New citizenship test for Australia

A new citizenship test is set to be introduced for those wanting to emigrate to Australia. The country's prime minister, Kevin Rudd, wants to replace the existing test with one based on democratic values.

Former prime minister John Howard introduced the existing citizenship test , which included "obscure" general knowledge questions, including ones on Australia's sporting history, reports The Move Channel. However, Rudd wants a more straightforward test for those wishing to relocate to the country.

Australia 's new citizenship test will be based on the Pledge of Commitment , which is read by new citizens and recognises the country's democratic beliefs and laws. It also encompasses the rights and liberties of Australian citizens.

Rudd intends to remove the general knowledge element from the test, which is expected to come into effect by this August. Australia's immigration minister, Chris Evans, said of the move: "The Rudd government is committed to the new citizenship test. It encourages potential citizens to...understand the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship."

News of the revamped test has been welcomed by ethnic and refugee groups in particular. A spokesperson for the Federation of Ethnic Communities of Australia said of the old requirements: "We have vehemently opposed what was a very hard test, particularly on new arrivals and refugees."

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