Booklet delays citizenship test
by Cath Hart, the Weekend Australian
THE introduction of a citizenship test has been delayed because the federal Government has yet to complete a booklet on which questions about Australia's history and values will be based.
The citizenship bill is now likely to be introduced in the May session of parliament.
Despite the revised timeline, Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews said he was confident the test would be ready before the federal election later this year, saying it would be introduced by "September or October".
"The bill was due to be introduced this session; we were always working on the material but we haven't quite got the material," he said. "We're getting a lot of work done in relation to the values and traditions so hopefully by mid-April we'll have most of the first draft together.
"My view was that it was best to have the material and the bill together because if we just put the bill in people would probably say: 'OK, we're going to have a test but what is it? What is this material that they're going to be tested on or expected to know?"'
The Government announced in December that it would introduce a citizenship test on basic aspects of Australian society and values, as well as an English language component.
The test will include an oral component and a computer-based test of 30 questions drawn randomly from a pool of 200 questions.
It will be based on the existing Australian Migrant English Program syllabus, which covers legal and political matters, landmarks and national symbols, reconciliation and the rights and responsibilities of being a citizen.
MPs and community groups are eager to see the booklet because it will form the basis of the multiple choice questions prospective citizens will be asked.
Mr Andrews said Macquarie University in Sydney was preparing the resources on values, which included material on "the rule of law, the fact that we live in what I'd call a secular legal regime, the place of courts and respect for courts (and that) men and women are equal".
Mr Andrews said he was involved in compiling material about the history of Australia.
"There's a short potted history of Australia I suppose which I'm taking a hands-on interest in and doing some work on myself - history was one of the subjects I did my arts degree major in, so I have an ongoing interest in history," he said.
Another issue to be resolved before the test is introduced is where prospective citizens will be able to sit the examination.
Mr Andrews said he was considering having the test administered by existing government agencies such as Medicare and Centrelink.
THE introduction of a citizenship test has been delayed because the federal Government has yet to complete a booklet on which questions about Australia's history and values will be based.
The citizenship bill is now likely to be introduced in the May session of parliament.
Despite the revised timeline, Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews said he was confident the test would be ready before the federal election later this year, saying it would be introduced by "September or October".
"The bill was due to be introduced this session; we were always working on the material but we haven't quite got the material," he said. "We're getting a lot of work done in relation to the values and traditions so hopefully by mid-April we'll have most of the first draft together.
"My view was that it was best to have the material and the bill together because if we just put the bill in people would probably say: 'OK, we're going to have a test but what is it? What is this material that they're going to be tested on or expected to know?"'
The Government announced in December that it would introduce a citizenship test on basic aspects of Australian society and values, as well as an English language component.
The test will include an oral component and a computer-based test of 30 questions drawn randomly from a pool of 200 questions.
It will be based on the existing Australian Migrant English Program syllabus, which covers legal and political matters, landmarks and national symbols, reconciliation and the rights and responsibilities of being a citizen.
MPs and community groups are eager to see the booklet because it will form the basis of the multiple choice questions prospective citizens will be asked.
Mr Andrews said Macquarie University in Sydney was preparing the resources on values, which included material on "the rule of law, the fact that we live in what I'd call a secular legal regime, the place of courts and respect for courts (and that) men and women are equal".
Mr Andrews said he was involved in compiling material about the history of Australia.
"There's a short potted history of Australia I suppose which I'm taking a hands-on interest in and doing some work on myself - history was one of the subjects I did my arts degree major in, so I have an ongoing interest in history," he said.
Another issue to be resolved before the test is introduced is where prospective citizens will be able to sit the examination.
Mr Andrews said he was considering having the test administered by existing government agencies such as Medicare and Centrelink.
Debate on citizenship test
THE NSW Opposition Leader, Peter Debnam, has weighed into the debate on Australian values with a pledge to overhaul multiculturalism and ensure that ethnic communities "embrace a common Australia".
In an Australia Day speech to be delivered tomorrow at Sutherland, Mr Debnam says an extreme form of politically correct multiculturalism has led to "cultural segregation" and poses a serious threat to society's openness.
He has pledged to "take back multiculturalism for mainstream Australia" and promote policies that "celebrate what we share as Australians first".
"Political correctness has hijacked and marginalised multiculturalism … driving wedges into our community, rather than bringing Australians together," he says.
"Australians are fed up with seeing the problems of other nations played out on our own streets … Becoming an Australian citizen does not give you the right to a patch of land where you simply recreate your old country in the new."
