People
Introduction
A message to you
Congratulations on choosing to become an Australian citizen. It takes courage, endeavour and commitment to live in a new country and participate fully as a citizen. We value your contribution to our peaceful and democratic society.
Australian citizenship is a privilege offering enormous rewards. By becoming an Australian citizen, you are joining a unique national community. Our country has been built on the contributions of our Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander peoples, the democratic institutions we inherited from Britain, and migrants from all over the world.We celebrate our diversity, and at the same time strive for a unified and harmonious nation.
A strength of the Australian community is that we work together to solve problems and shape Australia’s future.We have a stable system of government, and Australians respect the authority and laws of the government. Our stability, our culture and our laws have been shaped by our history. By joining the Australian community, you will add to Australia’s story and you will be in a position to help shape it.
Australia is an ancient land. It is vast and unique. It is a country of rainforests and woodlands; of beaches and deserts; and of cities and farms. Our Indigenous cultures are the oldest continuous cultures in the world.We are also a young nation; a nation of migrants. European settlement in Australia began in 1788 and we continue to welcome new migrants today.
People from more than 200 countries have made Australia their home. As a result, our society is one of the most diverse in the world. Australia successfully combines ethnic and cultural diversity with national unity.Citizenship is the common bond uniting us all.
Australia is a democracy. Citizenship gives you the opportunity to participate fully in building our democratic nation. It means that you are ready to fulfil your responsibilities as a formal member of the Australian community.Australians believe in shared values such as the dignity and freedom of each person, equal opportunity for men and women, and the Rule of Law. Australian citizenship is about living out these values in everyday life.
The Australian Citizenship Pledge
It is important for all Australian citizens to understand our responsibilities and privileges and what it means to be a citizen, whether we are Australian by birth or by choice. This is critical to the continuing success of our nation.
When you attend 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.
This is the pledge you will make:
From this time forward, under God,*
I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,
whose democratic beliefs I share,
whose rights and liberties I respect, and
whose laws I will uphold and obey.