Mateship and a Fair Go: Understanding the Australian Spirit
What Australians mean by mateship and a fair go, where these ideas come from, and how they connect to the values in the citizenship test.
Ask Australians what makes their country special, and you will often hear two phrases: mateship and a fair go. These ideas describe the kind of society Australians aspire to — one where people look out for each other and everyone gets a fair chance. They also connect closely to the values covered in the citizenship test.
What Is Mateship?
A "mate" is a friend. Mateship means loyalty, friendship and support — especially in difficult times. It is about standing by others, helping people in need, and working together, often with people you do not know well.
The idea has deep roots. It is associated with the early settlers who relied on each other in harsh conditions, and especially with the Anzacs in the First World War, whose courage and loyalty to each other became part of Australia's national identity.
Mateship Today
You can see mateship in everyday Australian life:
- Volunteering — millions of Australians volunteer with sporting clubs, schools, charities and emergency services
- Disaster response — communities come together after bushfires, floods and droughts; volunteer firefighters and the State Emergency Service rely on ordinary citizens
- Helping neighbours — checking in on older people, sharing tools, and supporting families in hard times
What Is a Fair Go?
A "fair go" means that everyone deserves a fair and equal chance, regardless of their background, wealth or where they come from. What you achieve in life should depend on your effort and talents — not on your family name, social class, or the colour of your skin.
This idea is linked to the Australian values of equality of opportunity and a spirit of egalitarianism, which the official citizenship booklet describes as embracing mutual respect, tolerance, fair play, and compassion for those in need.
A Fair Go in Practice
- Everyone is equal before the law
- People are judged by what they do, not who they are
- Public services like schooling and healthcare aim to give everyone opportunities
- Discrimination is unlawful in many areas of life
- Australians tend to be informal — people often use first names, and there is less emphasis on titles and status
How These Ideas Connect to the Test
You may not see the exact words "mateship" or "fair go" in every test question, but the ideas behind them run through the values questions. When a question asks how Australians should treat others, look for the answer that reflects:
- Equal opportunity for everyone
- Mutual respect and tolerance
- Fair play
- Compassion for people in need
Becoming Part of the Community
For new citizens, living these values is simple: get involved. Join a local sports club, volunteer at a school or community event, help a neighbour, or support someone who has just arrived in Australia — just as someone may once have helped you. Many Vietnamese Australians who arrived with very little remember the kindness of volunteers and neighbours, and now give that support to others.
Study Together, Pass Together
In the spirit of mateship, why not study with a friend or family member? CitiZen AU makes it easy to practise Australian values and other categories in English and Vietnamese, take mock tests, and track how each of you is improving.