Mr Debnam's emphasis on "practical multiculturalism" follows a decision this week by the Prime Minister, John Howard, to rename the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs as the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Mr Howard said he was not trying to "kick multiculturalism" but place an emphasis on integration.
Mr Debnam's speech, to be delivered near the scene of the Cronulla riots, is likely to appeal to voters in nearby electorates such as Miranda and Menai which the Opposition is targeting as Labor-held seats it can win at the March election.
"In all my years coming to the Shire, it was clear this had been brewing for years - and was left to fester," he says.
Mr Debnam, who has accused the Government of failing to act against Middle Eastern criminals, says allowing communities to "overtly differentiate themselves … light[s] the fuse to more conflicts".
He will use the speech to announce a $6 million program to encourage students from different backgrounds to work together on charity programs.
"There is no doubt that some communities have found it more difficult to integrate," Mr Debnam told the Herald. "This is not targeted at one ethnic group. It could also involve city and outback kids or people from different metropolitan areas."
Mr Debnam also plans to give year 6 students a values and civics exam based on the proposed federal citizenship test.
In a sample test provided by the Herald, Mr Debnam scored 8 out of 10. He failed to name the first prime minister or recite the oft-forgotten second verse of Advance Australia Fair.
While expressing embarrassment about his failure to name Edmund Barton, he was less apologetic about his inability to remember the entire anthem: "I defy anyone to get that. I can never remember it without having it in front of me."
Citizenship test backed
AUSTRALIANS overwhelmingly support a test for
citizenship that includes not only an English language
test but also questions about our history and way of
life.
Despite fears that a proposed citizenship quiz for migrants using English would discriminate against non-English speakers, more than three-quarters of Australians agree there should be such a test.
According to a Newspoll survey, taken exclusively for The Australian last weekend, 77 per cent of respondents agreed there should be a test on language, Australia and our way of life.
A majority, 53 per cent, supported the idea "strongly" and only 19 per cent were against such a test.
During the past two weeks, when the proposed citizenship test and the issue of "Australian values" have dominated the political debate, the Coalition's support has improved but the ALP still holds a clear margin on two-party preferences.
The Coalition's primary vote rose two percentage points to 41per cent and Labor's vote went from 41 to 42 per cent.
Although Kim Beazley faced strong criticism from within his own ranks over his support for a citizenship test, the ALP has kept a 53 to 47 per cent lead over the Coalition on second preferences.
The Prime Minister and Opposition Leader both supported a citizenship test that involved a quiz on Australian values.
The Government has released a discussion paper, which raises the prospect of doubling the citizenship qualifying period to four years and demanding that migrants sit a quiz that tests English language as well as a knowledge of Australian history and institutions.
The Government has not put forward a draft test but Mr Howard said it would not be "a tablet from the mountain" and there would be a commonsense approach taken.
Mr Beazley has backed off from his earlier suggestion that visitors to Australia, including tourists, would have to sign a pledge on their visas upholding Australian values. After being criticised within his own party for the suggestion, Mr Beazley said any such test would apply to people intending to be "permanent residents".
The Newspoll survey found clear majority support for a detailed citizenship test in every demographic group, with the highest levels of support among the oldest voters and Coalition supporters.
Nine out of 10 Coalition supporters backed the idea of a test and only 7 per cent were against. The lowest levels of support were among those aged 18-34 and Labor voters, both on 70 per cent.
Regional areas showed strong support, with 80 per cent backing a citizenship test with an English component, compared with 75per cent in the capital cities.
It is possible the leaders' support for a citizenship test lifted voters' opinions, with Mr Howard's satisfaction rising from 45 to 47 per cent and his dissatisfaction falling to a three-month low of 41 per cent. Mr Beazley's satisfaction went from 31 to 32 per cent and dissatisfaction fell from 53 to 51 per cent.
Mr Howard maintained his two-to-one lead over Mr Beazley as the preferred prime minister, 52 per cent to 26 per cent.
Dennis Shanahan, Political editor
The Australian
Despite fears that a proposed citizenship quiz for migrants using English would discriminate against non-English speakers, more than three-quarters of Australians agree there should be such a test.
According to a Newspoll survey, taken exclusively for The Australian last weekend, 77 per cent of respondents agreed there should be a test on language, Australia and our way of life.
A majority, 53 per cent, supported the idea "strongly" and only 19 per cent were against such a test.
During the past two weeks, when the proposed citizenship test and the issue of "Australian values" have dominated the political debate, the Coalition's support has improved but the ALP still holds a clear margin on two-party preferences.
The Coalition's primary vote rose two percentage points to 41per cent and Labor's vote went from 41 to 42 per cent.
Although Kim Beazley faced strong criticism from within his own ranks over his support for a citizenship test, the ALP has kept a 53 to 47 per cent lead over the Coalition on second preferences.
The Prime Minister and Opposition Leader both supported a citizenship test that involved a quiz on Australian values.
The Government has released a discussion paper, which raises the prospect of doubling the citizenship qualifying period to four years and demanding that migrants sit a quiz that tests English language as well as a knowledge of Australian history and institutions.
The Government has not put forward a draft test but Mr Howard said it would not be "a tablet from the mountain" and there would be a commonsense approach taken.
Mr Beazley has backed off from his earlier suggestion that visitors to Australia, including tourists, would have to sign a pledge on their visas upholding Australian values. After being criticised within his own party for the suggestion, Mr Beazley said any such test would apply to people intending to be "permanent residents".
The Newspoll survey found clear majority support for a detailed citizenship test in every demographic group, with the highest levels of support among the oldest voters and Coalition supporters.
Nine out of 10 Coalition supporters backed the idea of a test and only 7 per cent were against. The lowest levels of support were among those aged 18-34 and Labor voters, both on 70 per cent.
Regional areas showed strong support, with 80 per cent backing a citizenship test with an English component, compared with 75per cent in the capital cities.
It is possible the leaders' support for a citizenship test lifted voters' opinions, with Mr Howard's satisfaction rising from 45 to 47 per cent and his dissatisfaction falling to a three-month low of 41 per cent. Mr Beazley's satisfaction went from 31 to 32 per cent and dissatisfaction fell from 53 to 51 per cent.
Mr Howard maintained his two-to-one lead over Mr Beazley as the preferred prime minister, 52 per cent to 26 per cent.
Dennis Shanahan, Political editor
The Australian
Oz to get tough with immigrant test
Migrants to Australia who fail a new English language test could have their right to claim citizenship withdrawn, under new proposals announced last week. The new measures are part of a discussion paper put forward by parliamentary secretary for immigration Andrew Robb and backed by Prime Minister John Howard.
"I am very keen on everybody learning the English language as soon as possible," said Howard, who flagged up his concerns about English skills last month. He called on Muslim immigrants to learn and speak English better and to integrate into Australian society. "Fully integrating means accepting Australian values, it means learning as rapidly as you can the English language, if you don't already speak it."
The latest proposals would also increase the waiting period for people to become citizens from three years to four years.
US clarifies 'limited English' status
US education secretary Margaret Spellings responded last week to growing concern from state education officials about how "Limited English Proficiency" (LEP) students are assessed by issuing new definitions of who falls into the category. The new regulations include the definition of "recently arrived LEP" as students who have attended schools in the US for less than 12 months. States will be allowed to exempt recently arrived LEPs from part of the compulsory reading and language arts assessment test. The results of these tests are used to assess schools' overall performance.
Poland opens its doors to teachers
Non-EU nationals will be able to work as language teachers in Poland without work permits as part of campaign to attract skilled workers to the country. The labour ministry has scrapped a series of employment barriers to workers such as teachers, journalists and graduates of Polish medical schools, as well as business people. The move is a response to fears of a "brain drain" as young, skilled Poles seek work other EU countries.
UK media group sells schools chain
The Daily Mail and General Trust, one of Britain's leading print media companies, has sold Study Group International to Australian private equity firm Champ for $140m. Study Group includes the international ELT schools chains Bellebys and Embassy CES.
Max de Lotbinière
The Guardian
Australia plans immigrant tests
Australia is planning a radical strengthening of
immigration laws that would require prospective
citizens to take tough English language tests as well
as a quiz on history and culture.
Critics have said the plans are patronising and insulting.
The government has responded by insisting that it is "common sense" to encourage new citizens to achieve a decent level of English to make sure they contribute to society.
Prime Minister John Howard said the compulsory tests would help to create a "strong and compelling national identity".
A leading Catholic bishop agreed, insisting the changes would foster greater social harmony in a country where one in four people was born overseas.
But not everyone has been so supportive. One critic said the idea "smelled strongly of racism".
Business groups have warned that if it is made harder for migrants to become citizens, then many skilled workers could decide to go elsewhere.
Plans for a citizenship test follow Mr Howard's recent call on all Australian Muslims to learn English and make more of an effort to integrate into society.
The opposition Labour party has said it wants tourists to sign a pledge recognising Australian values such as respect for different religions and democracy before they are allowed into the country.
BBC
Critics have said the plans are patronising and insulting.
The government has responded by insisting that it is "common sense" to encourage new citizens to achieve a decent level of English to make sure they contribute to society.
