People currently outside Australia who are applying for a Humanitarian visa are required to sign the values statement at interview. These applicants will not be expected to have read the Life in Australia book, as the contents of the book will be explained to them at interview. This different process recognises the difficult circumstances often faced by Humanitarian visa applicants outside Australia.

There is a small group of visas that do not require the Australian Values Statement. This group includes and is not limited to:

Visitor visas

New Zealand citizens entering Australian on a special category visa

To find out more about the Australian Values Statement requirement for a particular visa:
See: Values Statement Visa Selector

What are the Australian values?

Australian values include:

respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual

equality of men and women

freedom of religion

commitment to the rule of law

support for Parliamentary democracy

a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces mutual respect, tolerance, fair play, compassion for those in need and pursuit of the public good

equal opportunity for individuals, regardless of their race, religion or ethnic background

Although these values may be expressed differently by different people, their meaning stays the same. The values may not be unique to Australia, but they have broad community agreement and underpin Australian society and culture.

The Life in Australia book contains information about Australian history, culture and social structures, designed to help you understand Australian values before you sign the values statement on your visa application.
See:
Life in Australia book

Australian Values Statement - Provisional and Permanent

You must sign this statement if you are aged 18 years or over.

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.

Signature of Applicant

Australian Values Statement – Temporary

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

This values statement is included in the general declaration section of the visa application, so signing the application form means that the values statement has also been signed. These applicants will not be required to have read the Life in Australia book