The Australian Citizenship Pledge: Both Versions and What They Mean
The full text of both versions of the Australian Citizenship Pledge, what each line means, and how to choose the version that is right for you.
The moment you become an Australian citizen is the moment you make the Australian Citizenship Pledge at your citizenship ceremony. It is a short statement — just one sentence — but every phrase carries meaning. Understanding it will make your ceremony more meaningful, and it also helps with several test questions.
The Two Versions of the Pledge
There are two versions of the pledge. They are identical except for two words. You choose which one you would like to make.
Version 1 (with reference to God)
"From this time forward, under God, I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey."
Version 2 (without reference to God)
"From this time forward, I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey."
Why Are There Two Versions?
Australia respects freedom of religion, including the freedom to have no religion. Offering two versions of the pledge means that every new citizen can make a commitment that is sincere and consistent with their own beliefs. Neither version is more "official" or more valuable than the other. Both have exactly the same legal effect.
What Each Part Means
"From this time forward"
The pledge marks a new beginning. From the moment you say these words, you are an Australian citizen with all the privileges and responsibilities that brings.
"I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people"
Your loyalty is to the nation and to the Australian community — all the people who share this country, whatever their background.
"Whose democratic beliefs I share"
You commit to Australia's democratic system: parliamentary democracy, the rule of law, living peacefully, and respect for all individuals regardless of background.
"Whose rights and liberties I respect"
You agree to respect the freedoms that Australians enjoy — such as freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom of religion — and to respect those same freedoms for others.
"Whose laws I will uphold and obey"
You commit to follow Australian law. In Australia, no one is above the law, and everyone is equal before it.
The Pledge in the Citizenship Test
The official booklet Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond explains that the pledge is a commitment to Australia's democratic beliefs, rights and liberties, and laws. Test questions may ask what you are promising when you make the pledge, so it is worth understanding the four key commitments:
- Loyalty to Australia and its people
- Sharing Australia's democratic beliefs
- Respecting Australians' rights and liberties
- Upholding and obeying Australian laws
Practising the Pledge
At the ceremony, the presiding officer usually reads the pledge aloud in short phrases and new citizens repeat each phrase together. You do not need to memorise it — but many people like to practise it at home so that they can say it with confidence and feeling. Some families practise together with children, which can make the day even more special.
Ready for the Test Before the Pledge
You will only reach the pledge after passing the citizenship test. CitiZen AU helps you get there with practice questions on democratic beliefs, rights and liberties, government and law, and Australian values — explained in both English and Vietnamese.