Democracy and Australian Laws
In Victoria, deliberately releasing which party decorations into the sky is illegal because they can harm wildlife?
Balloons
True or false: Australians have limited rights when it comes to saying what they think
True
True or False: Freedom of association means Australians must join a group or organisation if asked.
False
True or false: Freedom of assembly allows Australians to protest violently if they strongly disagree with the government.
False — the freedom protects peaceful gatherings
True or false: All Australians must follow a religion.
False — Australians can choose to have no religion
True or false: Australians can generally travel between states without needing government permission.
True
Which animated Netflix film featuring a hit song won an Oscar in 2026?
KPop Demon Hunters
In Western Australia, abandoning what item on a public footpath can breach local council laws?
Shopping trollies
What is the name of the Australian document that establishes our system of government but does not explicitly guarantee a general freedom of speech?
The Australian Constitution
Name two types of groups Australians can legally join under freedom of association.
Sporting clubs, political parties, trade unions or community organisations
Name one way Australians exercise freedom of assembly to influence government decisions.
Peaceful protests, rallies, marches, sit-ins or public meetings
What term describes the principle that government and religious institutions operate separately?
Secularism
Name two everyday activities protected by freedom of movement in Australia
Travelling between states, choosing where to live or travelling overseas
Which three countries hosted the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup?
USA, Canada and Mexico
DOUBLE POINTS: In Queensland, it is illegal to keep which animal as a household pet?
Rabbit or Hamster
Name one way Australians can exercise their freedom of speech in a democracy.
Peaceful protests, social media posts, public debates or criticising the government
Identify one country where citizens cannot freely establish independent political organisations or trade unions that challenge the government.
North Korea (also accept China with an appropriate explanation)
A group of environmental activists peacefully block a major road in Perth to demand stronger action on climate change. Their protest causes significant traffic delays and prevents people from getting to work.
Is this legal? Explain why/why not.
Protesters have a right to peacefully express their views, but blocking roads may interfere with public safety and the rights of other people.
Name two ways Australians can exercise their freedom of religion.
Attending religious services, wearing religious clothing, praying or celebrating religious festivals
Name one circumstance in which the Australian Government can legally restrict a person's freedom of movement.
Public health emergencies, national security threats or certain criminal justice restrictions
What economic term describes taxes placed on imported goods, which have been a major part of Donald Trump's trade policies?
Tariffs
In Queensland, flying a drone within 100 metres of which animal can break wildlife protection laws?
Whales
Name one country where the government severely restricts freedom of speech and citizens may face imprisonment for publicly criticising political leaders
North Korea (also accept China or Iran with appropriate explanation)
A government introduces a law preventing citizens from joining political parties that oppose its policies.
What consequences could this have for Australian democracy?
It could weaken political competition, prevent citizens from organising opposition and allow the government to exercise power with less accountability.
Freedom of association is recognised under Article 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
DOUBLE POINTS: What are TWO reasons Australian authorities may legally restrict public gatherings?
Public health, public safety or preventing serious disorder/ riots/ violence
Identify a country where their legal system is based on religious teachings
Iran and Saudi Arabia
In 2020, which Australian businessman challenged Western Australia's COVID-19 border restrictions in the High Court, arguing they breached constitutional protections?
Clive Palmer
DOUBLE POINTS: Which two countries have been at war since February 2022?
Russia and Ukraine
Under historical WA laws, which everyday vegetable was once controlled by a government marketing system?
Potatoes
An Australian posts an offensive comment about a religious group on social media. They argue that freedom of speech allows them to say whatever they want.
Question: Why might freedom of speech not protect this person from legal consequences?
Australian laws can restrict certain forms of speech, including unlawful racial vilification, threats and harassment. Whether the comment is unlawful depends on its content and circumstances.
What Australian law protects workers from being fired or discriminated against because they join or refuse to join a trade union?
The Fair Work Act 2009
Freedom of Assembly is not protected under the Australian Constitution. It is protected under 2 treaties on human rights. Identify one of them.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights OR the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
In 1983, the Australian High Court recognised which controversial belief system as a religion for the purpose of a payroll tax exemption
Scientology
What international agreement recognises people's right to move freely within their country and leave their country?
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
Which country is hosting COP31, the major United Nations climate change conference in November 2026?
Türkiye (Turkey)