Library Guides: Civics & Citizenship: Home

Source: Wikimedia Commons

What does it mean to be a citizen and display citizenship? What are your rights, responsibilities and privileges as a resident or citizen of Australia? Read through the topics at the top of the page and the resources below to learn more about civics and citizenship in Australia.

Human rights in Australia (Australian Human Rights Commission, n.d.)
Human rights are an important part of our lives. In fact, they are so much a part of everyday living that we often take them for granted. Consider how often you drink clean water, eat food, go to school, say or write what you think, get treated by a doctor, practice a religion (or not), or expect to be treated fairly by others. All of these everyday activities depend on the adequate protection of your human rights, and the rights of others. Read through this website to learn more about human rights in Australia.
Learn about being an Australian citizen (Department of Home Affairs, n.d.)
This website will give you information on the rights, responsibilities and privileges that come with being an Australian citizen. It also looks at Australian values and how you can embody them.

Inside the Parliament of Victoria
Publication Date: 2007
A guide for teachers, senior students and members of the public which aims to help them interpret what they see if they visit Parliament House or take a virtual tour on Parliament's website. It will also help readers to understand what Parliament does, who the people involved in its activities are, and its role in the Victorian and Australian system of government.
Federal government by Stella Tarakson
Publication Date: 2011
Looks at Australia's current federal system of government, including the background to its formation, the roles of important people and groups, how the government serves the public, how the House of Representatives and the Senate operate, and how the voting process works for both houses.