Citizenship Test results published
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
The first snapshot report of the Australian Citizenship Test shows that in the first three months of operation, 93 per cent of people who sat the test passed on their first or subsequent attempt.
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said the snapshot published today included information about the citizenship test between 1 October and 31 December 2007.
'In the interests of open government, I am pleased to publish this first report after the introduction of the citizenship test in October last year,' Senator Evans said.
The snapshot reveals that 97 per cent of people who sat the test under the skill stream migration program passed the test, 90 per cent of people under the family stream migration program passed while 80 per cent of people in the humanitarian program passed.
'The Government is confident that the citizenship test can play a valuable role in helping new citizens understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship,' Senator Evans said.
'But we need to make sure that the test does not disadvantage those people who most need our support.'
Senator Evans said his department would publish the citizenship test snapshot on a regular basis.
The first snapshot shows 9043 people sat the test between October and December with 92.9 per cent passing it on their first or subsequent attempt.
Applicants came from 172 different countries – with the largest numbers coming from the UK, China, Iraq and India.
Senator Evans said the Government would commission a review of the citizenship test in April to assess its operation after six months' experience.
'Although feedback from participants to date has been positive, a range of concerns have been raised about the test and these will be addressed in the review,' Senator Evans said.
'More work needs to be done to make sure the right questions are asked and there are no unintended barriers for people who wish to become Australian citizens.
'Australia has been enriched by the diverse cultures and traditions of people who have come here from more than 200 countries. The common bond that unites us all is citizenship.
'I would like to encourage everyone who chooses to call Australia home to take the step and become a citizen.'
The results of the first three months of the test are available on the Citizenship website.
See: www.citizenship.gov.au
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2008/ce08009.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST