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

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

Short answer

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.

Last reviewed 2026-06-19

Disagreement without hostility

People can disagree strongly about politics, religion and personal choices. Mutual respect means listening, responding lawfully and avoiding abuse or intimidation even when views are very different.

Racism and abuse

Racism has no place in Australian society. Physical, sexual and other forms of abuse are not acceptable, and violence cannot be justified by disagreement, culture or anger.

Respecting lawful authority

Police have responsibilities to enforce the law and maintain safety. A person should comply with a lawful request from police while retaining the general protections that Australian law provides.

Key facts

  • People may disagree peacefully.
  • Racism is inconsistent with Australian values.
  • Abuse and violence are not acceptable.
  • Lawful requests from police must be followed.

Common mistakes

  • Thinking tolerance requires agreeing with every view.
  • Calling abuse a form of free expression.
  • Assuming respect for police means ignoring whether a request is lawful.

Important vocabulary

tolerance
Respecting another person's right to hold different views or beliefs.
Example: Tolerance allows peaceful disagreement.
racism
Prejudice or discrimination based on race or ethnicity.
Example: Racism has no place in Australian society.
lawful
Allowed or required by law.
Example: A lawful request from police must be followed.

Practice questions

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Practice by topic
Question 1
Two neighbours strongly disagree about politics. What response best reflects mutual respect?
Freedom of Speech in Australia Freedom of speech lets people express and discuss their views, including criticism of government, as long as they obey Australian laws and do not threaten or harm others. Equality in Australia Equality in Australia means people are entitled to equal dignity and treatment under the law, including regardless of race, religion, national origin or gender. A fair go means people should have a genuine opportunity to succeed. 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.

Official sources