Our democratic beliefs

The yarn

• Australia's system of government is a parliamentary democracy. The power of the government comes from the Australian people, because citizens vote for people to represent them in parliament.
• Representatives in parliament must answer to the people, through elections, for the decisions they make.
• The Rule of Law means no person, group or religious rule is above the law — including government, community and religious leaders, business people and the police.
• Australians believe change should occur through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process. We reject violence as a way to change a person's mind or the law.
• Every individual, regardless of background, has rights and equality under Australian law. All Australians are expected to treat each other with dignity and respect, regardless of race, country of origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, heritage, culture, politics, wealth or religion.