When you become an Australian citizen, you will have additional responsibilities and privileges.
Responsibilities – what you will give Australia
As an Australian citizen you must:
- obey the laws of Australia
- vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum
- defend Australia should the need arise
- serve on jury duty if called to do so
Privileges – what Australia will give you
As an Australian citizen you can:
- vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum
- apply for children born overseas to become Australian citizens by descent
- apply for a job in the Australian Public Service or in the Australian Defence Force
- seek election to parliament
- apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely
- ask for consular assistance from an Australian official while overseas
Making a pledge
At your Australian citizenship ceremony, you will make the Australian Citizenship Pledge. In doing so, you are making a public commitment to Australia and accepting the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.
At the citizenship ceremony, you will pledge:
- your loyalty to Australia and its people
- that you will share Australia’s democratic beliefs and respect its rights and liberties
- to uphold and obey the laws of Australia
- You do not become an Australian citizen until you have made your pledge of commitment to Australia