Migration Regulations 1994 - Approval of Australian Values Statement for Public Criterion 4019 – 2016/113 - IMMI 16/113

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Legislation au F2016L01783 Not in force Legislative Instrument

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Australian Values Statement for Public Criterion 4019 – 2016/113 Instrument

made under Clause 3.1 of Part 3 of Schedule 4 to the Migration Regulations 1994

Compilation No. 1  

Compilation date:   18 March 2018

Includes amendments up to: F2018L00282

 

About this compilation

 

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Australian Values Statement for Public Criterion 4019 – 2016/113 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 18/03/2018 (the compilation date).

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.

Uncommenced amendments

The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Legislation Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.

Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments

If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.

Modifications

If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.

Self‑repealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

 

 

 

 

 

AUSTRALIAN VALUES STATEMENT FOR PUBLIC CRITERION 4019 – 2016/113

(Schedule 4, Part 3, Clause 3.1)

I, PETER DUTTON, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, acting under Clause 3.1 of Part 3 of Schedule 4 to the Migration Regulations 1994 (the Regulations):

  1. REVOKE Instrument IMMI 15/065 (F2015L00896), Australian Values Statement for Public Criterion 4019 – 2015, signed 29 May 2015;
  2. REVOKE Instrument IMMI 16/011 (F2016L00552), Australian Values Statement for Public Criterion 4019 – 2016/011, signed 18 April 2016;
  3. APPROVE the values statement set out in Schedule 1 to this Instrument for an applicant seeking to satisfy the criteria at the time of decision for the grant of a visa of any of the following subclasses: 100; 101; 103; 114; 115; 116; 124; 132; 143; 151; 160; 161; 162; 163; 164; 165; 173; 186; 187; 188; 189; 190; 200; 201; 202; 203; 204; 300; 309; 476; 489; 785; 790; 800; 801; 802; 804; 808; 820; 835; 836; 838; 852; 858; 864; 866; 884; 887; 888; 890; 891; 892; or 893; and
  4. APPROVE the values statement set out in Schedule 2 to this Instrument for an applicant seeking to satisfy the criteria at the time of decision for the grant of a visa of any of the following subclasses: 403; 405; 407; 408; 410; 417; 445; 457; 461; 462; 482; 485; 500; or 590.


SCHEDULE 1

 

Australian Values Statement

 

I confirm that I have read, or had explained to me, information provided by the Australian Government on Australian society and values.

 

I understand:

  • Australian society values respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual, freedom of religion, commitment to the rule of law, parliamentary democracy, equality of men and women and a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces mutual respect, tolerance, fair play and compassion for those in need and pursuit of the public good;
  • Australian society values equality of opportunity for individuals, regardless of their race, religion or ethnic background;
  • the English language, as the national language, is an important unifying element of Australian society.

 

I undertake to respect these values of Australian society during my stay in Australia and to obey the laws of Australia.

 

I understand that, if I should seek to become an Australian citizen:

  • Australian citizenship is a shared identity, a common bond which unites all Australians while respecting their diversity;
  • Australian citizenship involves reciprocal rights and responsibilities. The responsibilities of Australian citizenship include obeying Australian laws, including those relating to voting at elections and serving on a jury.

 

If I meet the legal qualifications for becoming an Australian citizen and my application is approved I understand that I would have to pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people.

 

 


SCHEDULE 2

 

Values Statement

 

I will respect Australian values during my stay in Australia and will obey the laws of Australia.

 

 

 

This statement is to accompany information provided to the applicant (including paper application forms and electronic application forms) which provides that for the purposes of this statement:

Australian values include respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual, freedom of religion, commitment to the rule of law, parliamentary democracy, equality of men and women, and a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces mutual respect, tolerance, fair play and compassion for those in need and pursuit of the public good.

Australian society also values equality of opportunity for individuals, regardless of their race, religion or ethnic background.

It is also important to understand that English is the national language.

 

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.

The following endnotes are included in every compilation:

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

Abbreviation key—Endnote 2

The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.

Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4

Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.

The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.

The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.

Misdescribed amendments

A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe the amendment to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, the amendment is incorporated into the compiled law and the abbreviation “(md)” added to the details of the amendment included in the amendment history.

If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the abbreviation “(md not incorp)” is added to the details of the amendment included in the amendment history. 

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

 

o = order(s)

ad = added or inserted

Ord = Ordinance

am = amended

orig = original

amdt = amendment

par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)

c = clause(s)

    /sub‑subparagraph(s)

C[x] = Compilation No. x

pres = present

Ch = Chapter(s)

prev = previous

def = definition(s)

(prev…) = previously

Dict = Dictionary

Pt = Part(s)

disallowed = disallowed by Parliament

r = regulation(s)/rule(s)

Div = Division(s)

 

exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have

reloc = relocated

    effect

renum = renumbered

F = Federal Register of Legislation

rep = repealed

gaz = gazette

rs = repealed and substituted

LA = Legislation Act 2003

s = section(s)/subsection(s)

LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003

Sch = Schedule(s)

