Citizenship test arrangements
Wednesday, 2 January 2008
Citizenship test arrangements currently in place would be reviewed as part of the usual process an incoming government undertakes upon taking office, Senator Chris Evans, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, said today.
'The Government supports the citizenship test, however a review of portfolio programs and undertakings – including the content of the test and the support services provided with it – is the normal process of any new government,' the minister said.
'If there are ways to improve service delivery or client interaction, we will consider them.'
The minister's comments follow the release of statistics which show 10 725 citizenship tests have been completed from October 1 (when the new procedure was introduced) to December 31.
'That figure represents the number of tests – and not the number of applicants sitting the tests,' Senator Evans said. 'In fact 8402 people have sat the test, some more than once if their first attempt was not successful. Of that total, about 90 per cent passed on their first or subsequent attempt.
'The important message for me from these figures is that people are continuing to apply to take out Australian citizenship, a substantial proportion of them are passing, and that if there is room for improvement, it may well be around the support resources and materials we provide to applicants.
'If people are not succeeding, we need to find out why, and how we can help to support them better. It's all about making the process work better for all concerned.
'I am awaiting advice from my department on the next batch of draft questions to be added to the bank of questions randomly posed when applicants complete the 20–question test.
'Australian citizenship is a very important step which thousands of migrants take every year, and my message to them is to encourage them to become Australian citizens.
'Part of that process requires that they learn about Australia and our way of life to enable them to fully participate in the community,' the minister added.
Citizenship testing is undertaken at departmental offices, as well as at selected Centrelink and Medicare Australia sites throughout regional Australia.
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2008/ce08001.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST