Values that underpin democratic life

Values and democratic society

The moral and ethical values of a society determine what people think is right and wrong. The laws of a society also reflect the values of the majority of citizens in that society. As a society changes or its values change, new laws will develop. In a democracy, citizens will pressure the government to amend or introduce new laws that better reflect the changing values of the society.

Values that underpin democratic society

Many different versions of democracy exist around the world and each version has evolved over time and continues to change. The core values of a democratic society, however, remain the same around the world. The values of liberal democracies, such as those in Europe, Britain, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia, are very similar. These, and hundreds of other countries, believe in equality and 'fair go' for all. Societies in democracies value human dignity, racial equality and value their responsibility to make the country as equal as possible.

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Tolerance, acceptance of cultural diversity, respect for others and the law, freedom of speech and religion are some other values that may exist in a democratic society. People in a democratic society expect to be involved in decision-making and need to feel that the government is being held accountable for its actions. The majority of citizens also value civility, truth-telling and respect for the law. People also realise the value of individual and collective initiative and have concern for the welfare, rights and dignity of all people.

Australian values

There has been much talk of Australian values in the last few years. The values of 'mateship', 'fair go', helping others and racial equality have been identified as being Australian values. These and other values are not uniquely Australian. Many of these values are equally important in other democracies around the world.

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The rule of law in Australia means that all citizens are equal before the law. Laws must be predictable and known to everyone. The laws must be fair and apply equally to all members of the community, including those in government. The courts must be independent of the government and be open to all.

Most people in Australia believe and value freedom of opinion, freedom of speech, freedom of information, freedom of assembly, freedom to demonstrate and freedom of association. Other values include freedom of religion, equality of men and women and a commitment to obeying local laws.

Universal adult suffrage is the right of all citizens to vote. People living in a democratic society value the right to vote. This value is one example of how laws change over time. Women and Indigenous Australians have not always been allowed to vote.

Laws in Australia (and in other democratic societies) provide fair and just treatment for all citizens. There are laws that aim to prevent discrimination based on race, skin colour, ethnic and national origin, sex, age, place of residence, sexual preference and marital status. Democratic life should mean that everyone is treated fairly and justly.

Social justice

A democratic society aims to ensure that all its citizens are protected and treated equally. A society which protects the rights of all its members is a just and fair society. Social justice has been defined as the 'ideal condition in which all members of a society have the same basic rights, securities, opportunities, obligations and social benefits'. Social justice is a value that underpins democratic life.

People in Australia and around the world have had to struggle throughout history to achieve a just and fair society. The first step for many of them has been to gain the right to elect the members of parliament in their country. Sometimes, however, this has not been the end of their struggle. Sometimes specific laws and policies have had to be changed in order for people to have full rights.

Even when all people are officially recognised as equal, inequality can continue to exist. Poverty, ill health, lack of education, poor living conditions and discrimination of all kinds can be barriers to people having true access to power and choices in society. Welfare programmes, laws and policies aim to provide disadvantaged people with access to education, health care, housing, age and disability pensions, proper wages and acceptable working conditions.

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