National Framework: 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 | Integrity | ![]() |
Care for self and others | Act in accordance with principles of moral and ethical conduct, ensure consistency between words and deeds | |
Doing Your Best | Respect | |
Seek to accomplish something worthy and admirable, try hard, pursue excellence | Treat others with consideration and regard, respect another person’s point of view | |
Fair Go | Responsibility | |
Pursue and protect the common good where all people are treated fairly for a just society | 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 | |
Freedom | Understanding, Tolerance and Inclusion | |
Enjoy all the rights and privileges of Australian citizenship free from unnecessary interference or control, and stand up for the rights of others | Be aware of others and their cultures, accept diversity within a democratic society, being included and including others | |
Honesty and Trustworthiness | ||
Be honest, sincere and seek the truth |