14.4.1 What are values? Values guide how we live. Compassion strengthens bonds, and honesty builds trust, shaping personal and community identity. Differences in values can divide people, as seen in political debates, but shared values unite us. We often choose friends or connect with others through shared values, like favourite bands or teams, just as communities or even entire countries bond over common values. 14.4.2 Do unique Australian values exist? Deýning a single set of values for a diverse country like Australia is difýcult. However, terms like ‘a fair go’, ‘mateship’, ‘freedom’ and ‘equality’ are often used. All visa applicants must sign the Australian Values Statement (see FIGURE2 ).
SkillBuilder discussion Evaluating democratic institutions and systems 1. State what visa applicants must do according to the Australian Values Statement. 2. Identify the national language mentioned. 3. Discuss the rights and responsibilities of Australian citizenship. Are they fair?
FIGURE2 All new visa applicants are required to sign the Australian Values Statement. The below shows the values statement for permanent visa applicants. Australian Values Statement You must sign this statement if you are aged 18 years or over. I conýrm that I have read, or had explained to me, information provided by the Australian Government on Australian society and values. I understand that Australian society values: • respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual; • freedom of religion ...; • commitment to the rule of law ...; • parliamentary democracy ...; • equality of opportunity for all people, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, race, or national or ethnic origin; • a ‘fair go’ for all that embraces: • mutual respect; • tolerance; • compassion for those in need; • equality of opportunity for all; • the English language as the national language and as an important unifying element of Australian society. I undertake to make reasonable efforts to learn the English language, if it is not my native language. I understand that, if in the future I meet the legal qualiýcations for becoming an Australian citizen and my application is approved, I will need to pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people. Signature of Applicant
14.4.3 How well are values and traditions reþected in Australian society? Many Australians believe we are tolerant, compassionate and inclusive. Is this true?
Australia’s Social Progress Index score (one of the world’s largest curated collections of social and environmental data) has generally reþected a high level of social progress, ranking it among the top nations globally. The country is seen to excel in areas such as access to basic knowledge, personal rights and inclusiveness .
TOPIC14 Citizenship, diversity and identity 523
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