Prime Minister John Howard said the compulsory tests would help to create a "strong and compelling national identity".
A leading Catholic bishop agreed, insisting the changes would foster greater social harmony in a country where one in four people was born overseas.
But not everyone has been so supportive. One critic said the idea "smelled strongly of racism".
Business groups have warned that if it is made harder for migrants to become citizens, then many skilled workers could decide to go elsewhere.
Plans for a citizenship test follow Mr Howard's recent call on all Australian Muslims to learn English and make more of an effort to integrate into society.
The opposition Labour party has said it wants tourists to sign a pledge recognising Australian values such as respect for different religions and democracy before they are allowed into the country.
BBC
Concerns about the Citizenship Test
VICTORIA is on a collision course with the Federal Government over a proposed compulsory citizenship test, which would test migrants' English skills and knowledge of Australian values.
Andrew Robb, the parliamentary secretary to the Immigration Minister, has pledged to have a "serious look" at introducing a compulsory citizenship test.
He said in April it was essential new citizens learned English and made a commitment to "common values" in order to integrate into "our Australian family".
But state Multicultural Affairs Minister John Pandazopoulos is expected to voice the Victorian Government's "complete opposition" to a compulsory test at a meeting with Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone and state and territory ministers in New Zealand tomorrow.
The Age believes Mr Pandazopoulos will raise concerns that a compulsory test would create a discriminatory, two-tiered system in Australia, where those who did not speak fluent English were seen as less worthy of being an Australian citizen than those born here.
Mr Pandazopoulos will stress to the Ministerial Council on Immigration and Multicultural Affairs in Wellington tomorrow that Australia is a multicultural society and the ability to speak fluent English should not predicate citizenship.
He is likely to point out that not all migrants who come to Australia are young and educated, and many refugees can barely read and write in their own language.
The Age believes the Victorian Government has expressed concerns that many countries that have tried to introduce citizenship tests have had problems.
The German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg sparked national controversy early this year when it introduced a citizenship test that included questions about a person's view on homosexuality, forced marriage and women's rights. It was branded the "Muslim Test". Critics claimed it was aimed at the state's large Turkish community.
The meeting, to be attended by Senator Vanstone, the multicultural affairs ministers in each state and territory and several New Zealand ministers, will also discuss ways to stamp out religious extremism.
A multimillion-dollar national action plan is likely to include the establishment of an Institute of Islamic Studies within a prominent Australian University, programs to encourage Muslim youths to play mainstream sports and a jobs scheme for unemployed Muslims.
Earlier this year Mr Robb said one of the ways of preventing fanaticism getting a toehold was to aim employment programs at young Muslims.
"Fifty per cent of the 300,000 Muslims in Australia are 24 years and younger and there are big pockets of unemployment, and that leads to frustration and anger and aimlessness," he said at the time.
"We have to have a prime focus on getting young Muslims educated and ready for jobs and into real jobs, good jobs."
But The Age believes the Victorian Government is opposed to any strategy that targets one religion. It is expected to argue that singling out Muslims only serves to perpetuate the myth that Muslims are the only people responsible for extremism.
The Victorian Government will also call for a national review of the use by police of ethnic descriptions such as "of Middle Eastern appearance".
Citizenship test plan 'simplistic'
The Federal Government's proposal for a compulsory test
for people who want to become Australian citizens has
been described as unfair and simplistic.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Robb, says a compulsory citizenship test will ensure prospective migrants have a good grasp of English.
He also says a test would ensure migrants have a knowledge of Australian values, customs and laws.
But the chairwoman of the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils, Voula Messineri, says it is unfair to demand an understanding of Australian values.
She says it is not necessary for migrants to leave their cultural backgrounds behind.
"The debate should be the type of society that we all want to build together," she said.
"Let's build a sense of common values together moving into the future.
"I think any sort of notion of citizenship test excludes some people by necessity because of English and because of the notions thay might have of who they are."
Values unclear
The president of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, Dr Ameer Ali, has told AM it is unclear which values will be singled out as "Australian".
"We are talking about Australian values which has become a political slogan in this country," Dr Ali said.
"Now it's one thing to talk about citizenship values - respect for rule of law, democracy etc - these are not Australian, these are universal values.
"But when you say Australian values, no-one knows what those values are."
Greens Senator Kerry Nettle says rather than dividing the community, the Government should be looking at ways to help migrants.
"If the Government wants to ensure that new migrants have got good English skills then how about providing support and assistance so that people can develop those skills, rather than putting in place a test that says to them if you don't pass this test then you are not adequate to be considered to be an Australian citizen," she said.