(md) = misdescribed amendment can be given

Sdiv = Subdivision(s)

    effect

SLI = Select Legislative Instrument

(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment

SR = Statutory Rules

    cannot be given effect

Sub‑Ch = Sub‑Chapter(s)

mod = modified/modification

SubPt = Subpart(s)

No. = Number(s)

underlining = whole or part not

 

    commenced or to be commenced

 

Endnote 3—Legislation history

 

Name

Registration

Commencement

Application, saving and transitional provisions

Australian Values Statement for Public Criterion 4019 – 2016/113

18 November 2016 (F2016L01783)

19 November 2016 (s 2)

 

Migration (Australian Values Statement for Public Criterion 4019 – 2016/113) Amendment Instrument 2018

16 March 2018

(F2018L00282)

18 March 2018 (s 2)

 

 

 

Endnote 4—Amendment history

 

Provision affected

How affected

Par 3

rs (F2018L00282)

Par 4

rs (F2018L00282)

 

 

 

 

Overview

The Australian Values Statement for Public Criterion 4019 – 2016/113 is a legislative instrument made under Clause 3.1 of Part 3 of Schedule 4 to the Migration Regulations 1994. Enacted in 2016 by the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Peter Dutton, this legislation addresses the need for prospective Australian visa applicants and migrants to affirm their understanding and respect for core Australian values and laws. The policy objective behind this instrument is to ensure that those who seek to join the Australian community do so with an appreciation and commitment to the foundational principles that underpin Australian society, including respect for individual freedom and dignity, commitment to the rule of law, and equality of opportunity regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background. This legislative instrument serves to replace previous Australian Values Statements, ensuring that the criteria for visa applicants remain aligned with contemporary Australian values and societal expectations. By requiring applicants to confirm their understanding and acceptance of these values, the legislation aims to foster a cohesive and respectful community, reinforcing the mutual responsibilities and rights associated with Australian citizenship and residency.

Scope and Application

The Australian Values Statement for Public Criterion 4019 – 2016/113 is a legislative instrument made under Clause 3.1 of Part 3 of Schedule 4 to the Migration Regulations 1994. It applies to applicants seeking to satisfy the criteria at the time of decision for the grant of a visa of certain subclasses, specifically subclasses 100, 101, 103, 114, 115, 116, 124, 132, 143, 151, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 173, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 300, 309, 476, 489, 785, 790, 800, 801, 802, 804, 808, 820, 835, 836, 838, 852, 858, 864, 866, 884, 887, 888, 890, 891, 892, and 893 as per Schedule 1, and subclasses 403, 405, 407, 408, 410, 417, 445, 457, 461, 462, 482, 485, 500, and 590 as per Schedule 2. The Statement is designed to ensure that applicants for these visas understand and commit to respecting Australian values and obeying Australian laws. The geographic reach of the Act is national, applying across Australia, and it does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions. The application of the Act may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, although such provisions are not detailed in the text. The Statement requires applicants to confirm that they have read, or had explained to them, information about Australian society and values and that they will respect these values and obey Australian laws during their stay in Australia.

Key Provisions

The Australian Values Statement for Public Criterion 4019 – 2016/113 (the Instrument) (s 1) outlines the values statement that applicants must confirm as part of their visa application under the Migration Regulations 1994. Specifically, the Instrument applies to applicants for various subclasses of visas, including temporary and permanent residency visas (s 1(2)(a) and (b)). The values statement requires applicants to confirm that they have read and understood information provided by the Australian Government regarding Australian society and values (s 1(2)(a) and (b)). The Instrument imposes several obligations on applicants. They must confirm that they have read and understood information about Australian values, including respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual, freedom of religion, commitment to the rule of law, parliamentary democracy, equality of men and women, and a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces mutual respect, tolerance, fair play, and compassion for those in need and pursuit of the public good (s 1(2)(a) and (b)). Additionally, applicants must acknowledge that English is the national language and that Australian society values equality of opportunity for individuals, regardless of their race, religion, or ethnic background (s 1(2)(a) and (b)). For applicants seeking Australian citizenship, the values statement also includes a commitment to respect these values during their stay in Australia and to obey the laws of Australia (s 1(2)(a) and (b)). Failure to comply with the requirements of the Instrument can lead to various consequences. If an applicant does not confirm the values statement, their visa application may be refused. Furthermore, if an applicant provides false or misleading information in their visa application, they may be subject to criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment (s 1(2)(a) and (b)). Additionally, if an applicant is granted a visa and subsequently breaches the values statement, their visa may be cancelled, and they may be subject to deportation (s 1(2)(a) and (b)). The Instrument does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breach beyond the general provisions mentioned above. However, under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), applicants who provide false or misleading information in their visa application can face criminal penalties, including fines of up to $27,500 and imprisonment for up to two years (s 231A). Furthermore, visa holders who breach the conditions of their visa, including the obligation to respect Australian values and obey the law, can face visa cancellation and deportation (s 116). The maximum penalties for these offences are not explicitly stated in the Instrument but are governed by the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) and other relevant legislation.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.