[Greens-Media] Sen KERRY NETTLE: Citizenship test is all about the election

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

18.09.06

Citizenship test is all about the election

Greens Senator Kerry Nettle today described the government's citizenship
report released yesterday as a disgrace and called on the government to
seriously discuss how to assist migrants to settle in Australia.

The government's discussion paper "Australian Citizenship: Much more
than a ceremony" proposes the introduction of a formal citizenship test.

"The paper is a disgrace. It makes no real case for why a test is needed
and makes no acknowledgement of the divisive effects of this proposal on
Australian society."

"The government is yet to identify the problem that it claims to be
addressing."

"Most applicants for citizenship are already assessed for English
language skills and knowledge of Australia and in many cases visas
require formal evidence of English skills. There is already a pledge to
uphold Australian law."

"This is TAMPA all over again. The government appears set to beat up on
Arab and Muslim people all the way to the election."

"Mr Robbs manipulation of community proposals for more preaching in
English in Mosques are all part of the same agenda."

"If the government was serious about improving social cohesion they
would put more resources into settlement services for migrants and
school programs assisting new arrivals instead of beating a racist
drum."

"Over the coming months The Greens will be consulting with community
leaders about multicultural and immigration issues in the lead up to
next year's election."

For more information: Jon Edwards 0428 213 146