion, not through excluding people who are different.

Key facts

  • Active citizenship includes community participation.
  • People are encouraged to support themselves and their families when able.
  • Volunteering is an example of community service.
  • Mateship involves mutual support and compassion.

Common mistakes

  • Treating mateship as a value only for friends who are similar to you.
  • Assuming contribution always means paid work.
  • Confusing volunteering with a legal requirement.

Important vocabulary

active citizenship
Taking a constructive part in community and civic life.
Example: Volunteering is one form of active citizenship.
mateship
Mutual support, friendship and practical help.
Example: Mateship can mean helping someone in a difficult time.
volunteer
A person who gives time to help without being paid for that work.
Example: A volunteer may support a local community service.

Practice questions

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Practice by topic
Question 1
What does active citizenship encourage people to do?
Question 2
What responsibility do people have when they are able to support themselves and their families?
Mutual Respect and Tolerance Mutual respect and tolerance mean treating other people with dignity, allowing peaceful disagreement and rejecting racism, abuse and violence. People must also comply with lawful requests from police. Helping to Keep Australian Society Safe People in Australia are expected to help keep society safe by reporting serious crime and child abuse to appropriate authorities and by recognising harmful conduct such as cyber abuse. Responsibilities of Australian Citizens Australian citizens have responsibilities including obeying Australian laws, voting in elections when required, serving on a jury if called, defending Australia if needed and paying tax when required by law.

Official sources