Responsibilities and Privileges

When you become an Australian citizen, you take on additional responsibilities and gain new privileges. **Responsibilities — what you 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 — voting is **compulsory** for citizens aged 18 and over • **Defend Australia** should the need arise (Defence Force service is voluntary, but the commitment to defend the nation is a responsibility) • **Serve on a jury** if called to do so **Voting** is an important responsibility, right and privilege. A referendum is a vote to change the Australian Constitution. **Jury service** — a jury is a group of ordinary Australians who listen to evidence in a court case and decide if a person is guilty or not guilty. Australian citizens on the electoral roll can be called to serve on a jury. **Privileges — what Australia gives 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 the Australian Defence Force • **Seek election to parliament** (if aged 18+ and not a dual citizen) • **Apply for an Australian passport** and re-enter Australia freely without a visa • **Ask for consular assistance** from an Australian official while overseas **Participating in Australian society** Australia encourages all citizens to actively participate in society — joining community organisations, volunteering, joining arts or cultural organisations, and participating in political life. **Paying tax** is required by law and is collected by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Taxes fund healthcare, education, defence, roads, railways and social security.