Must Read ‧ Core Concepts
Study Cheat Sheet
We've mapped out the most frequently tested and confusing facts from the official 'Our Common Bond' guide. Master these high-yield topics before testing your readiness.
Key Dates & Years
- At least 65,000 yearsAboriginal history in Australia
- 1770Captain James Cook charted the East Coast
- 26 January 1788First Fleet arrived at Sydney Cove (Australia Day)
- 1850sGold rushes began, causing a population boom
- 1 January 1901Australia became a federation
- 25 April 1915ANZACs landed at Gallipoli (Anzac Day)
- 1967Referendum to count Aboriginal peoples in the census
- 13 February 2008National Apology to the Stolen Generations
Government & Law
- 3 Levels of GovernmentFederal, State/Territory, Local
- House of Representatives151 members, where government is formed
- Senate76 senators (12 per state, 2 per territory)
- Head of StateThe King, represented by the Governor-General
- Head of GovernmentThe Prime Minister
- Highest CourtHigh Court of Australia - interprets the Constitution
- Changing the ConstitutionOnly by Referendum, requiring a Double Majority
Australian Values
- Equality under the lawNo one is above the law
- Equality of men & womenEqual rights and opportunities regardless of gender
- Freedom of speech & religionFree to express views and choose religion, within the law
- Freedom of associationRight to join or not join lawful groups (e.g. unions)
- Peaceful resolutionViolence is never acceptable, including domestic violence
- A fair goMutual respect, tolerance, and compassion for all
States, Territories & Capitals
- New South Wales (NSW)Capital: Sydney - The first colony established
- Victoria (VIC)Capital: Melbourne
- Queensland (QLD)Capital: Brisbane - The Sunshine State
- Western Australia (WA)Capital: Perth - The largest state
- South Australia (SA)Capital: Adelaide
- Tasmania (TAS)Capital: Hobart - The smallest state
- Aust. Capital Territory (ACT)Capital: Canberra - National Capital
- Northern Territory (NT)Capital: Darwin
National Symbols
- National FlowerGolden Wattle
- National AnthemAdvance Australia Fair
- National ColoursGreen and Gold
- Coat of Arms AnimalsKangaroo and Emu (cannot walk backwards)
- Australian FlagUnion Jack, Commonwealth Star (7 points), Southern Cross
- Aboriginal FlagBlack (people), Red (earth), Yellow circle (sun)
- Torres Strait Islander FlagGreen, blue, black with Dhari and 5-point star
Finished revising? Test yourself!
Take the full 45-minute, 20-question mock exam to see if you are truly ready to pass.