Commonwealth of Australia
 
Migration Regulations 1994
 
 
AUSTRALIAN VALUES STATEMENT FOR PUBLIC INTEREST CRITERION 4019
(Schedule 4, Part 3, Clause 3.1)  
 
I, CHRIS BOWEN, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, acting under clause 3.1 of Part 3 of Schedule 4 to the Migration Regulations 1994 (‘the Regulations’):
 
1.      REVOKE Instrument IMMI 12/016 signed on 12 June 2012 approving values statements for the purposes of applicants seeking to satisfy criteria for the grant of a visa; AND
 
2.      APPROVE the values statement set out in Schedule A to this Instrument for the purpose of applicants seeking to satisfy the criteria for the grant of a visa of the following subclasses: 100; 101; 103; 110; 114; 115; 116; 119; 120; 121; 124; 132; 143; 151; 160; 161; 162; 163; 164; 165; 173; 175; 176; 186; 187; 188; 189; 190; 200; 201; 202; 203; 204; 300; 309; 310; 447; 451; 475; 476; 485; 487; 489; 785; 800; 801; 802; 804; 814; 820; 826; 835; 836; 838; 845; 846; 852; 855; 856; 857; 858; 864; 866; 884; 885; 886; 887; 888; 890; 891; 892; or 893; AND
 
3.      APPROVE the values statements set out in Schedule B to this Instrument for the purpose of applicants seeking to satisfy the criteria for the grant of a visa of the following subclasses: 401; 402; 403; 405; 410; 411; 415; 416; 417; 418; 419; 420; 421; 422; 423; 426; 427; 428; 442; 445; 457; 461; 462; 470; 570; 571; 572; 573; 574; 575; 576; 580; or 787.
 
This Instrument, IMMI 12/081, commences on 24 November 2012, immediately after the commencement of Migration Legislation Amendment Regulation 2012 (No. 4).
 
Dated 9 November 2012
 
CHRIS BOWEN
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
 
 
[NOTE 1: Subclause 3.1(1) of Part 3 of Schedule 4 to the Regulations provides that for public interest criterion 4019, the Minister must, by instrument in writing, approve one or more values statements for the subclasses of visas specified in the instrument.]
Schedule A
 
 
 
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 B
 
Values Statement
 
I will respect Australian values during my stay in Australia and will obey the laws of Australia.
 
 
 
This statement must be accompanied by information available to the applicant, including on 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.