Lesson 4
The rule of law, the freedoms Australians share, and equality.
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The rule of law means everyone is equal before the law and no one is above it, including government leaders, the police and religious leaders. Obeying the law keeps society fair and safe, and if you break it you may face legal consequences. Not knowing a law is no excuse: you can still be charged. Religious laws have no legal standing in Australia, so practices such as forced marriage and polygamy are illegal.
Freedom of speech and expression is the right to hold and express opinions, including through art, film, music and literature, and to peacefully protest against government decisions. Protests must be peaceful and must not injure people or damage property. Freedom of association is the right to form and join legal groups such as political parties and unions. Freedom of religion means people can follow any religion, or none; the government is secular. Violence of any kind is never acceptable, including encouraging violence against a person or group and domestic and family violence.
Men and women have equal rights, including in the courts and at work: if a woman is better qualified for a job, she has the same right to it as a man. It is against the law to treat people differently because of their gender, race, disability or age. Religious intolerance is not acceptable. Some things are serious crimes everywhere in Australia, such as possessing illegal drugs; the age of sexual consent is 16 or 17 depending on the state or territory.
Answer: People can peacefully protest against government actions. Australians are allowed to peacefully protest against the actions of the government, because tolerance of peaceful public protest is an essential part of democracy.
Answer: Men and women have equal rights. Men and women have equal rights in Australia. It is against the law to discriminate against a person because of their gender.
Answer: Violence of any kind, physical or verbal, is illegal. Violence of any kind, including verbal and physical abuse, is illegal.
Answer: Obeying the law ensures fairness and safety. Australians recognise the importance of laws in maintaining a peaceful and orderly society. Obeying the law ensures fairness and safety.
Answer: Everyone is equal before the law, no one is above it. Under the Rule of Law, all Australians are equal in relation to the law and no person or group is above the law.
Answer: Protests must be peaceful and must not injure any person or damage property. Australians can gather freely to protest, but protests must be peaceful and must not injure any person or damage property.
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