HASS10 C&C Protecting Australia's Democracy and Interests: Home

Australia is a representative democracy. In this political system, eligible people vote for candidates to carry out the business of governing on their behalf. Australia’s system of government—its institutions and practices—reflect British and North American traditions combined in a way that is uniquely Australian.

The Australian democracy has at its heart, the following core defining values:

• freedom of election and being elected;
• freedom of assembly and political participation;
• freedom of speech, expression and religious belief;
• rule of law; and
• other basic human rights.

For further reading, see Australia’s System of Government fact sheet.

What is Democracy?

This animated video provides a fun introduction to some of the key features of Australian democracy.

SOURCE: Aust. Human Rights Commission (2018), Posted on YouTube, Duration: 1:37 mins, URL: https://youtu.be/8Eu6G5YrBt4

Democracy in Australia: An Introduction

We begin with an overview of Australia's secular representative government and major parties, followed by a step-by-step outline of the electoral process and three levels of government. Next we explore what it means to be an Australian citizen including our duties and responsibilities, and finally we discuss how we can exercise our rights and responsibilities as Australian citizens.

SOURCE: Clickview (2010), Rating: E, Duration: 12:57 mins, URL: https://clickv.ie/w/0GAi