Nine Values for Australian Schooling

Nine Values for Australian Schooling were identified for the National Framework for Values Education in Australian Schools. They emerged from Australian school communities and the National Goals for Schooling in the Twenty-First Century. They are presented below in alphabetical order and not in any rank order of importance.

These shared values such as respect and 'fair go' are part of Australia's common democratic way of life, which includes equality, freedom and the rule of law. They reflect our commitment to a multicultural and environmentally sustainable society where all are entitled to justice.

Individual schools will develop their own approaches to values education in partnership with their local school communities, including students, parents, caregivers, families and teachers. These approaches should be consistent with the National Framework for Values Education in Australian Schools and with their State/Territory policy.

Care and Compassion
Care for self and others

Doing Your Best
Seek to accomplish something worthy and admirable,
try hard, pursue excellence

Fair Go
Pursue and protect the common good where all people
are treated fairly for a just society

Freedom
Enjoy all the rights and privileges of Australian
citizenship free from unnecessary interference or
control, and stand up for the rights of others

Honesty and Trustworthiness
Be honest, sincere and seek the truth

Integrity
Act in accordance with principles of moral and ethical
conduct, ensure consistency between words and deeds

Respect
Treat others with consideration and regard, respect
another person’s point of view

Responsibility
Be accountable for one’s own actions, resolve
differences in constructive, non-violent and peaceful
ways, contribute to society and to civic life, take care of
the environment

Understanding, Tolerance and Inclusion
Be aware of others and their cultures, accept diversity
within a democratic society, being included and
including others


See