Australian Value Statement and its Importance.

One of the most significant of phrases “Australian Values” is considered an integral part of Australian life. According to the internal meaning of the phrase, it promotes unity while at the same time, it endorses adaptation and exclusion. Even though it is difficult to really define the meaning of Australian Value Statement, there have been attempts to logically explain what actually constitutes Australian Value Statement and its importance.

According to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, the meaning of Australian Value Statement is “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 men and women and a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces mutual respect, tolerance, fair play and compassion for those in need and pursuit of the public good Australian society values equality of opportunity for individuals, regardless of their race, religion or ethnic background The English language, as the national language, is an important unifying element of Australian society”

Some of the most significant values that Australians regard and respect include:

• Fair play.
• Tolerance.
• Freedom to practice religion.
• Compassion for the needy.
• Equality of opportunity irrespective of gender.
• The interest of public welfare.
• The egalitarianism outlook.

Most of the values mentioned above may not relate to Australia alone as most of them seem to be a common value statement for most countries around the world especially the democratic countries. However, in Australia, the Australian Value Statement and its importance is given due consideration.

There are many other values and principles that Australians, as citizens of the country, are expected to maintain and they include:

1. Australians maintain that anything that is no longer of use to individuals can discard it in the front of their homes. Anyone who feels they would benefit with the discarded item is free to take it and own it. This value is safeguarded by all Australians and is followed by them.
2. When traveling by a taxi, Australians are expected to sit in the front seat rather than the at the rear seat. This egalitarian principle is maintained by all even in their day to day lives.
3. Creativity and creative thinking is not too well accepted in the Australian value system and anyone who is imaginative and innovative is usually seen with suspicion. Thinking “out of the box” is definitely not only of Australian values.

The Australian Values Statement has two versions and the version that you accept to sign depend on the kind of visa you have applied for. The difference in the two versions is as follows:

The Temporary Visa: Those applying for a temporary visa needs to sign the following Australian Values Statement.

“I will respect Australian values as listed on this form, during my stay in Australia and will obey the laws of Australia.”

The Permanent visa or the Provisional Visa: The Australian Values Statement for the permanent and the Provisional Visas is as follows:

I confirm that I have read, or had explained to me, information provided by the Australian Government on Australian society and values.

I understand:

• 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 men and women and a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces mutual respect, tolerance, fair play and compassion for those in need and pursuit of the public good.
• Australian society values equality of opportunity for individuals, regardless of their race, religion or ethnic background.
• The English language, as the national language, is an important unifying element of Australian society.

I undertake to respect these values of Australian society during my stay in Australia and to obey the laws of Australia.

I understand that, if I should seek to become an Australian citizen:

• Australian citizenship is a shared identity, a common bond which unites all Australians while respecting their diversity.
• Australian citizenship involves reciprocal rights and responsibilities. The responsibilities of Australian Citizenship include obeying Australian laws, including those relating to voting at elections and serving on a jury.

If I meet the legal qualifications for becoming an Australian citizen and my application is approved I understand that I would have to pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people.

When applying for an Australian visa online, the applicant is usually asked to press a button “yes / no” regarding the Australian Value Statement. The applicant as well as all the other dependents of the applicant is expected to accept the Australian Value Statement and follow it.