The Australian Democrats have also condemned the proposal.
The Democrats immigration spokesman Andrew Bartlett says if the Government is serious about the proposal, it should insist that all Australians take the test.
Resources
The Federal Opposition is warning the Government it will need to put in the resources to back up its proposal for migrants applying for citizenship to have a good grasp of English.
The Opposition spokeswoman on citizenship and multicultural affairs, Annette Hurley, says the Government will need to be careful that the new test does not deter people from applying for citizenship.
"There are programs that guarantee refugees, for example, 510 hours of English tuition," she said.
"There have been some questions lately about how effective these programs are and whether people are able to access them. If for example people do get a job fairly quickly here, it often means that they can't get to English language courses."
ABC News
The Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Robb, says a compulsory citizenship test will ensure prospective migrants have a good grasp of English.
He also says a test would ensure migrants have a knowledge of Australian values, customs and laws.
But the chairwoman of the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils, Voula Messineri, says it is unfair to demand an understanding of Australian values.
She says it is not necessary for migrants to leave their cultural backgrounds behind.
"The debate should be the type of society that we all want to build together," she said.
"Let's build a sense of common values together moving into the future.
"I think any sort of notion of citizenship test excludes some people by necessity because of English and because of the notions thay might have of who they are."
Values unclear
The president of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, Dr Ameer Ali, has told AM it is unclear which values will be singled out as "Australian".
"We are talking about Australian values which has become a political slogan in this country," Dr Ali said.
"Now it's one thing to talk about citizenship values - respect for rule of law, democracy etc - these are not Australian, these are universal values.
"But when you say Australian values, no-one knows what those values are."
Greens Senator Kerry Nettle says rather than dividing the community, the Government should be looking at ways to help migrants.
"If the Government wants to ensure that new migrants have got good English skills then how about providing support and assistance so that people can develop those skills, rather than putting in place a test that says to them if you don't pass this test then you are not adequate to be considered to be an Australian citizen," she said.
The Australian Democrats have also condemned the proposal.
The Democrats immigration spokesman Andrew Bartlett says if the Government is serious about the proposal, it should insist that all Australians take the test.
Resources
The Federal Opposition is warning the Government it will need to put in the resources to back up its proposal for migrants applying for citizenship to have a good grasp of English.
The Opposition spokeswoman on citizenship and multicultural affairs, Annette Hurley, says the Government will need to be careful that the new test does not deter people from applying for citizenship.
"There are programs that guarantee refugees, for example, 510 hours of English tuition," she said.
"There have been some questions lately about how effective these programs are and whether people are able to access them. If for example people do get a job fairly quickly here, it often means that they can't get to English language courses."
ABC News
Migrants to Australia will have to speak English
The Sunday Mail reported over the weekend that Minister
of Immigration, Amanda Vanstone, has changed the
English language requirements for migrants.
This round of changes comes days after a series of announcements and changes to Australia's various immigration, student and working holiday visas.
The overhaul of the skilled migration program follows a recent call by a prominent government MP for aspiring citizens to sit an English test.
Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone announced the changes to the program yesterday after a report found problems with the system. The minister explained that the aim of the skilled program is to place migrants quickly in jobs and that good English language skills and experience are vital to their success.
The review was conducted by leading migration experts Dr Bob Birrell of Monash University, Associate Professor Lesley-anne Hawthorne, of Melbourne University, and Prof Sue Richardson, from South Australia's Flinders University.
Their report found that the skilled program was generally working well; but many migrants were struggling to find jobs because a poor knowledge of English and a lack of relevant work experience.
Dr Birrell said he was pleased the Government had accepted his team's recommendations, and backed Cabinet's recent decision not to increase the skilled migrant intake in 2006-07.
Last month, federal parliamentary secretary for immigration Andrew Robb called for migrants to sit English tests before they could acquire citizenship.
Mr Robb also said they should be tested on Australian values.
This round of changes comes days after a series of announcements and changes to Australia's various immigration, student and working holiday visas.
The overhaul of the skilled migration program follows a recent call by a prominent government MP for aspiring citizens to sit an English test.
Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone announced the changes to the program yesterday after a report found problems with the system. The minister explained that the aim of the skilled program is to place migrants quickly in jobs and that good English language skills and experience are vital to their success.
The review was conducted by leading migration experts Dr Bob Birrell of Monash University, Associate Professor Lesley-anne Hawthorne, of Melbourne University, and Prof Sue Richardson, from South Australia's Flinders University.
