Lesson 5

🤝 Australian values

A fair go, mateship, respect, and contributing to the community.

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What Australians value

Australian society rests on respect for freedom, equality and the rule of law. A 'fair go' means everyone gets an equal opportunity to achieve in life, whatever their background. 'Mateship' means helping others and accepting help, especially in hard times. Mutual respect and tolerance mean listening to others and respecting their views, even when you disagree.

Remember

Contributing to the community

Everyone is expected to try to support themselves and their family. Volunteering, doing social and community work without pay, is a common way to contribute to the community. English is the national language, and making an effort to learn it helps with education, work and taking part in Australian life.

Remember

Practice questions

What are the core values that underpin Australian society?

  1. Obedience to only one religion.
  2. Respect for freedom, equality and the rule of law.
  3. Speaking in only English is mandatory.
  4. Following European traditions only.

Answer: Respect for freedom, equality and the rule of law. Australian values based on freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity are central to our community.

Which of the following is an example of contributing to the Australian community?

  1. Avoiding paying taxes.
  2. Volunteering to do social and community work.
  3. Refusing to learn English.
  4. Ignoring the laws you don't like.

Answer: Volunteering to do social and community work. Volunteering is a great opportunity to contribute, share knowledge, learn new skills, and strengthen the community.

What does a 'fair go' mean in Australia?

  1. Everyone is given an equal opportunity to achieve success in life.
  2. The government provides a job for everyone.
  3. People from wealthy backgrounds have more opportunities.
  4. Only citizens have the right to work.

Answer: Everyone is given an equal opportunity to achieve success in life. Australians value equal opportunity in our society; what is often called a 'fair go'. Everyone, regardless of their background, is given an equal opportunity to achieve success in life.

What does the Australian value of 'mateship' mean?

  1. Never disagreeing with your friends.
  2. Helping and receiving help from each other, especially in times of need.
  3. Only spending time with people from your own country.
  4. Giving money to anyone who asks.

Answer: Helping and receiving help from each other, especially in times of need. Australians value 'mateship'. We help each other in times of need, such as taking a meal to an elderly neighbour or volunteering to strengthen the community.

Should people living in Australia make an effort to learn English?

  1. Yes, because it helps to get an education, a job, and better integrate into the community.
  2. No, there is no national language in Australia.
  3. No, it is optional and not important for social cohesion.
  4. Yes, but only if they want to work for the government.

Answer: Yes, because it helps to get an education, a job, and better integrate into the community. It is important to learn to speak English because it helps to get an education, a job, and better integrate into the community. It is essential for economic participation and social cohesion.

What does mutual respect and tolerance mean in Australia?

  1. Agreeing with everything the government says.
  2. Listening to others and respecting their views, even when they are different from your own.
  3. Ignoring people who have different opinions.
  4. Only respecting people from your own cultural background.

Answer: Listening to others and respecting their views, even when they are different from your own. Australia values the principles of mutual respect and tolerance. This means listening to others and respecting their views and opinions, even when they are different from your own.

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