Rights & Responsibilities
What is a right?
A right is a legal or moral entitlement to have or do something.
What date is Australia Day held?
26th January
What is the goal of the "Make it 16" campaign?
To lower the voting age to 16
What is one reason a place name might be changed?
It may have offensive or racist origins.
What does the term “Country” mean to First Nations people?
It refers to a deep spiritual, cultural, and physical connection to land.
What is a responsibility?
A responsibility is a duty or obligation to act in a certain way.
What is the main reason some people want to change the date?
It marks the beginning of colonisation and suffering for First Nations Peoples.
What is one reason people support lowering the voting age?
Young people are informed, affected by political decisions, should have a say over policies affecting them etc.
What was the problem with the name “Moreland”?
It had links to a Jamaican slave plantation.
Why is it important to include Indigenous perspectives in decisions about place names?
To recognise their history, culture, and ongoing connection to the land
Give one example of a legal right Australians have.
Freedom of speech, right to vote, freedom of religion etc.
What does "invasion day" refer to?
A term used by many to describe January 26 from a First Nations perspective.
What is one reason people oppose lowering the voting age?
Some believe 16-year-olds lack maturity or life experience.
What does “Merri-bek” mean?
“Rocky Country” in the Woi Wurrung language.
What role do traditional languages play in naming places?
They restore cultural identity and honour traditional custodians.
Give one example of a civic responsibility and explain why it matters.
Voting – it ensures people have a say in how they are governed etc.
What does Triple J do differently now on January 26?
Moved the Hottest 100 countdown to a different day out of respect.
What age do Australians currently gain the right to vote?
Age 18
Name one place in Australia that has undergone a name change.
Ayers Rock → Uluru, Fraser Island → K’gari, Moreland → Merri-bek.
How do events like Reconciliation Week connect with the naming debate?
They raise awareness and promote healing by addressing historical injustices.
Analyse and explain how responsibilities like voting or jury duty support democracy.
They ensure fairness, accountability, and representation in society.
Analyse two different perspectives about changing the date of Australia Day.
Some believe it’s a celebration of national pride; others see it as disrespectful and want a more inclusive date.
Evaluate whether the voting age should be lowered based on what you've learned.
Open-ended: Accepts well-reasoned arguments using evidence (e.g., political awareness, engagement levels).
Analyse the benefits and challenges of renaming places with racist histories.
Benefits: promotes respect, reconciliation; Challenges: cost, backlash from some community members.
Analyse how including First Nations voices in council decisions promotes reconciliation.
It validates Indigenous experiences, builds respect, and supports truth-telling and justice.