Their report found that the skilled program was generally working well; but many migrants were struggling to find jobs because a poor knowledge of English and a lack of relevant work experience.
Dr Birrell said he was pleased the Government had accepted his team's recommendations, and backed Cabinet's recent decision not to increase the skilled migrant intake in 2006-07.
Last month, federal parliamentary secretary for immigration Andrew Robb called for migrants to sit English tests before they could acquire citizenship.
Mr Robb also said they should be tested on Australian values.
Learning respect is best value of them all to have
BY CHARLES MOTT
IF you take an interest in “Australian values”, well your mind must be in a whirl with all the advice you’re getting from values merchants around the country.
Lately, maybe because some of us are feeling insecure in light of the war on terrorism and all those Muslim women in burqas running around in high streets across the country, a lot of people are putting up their hands to tell us how to be a good Australian and a good migrant.
It is a favourite text of our PM, who never misses a chance to massage our sense of wellbeing by extolling the merits of Australianness.
He stresses things such as the worth of the individual, the rule of law, equality of men and women and a spirit of egalitarianism (the famous “fair go” and “way of life&rdquo
.
PM-in-waiting Peter Costello has identified a threatening niche of migrants who apparently don’t share Australian values, and he wonders whether such people should be denied citizenship.
Tim Robb, a parliamentary secretary, has come up with a solution to this problem: he wants to test new citizens to ensure that they can speak some English and know about, yes you guessed it, Oz values and customs.
Ex-business tycoon Hugh Morgan doesn’t like the idea of people having two citizenships — apparently there are about four million of us in this category — because this indicates divided loyalties and presages “bipolarity disorder”.
Indi’s own Sophie Panopoulos is also on the wagon; she wants us all to speak out about the erosion of basic values and suggests that religious figures who don’t like these should not be allowed to stay in the country.
Even old politicians are on the job — Peter Coleman waxed lyrical about the Bible, Shakespeare, law, women, federation, the constitution and Anzac Day — phew, how can anyone just aiming to get along in life get on top of all this?
Let me say that some of the high-blown rhetoric is pretty unexceptionable stuff, but values don’t stop at the borders of the country; many of the values espoused on Australia’s behalf aren’t much different from those approved by Brazilians, Britons, Bulgarians and Belgians.
And anyway, there is also a down side to the matter of national values that bears mention in this discussion.
What particular national values are on display in the treatment of Cornelia Rau and Vivian Alvarez, in the inhumane despatch of seekers of refuge in this country to camps in Pacific islands, in supine connivance at the incarceration of an Australian citizen in Guantanamo Bay, in the abuse of Aboriginal women and children living beyond hope, in the corruption evident in the conduct of the AWB, and in the riotous, “me too please sir” greed on show every year as Peter Costello doles out the surplus from our taxes?
Whatever they are, they don’t show much of the fair go and helping the underdog that we like to proclaim so proudly.
Now as far as my family is concerned, we have been plodding along in this country for more than 150 years and we know pretty well what we think of it — a good place to live in, but can do better, perhaps a good deal better.
The second-to-last thing we want is anyone telling us what “values” we should attach to being Australian
When such people begin to speak on such matters, we are put in mind of the words of Dr Samuel Johnson, across the centuries: “Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel”.
The best values we can have are surely a good education and a good upbringing, in which we learn to respect each other and to care for those who suffer disadvantage.
Citizenship test under consideration
The Federal Government says it is considering
introducing a compulsory test for people who want to
become Australian citizens.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Robb, says a compulsory citizenship test will ensure that prospective migrants have a good grasp of English.
He says it will also ensure they have a knowledge of Australian values, customs and laws.
"I think prospective migrants who want to become citizens of Australia will see value in knowing that they have passed and achieved a functional level of English and a functional level of understanding of what makes Australia tick," Mr Robb said.
Mr Robb says it is important that people who become citizens are able to assimilate easily into Australian society.
"This is a genuine attempt to find even better ways of integrating because we have got some serious problems," he said.
Mr Robb says the use of English will particularly help deal with issues within the Muslim community.
He says it will promote a moderate version of Islam in Australia and help with the fight against global terrorism.
"Many young Australian Muslims only speak English," he said.
"So, religious leaders will have to deliver much or all of their sermons in English.
"It means training, therefore, homegrown imams in Australia."
Muslims 'targeted'
Ameer Ali, of the Federation of Islamic Councils, says he fears any test would target Muslims.
"The problem is we are talking about now that the term Australian values has been used by many politicians," he said.
"Without knowing what those values are, we can't define what those values are."
But Mr Robb says no particular group would be disadvantaged by the test.
"I said it was in the context of global terrorism and the ageing population," he said.
"That's a really significant challenge, which means we will be drawing people increasingly from many parts of the world, and I am looking for ways in which we can become even better at integrating people from around the world.
"I think that the Muslim community understands the importance of integrating."
The chairwoman of the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils, Voula Messineri, says it is not reasonable to expect new arrivals to know Australian values.
"It's unfair and also totally unrealistic- the reality is that people don't leave their sense of who they are at the aeroplane gate or the ship gate," she said.
"I do support the greater focus on the English acquisition but to say that you can become an Australian by a test is certainly very simplistic."
The Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Robb, says a compulsory citizenship test will ensure that prospective migrants have a good grasp of English.
He says it will also ensure they have a knowledge of Australian values, customs and laws.
"I think prospective migrants who want to become citizens of Australia will see value in knowing that they have passed and achieved a functional level of English and a functional level of understanding of what makes Australia tick," Mr Robb said.
Mr Robb says it is important that people who become citizens are able to assimilate easily into Australian society.
"This is a genuine attempt to find even better ways of integrating because we have got some serious problems," he said.
Mr Robb says the use of English will particularly help deal with issues within the Muslim community.
He says it will promote a moderate version of Islam in Australia and help with the fight against global terrorism.
"Many young Australian Muslims only speak English," he said.
"So, religious leaders will have to deliver much or all of their sermons in English.
"It means training, therefore, homegrown imams in Australia."
Muslims 'targeted'
Ameer Ali, of the Federation of Islamic Councils, says he fears any test would target Muslims.
"The problem is we are talking about now that the term Australian values has been used by many politicians," he said.
"Without knowing what those values are, we can't define what those values are."
But Mr Robb says no particular group would be disadvantaged by the test.
"I said it was in the context of global terrorism and the ageing population," he said.
"That's a really significant challenge, which means we will be drawing people increasingly from many parts of the world, and I am looking for ways in which we can become even better at integrating people from around the world.
"I think that the Muslim community understands the importance of integrating."
The chairwoman of the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils, Voula Messineri, says it is not reasonable to expect new arrivals to know Australian values.
"It's unfair and also totally unrealistic- the reality is that people don't leave their sense of who they are at the aeroplane gate or the ship gate," she said.
"I do support the greater focus on the English acquisition but to say that you can become an Australian by a test is certainly very simplistic."
Australia is considering controversial citizenship test
ustralia is considering adopting controversial
citizenship tests for immigrants. New settlers could be
quizzed on their understanding of Australian cultural
values as well as their English language skills. The
country's conservative government believes the system
would help immigrants fit into society and improve
their job prospects. Critics says such a test would be
unnecessary and discriminatory.
Multicultural Australia is home to people from many different countries. At this suburban shopping center in Sydney you are as likely to hear conversations in Arabic, Greek and Vietnamese as you are in English.
This country has been transformed by half a century of mass immigration.
Kurander Sejit is a Muslim filmmaker based in Sydney. He believes that the idea of a citizenship test is a bad one.
"These potential tests will basically disadvantage those people whose first language is not English. And I think it's not fair to expect someone who has come here as an adult, who may be a fantastic engineer or a computer technician or something like that, but may not have the full capacity to speak English," he said. "I think it's going to disadvantage those people who for all intents and purposes could be great Australian citizens but may not be able to pass that test and I think we need to give them more support."
Members of Sydney's ethnic Vietnamese community are worried as well. Spokesman Thang Ngo says that compulsory citizenship tests could disadvantage desperate asylum seekers.
"I think it's going to penalize a lot of people especially those who come from a refugee background. The Vietnamese community is by far the biggest that we've had in recent years," he said. "And I've got to say when you're fleeing, you know communism or fleeing persecution, English would be the last thing you worry about in terms of language skills or in terms of any skills you might need."
The conservative government here argues that if newcomers want to actually seek Australian citizenship, they would then want and need to know what it means to be Australian. That would include key values like tolerance, individual freedom and equality for women.
Junior Immigration Minister Andrew Robb says that immigrants must be aware of these quintessential Australian characteristics.
"It's the glue that sort of welds this Australian family together," said Robb. "It's why a lot of them come here in the first place to have an understanding of the values, have some sense of customs and the laws."
One older Greek immigrant is an example of what the government is trying to change by requiring a citizenship test.
Mercer: How much do you think you know about Australian values and Australian history?
Gentleman: History
Mercer: Not much?
Gentleman: Nothing accept the Englands they come in and they kill the Aborigines and took the land. I think that's all I know.
The government's aim is to enhance social harmony and to avoid a repeat of last December's ugly race riots in Sydney. They pitted white gangs against young Lebanese Australians who have grown up with little knowledge of or respect for each other's way of life.
Not all immigrant families oppose Canberra's citizenship test proposal.
Roberto, a student whose mother is Greek and father is from Ecuador, says the test makes sense.
"I think it's a great idea. …it'll weed out people that are coming into the country for the wrong reasons," he said. "Because I think it's important whoever does come to the country tries to appreciate some of the values of what it means to be an Australian, I suppose.
Last year 98,000 people became Australian citizens. They came from 170 countries.
For many the road begins at the Immigration department in Sydney, where the lengthy process involves various security and character checks.
These prospective new citizens also believe that immigrants should be tested on Australian values and culture.
Woman:" I think it's good 'cos overseas people actually who are interested in migrating (to) Australia have a better understanding and have a better chance of actually joining into the whole culture."
Gentleman: "Every country has its own laws and rules and if you go to that country you live by the rules and laws and abide by them, I suppose."
Australia is looking at how other countries, like the United States and Canada, test the knowledge of prospective citizens as well as their competency in English.
Canberra is not likely to adopt the Dutch method where immigrants who fail a test three times are deported. Critics of the plan have insisted that the government here hasn't thought it through and have pointed out that many indigenous Australians do not speak English fluently.
Multicultural Australia is home to people from many different countries. At this suburban shopping center in Sydney you are as likely to hear conversations in Arabic, Greek and Vietnamese as you are in English.
This country has been transformed by half a century of mass immigration.
Kurander Sejit is a Muslim filmmaker based in Sydney. He believes that the idea of a citizenship test is a bad one.
"These potential tests will basically disadvantage those people whose first language is not English. And I think it's not fair to expect someone who has come here as an adult, who may be a fantastic engineer or a computer technician or something like that, but may not have the full capacity to speak English," he said. "I think it's going to disadvantage those people who for all intents and purposes could be great Australian citizens but may not be able to pass that test and I think we need to give them more support."
Members of Sydney's ethnic Vietnamese community are worried as well. Spokesman Thang Ngo says that compulsory citizenship tests could disadvantage desperate asylum seekers.
"I think it's going to penalize a lot of people especially those who come from a refugee background. The Vietnamese community is by far the biggest that we've had in recent years," he said. "And I've got to say when you're fleeing, you know communism or fleeing persecution, English would be the last thing you worry about in terms of language skills or in terms of any skills you might need."
The conservative government here argues that if newcomers want to actually seek Australian citizenship, they would then want and need to know what it means to be Australian. That would include key values like tolerance, individual freedom and equality for women.
Junior Immigration Minister Andrew Robb says that immigrants must be aware of these quintessential Australian characteristics.
"It's the glue that sort of welds this Australian family together," said Robb. "It's why a lot of them come here in the first place to have an understanding of the values, have some sense of customs and the laws."
One older Greek immigrant is an example of what the government is trying to change by requiring a citizenship test.
Mercer: How much do you think you know about Australian values and Australian history?
Gentleman: History
Mercer: Not much?
Gentleman: Nothing accept the Englands they come in and they kill the Aborigines and took the land. I think that's all I know.
The government's aim is to enhance social harmony and to avoid a repeat of last December's ugly race riots in Sydney. They pitted white gangs against young Lebanese Australians who have grown up with little knowledge of or respect for each other's way of life.
Not all immigrant families oppose Canberra's citizenship test proposal.
Roberto, a student whose mother is Greek and father is from Ecuador, says the test makes sense.
"I think it's a great idea. …it'll weed out people that are coming into the country for the wrong reasons," he said. "Because I think it's important whoever does come to the country tries to appreciate some of the values of what it means to be an Australian, I suppose.
Last year 98,000 people became Australian citizens. They came from 170 countries.
For many the road begins at the Immigration department in Sydney, where the lengthy process involves various security and character checks.
These prospective new citizens also believe that immigrants should be tested on Australian values and culture.
Woman:" I think it's good 'cos overseas people actually who are interested in migrating (to) Australia have a better understanding and have a better chance of actually joining into the whole culture."
Gentleman: "Every country has its own laws and rules and if you go to that country you live by the rules and laws and abide by them, I suppose."
Australia is looking at how other countries, like the United States and Canada, test the knowledge of prospective citizens as well as their competency in English.
Canberra is not likely to adopt the Dutch method where immigrants who fail a test three times are deported. Critics of the plan have insisted that the government here hasn't thought it through and have pointed out that many indigenous Australians do not speak English fluently.