Responsibilities of citizenship

The yarn

• As an Australian citizen you must: obey the laws of Australia; vote in federal and state or territory elections and in a referendum; defend Australia should the need arise; and serve on a jury if called to do so.
• Voting is compulsory in federal and state or territory elections for citizens aged 18 years or over. It may not be compulsory in local government elections in some states.
• A referendum is a vote to change the Australian Constitution.
• Service in the Australian Defence Force is voluntary, but defending Australia should the need arise is a responsibility of citizenship.
• Jury service, if requested, is a responsibility for citizens aged 18 or over. Citizens on the electoral roll can be called. A jury listens to the evidence and decides if a person is guilty or not guilty.
• Paying tax is required by law and funds services like healthcare, education, defence, roads and social security. Tax is collected by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).