Study guide
Australia and its people: dates and ideas to know
The people, settlement, migration, federation and national symbols covered in Part 1 of the testable booklet.
Build the sequence first
Part 1 covers a defined set of civic knowledge. Learn the sequence below, then connect it to the states and territories, national days, flags and symbols in the booklet.
Tap through the key dates and periods
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are Australia’s first inhabitants. Their cultures are among the oldest continuing cultures in the world, with distinct languages, traditions and connections to Country.
The First Fleet arrived from Great Britain in 1788 and established a British colony in New South Wales. Other colonies developed separately. This date belongs in the testable chronology, alongside the severe effects of colonisation on First Peoples.
Gold was discovered in the colonies in 1851. The gold rushes brought people from many parts of the world, increased the population and contributed to economic development.
The six self-governing colonies united as states in the Commonwealth of Australia on 1 January 1901. The Constitution set the basic rules for the new national government.
Migration expanded after the Second World War and Australia developed as a culturally diverse society. English is the national language, while people are free to maintain cultural and religious traditions that comply with Australian law.
The booklet includes the 1967 referendum, when Australians voted to change constitutional provisions affecting Aboriginal peoples. It also explains the continuing importance of First Peoples, citizenship, democratic participation and national belonging.
National symbols and days
Learn what each symbol represents rather than only recognising its picture. The Australian National Flag includes the Union Jack, Commonwealth Star and Southern Cross. The Australian Aboriginal Flag and Torres Strait Islander Flag have their own elements and meanings. The Commonwealth Coat of Arms identifies the authority and property of the Commonwealth, while the golden wattle, green and gold, opal and Advance Australia Fair are also named in the booklet.
Distinguish Australia Day on 26 January from Anzac Day on 25 April. The booklet explains the different meaning of each day. Read the current official wording, especially where the history carries different experiences and perspectives.
Geography worth knowing
Be able to match the six states and two mainland territories with their capitals and identify the national features named in the booklet. Keep your geography practice within that material so it supports the test rather than adding unrelated facts.