 Australian law. Australia is a democracy. This means that Australian citizens can vote for the people they want in the government. Australia has three types of government, local government, state and territory governments and the Australian government. Each different type of government is responsible for different things. In Australia there is separation between the head of the state, the government who makes laws and the court system which decides how laws apply to people. There are also strict laws that separate the media, police and religion from the government and court system. These laws protect our rights. All Australians enjoy freedom of religion and freedom of political expression and all people are equal under the law including both men and women. There are lots of laws in Australia including laws about the environment, noise, animals, smoking and alcohol. For example, there are very strict laws on how to treat animals. If you mistreat animals, you could get into trouble with the law. You should try to learn about the laws in Australia so that you can understand your rights and responsibilities. Australian law applies to you too. The law applies both at home and in public. Not understanding the law is not an acceptable excuse. Laws apply to everyone equally. Police. You should not be afraid of police. They are here to help. The police aim to protect life and property in the community, prevent crime and keep the peace. The police are separate from the government and the Australian Defence Forces. Police have laws which govern their power and actions. It is against the law for police to discriminate against people from different ethnic or religious backgrounds. If you have any questions about your rights or the rights of the police, ask a police officer to explain them to you. Do I have to answer any questions? Okay, asked by police? Okay, now in this country we have rights. We have three main rights, okay? If you feel at any stage when police are asking a question, you don't understand or you feel that you need someone to be present, you have the right to remain silent, you have the right to have a support person or friend or relative present, you have the right to have a solicitor. Okay, you're right. Can I ask for an interpreter? Okay, everyone has a right to ask for an interpreter. In Australia, bribery is against the law. Don't try to bribe a police officer or a government official, otherwise you will get into trouble. Domestic violence. In Australia, it is illegal to hit or threaten violence against anyone, including members of your family, at home or in public. There are support services to help victims of violence in the home for domestic violence. Support services can help men, women and their families to manage issues that contribute to domestic violence. Don't hesitate to ask a counselor or police if you need help. If you prefer, you can also report domestic violence anonymously by telephone, driving a car. You will want to eventually get a car to get around. This can take time. If you do buy a car, you need to get a license and car insurance. In Australia, getting a learner permit is the first step towards getting your driver's license. This is not a full driver's license, but it allows you to learn with another licensed person in the car. You must place L plates on the car to notify other drivers that you are learning to drive. You will be breaking the law and may be fined or sent to jail if you drive above the speed limit, drive while talking on a mobile phone, do not wear a seat belt or drive after drinking alcohol, or passengers have to wear a seat belt and small children have to be in a safety seat. If you follow the road rules, you will be okay. Police will occasionally stop cars to check driver's licenses to see if the driver has been drinking alcohol and to make sure that cars are registered, safe and roadworthy. If this does happen to you, don't panic, it is routine and the police are just doing their job. Legal aid. If you have a problem with the law, you can contact Legal Aid and ask them to explain the problem to you and advise you what to do. Robert Lakovic is a legal aid lawyer. Legal aid and community legal centers give free advice to people on low incomes. Lawyers are independent, they're not part of the government, they can give advice about your legal rights and responsibilities and sometimes take on your case. Lawyers can also give advice about employment, issues to do with discrimination, family matters such as child support, child protection, domestic violence and marriage breakdown. Lawyers can also help you with things like car accidents, neighborhood disputes and other legal matters. If you don't understand something, then it's best to seek advice, get help so that you do understand what's going on.