Launch of New Australian Citizenship Test for Immigrants Today

Australian pride is reflected in new Citizenship test.

The new Australian citizenship test comes into force today amid criticism from some that it discriminates against those who do not have a grasp of the English language.

All immigrants who want to become Australian citizens will now have to take the brand new test to see if they qualify.

The citizenship test has 20 multiple choice questions that the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship say is “not easier than the old one but it is fairer; mandatory questions have been removed giving equal weight to every question in the test.”

The questions now tests applicants knowledge of Australian politics and the responsibilities of citizenship as well as knowledge of the law and democratic beliefs.

All questions relate to the DIAC publication, the revised citizenship test resource book Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. An online version of the book can be found on the Australian Citizenship website.

So how would you fare if you had to take the Australian Citizenship Test? We’ve reproduced 10 of the questions here, courtesy of the DIAC, so test yourself now!

1. What do we remember on Anzac Day?
a. The landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli
b. The arrival of the first free settlers from Britain
c. The landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove

2. What are the colours of the Australian Aboriginal Flag?
a. Black, red and yellow
b. Green, white and black
c. Blue, white and green

3. Which official symbol of Australia identifies Commonwealth property?
a. The national anthem
b. Australia’s national flower
c. Commonwealth Coat of Arms

4. Which of these is an example of freedom of speech?
a. Newspapers can write about any topic
b. Men and women are treated equally in a court of law
c. Australians are free to not follow a religion

5. Which of these is a responsibility of Australian citizens aged 18 years or over?
a. To attend local council meetings
b. To vote in elections
c. To have a current Australian passport

6. Which of these statements about passports is correct?
a. Australian citizens can apply for an Australian passport
b. Permanent residents can hold an Australian passport
c. Australian citizens need a passport and visa to return to Australia

7. What happened in Australia on 1 January 1901?
a. The Australian Constitution was changed by a referendum
b. The Australian Constitution came into effect
c. The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps was formed

8. What is the name of the legal document that sets out the rules for the government of Australia?
a. The Australian Federation
b. The Australian Commonwealth
c. The Australian Constitution

9. Which of these is a role of the Governor-General?
a. The appointment of state premiers
b. The signing of Bills passed by the Australian Parliament
c. The appointment of the Head of State

10. Which of these statements about state governments is correct?
a. All states have the same constitution
b. Each state has its own constitution
c. The states have no constitution

So how did you do? Well, to put you out of your agony, the answers are listed below. We’d also like to hear your comments on the new Australian Citizenship Test, do you think it is fair? Too easy/hard? Is it relevant to life as an Australian today? Let us know your opinions by filling in the comments box below.

Answers: 1a, 2a, 3c, 4a, 5b, 6a, 7b, 8c, 9b, 10b

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