AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

$123.6 Million for New Australian Citizenship Test

Wednesday, 8 August 2007

The 2007-2008 Australian Federal Budget earmarks $123.6 million (AUD) for a new Citizenship test for prospective Australian citizens.

The new Australian citizenship test is designed to ensure that new Australian citizens are instilled with common Australian values, and a sense of the shared history, institutions and traditions of their adopted home.

To help newcomers prepare for the citizenship test, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will prepare a host of audio-visual materials and resource booklets. In preparation for the introduction of the test, booklets providing information about Australian culture and way of life will be distributed to Permanent Resident visa applicants. The information booklets will also be available to temporary resident visa applicants.

Similar tests for citizenship applicants exist in Canada and the United Kingdom. The test is seen as an important way to maintain Australian national identity and strengthen the bonds of shared civil and social institutions.