Fed: Citizenship test could be in jeopardy

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2006
Fed: Citizenship test could be in jeopardy

CANBERRA, Dec 11 AAP - New immigration rules that require would-be citizens to pass
an English and Australian knowledge test could be in jeopardy with a Liberal MP speaking
out against them.

Federal cabinet yesterday approved plans to force would-be migrants to pass tests in
English and sit an internet-based multiple-choice quiz of 30 questions testing their knowledge
of Australian history, culture, values and government.

But Liberal MP Petro Georgiou said the citizenship test requirements created unreasonable
barriers to citizenship.

The test could prevent people who would make a wonderful contribution to Australia
from becoming citizens, he said.

"The upshot of the proposals may very well be that successful settlement of immigrants
into Australia is undermined rather than enhanced," he said.

Legislation outlining the new rules is expected to be introduced to parliament next year.

The government's majority in the lower house means the legislation will still pass
if Mr Georgiou crosses the floor and votes against it, but his criticism could encourage
other coalition MPs to speak out.

Labor and the Greens have already voiced their opposition to the plan.

Earlier this year, Mr Georgiou was one of three coalition backbenchers who voted against
immigration law changes that would have sent all asylum seekers arriving in Australia
by boat offshore for processing.

Prime Minister John Howard later withdrew the bill, acknowledging it did not have the
support to pass the upper house.

Mr Georgiou said he looked forward to a rigorous parliamentary debate on the new immigration
plan.

AAP jb/it/nf

KEYWORD: CITIZENSHIP DAYLEAD

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