Criminal and traffic law
Everyone in Australia must know and obey the law. This topic covers domestic and family violence, and the road rules set by states and territories, such as licences, seatbelts, mobile phones and drink driving.
What to remember
- Not knowing the law is no excuse.
- Domestic and family violence (including controlling behaviour and threats) is against the law, whether committed by a man or a woman.
- Road rules are set by states and territories: you need a licence and a registered car, everyone wears a seatbelt, and hand-held phones and drink or drug driving are illegal.
Sample questions
If you break an Australian law that you did not know about, can you be charged?Show answer
- No, ignorance of the law is a full defence
- No, new migrants are exempt for one year
- Yes, not knowing the law is no excuse
Yes, not knowing the law is no excuse. If you break an Australian law that you did not know about, you could be charged, as not knowing the law is no excuse.
Which of these is described as domestic and family violence?Show answer
- Behaviour or threats that aim to control a partner by causing fear
- A couple deciding to divorce
- A peaceful disagreement between partners
Behaviour or threats that aim to control a partner by causing fear. Domestic and family violence includes behaviour or threats that aim to control a partner by causing fear or threatening their safety. It is against the law.
Which of these can be a form of domestic and family violence?Show answer
- Disagreeing respectfully about where to live
- Isolating a family member from their friends and family
- Helping a family member find a job
Isolating a family member from their friends and family. Domestic and family violence can include hitting, isolating a family member from friends and family, or threatening children or pets.
Source: Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, p. 32. Read the full booklet on the Home Affairs website.