Complete the following revision activities using the stimulus below prior to the exam in Week eight.

Question

Source 1 - From the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs:

Source 2 - From the Australian Human Rights Commission:

D. The discriminatory impact of the test

10. The available information on the Citizenship Test shows evidence of the
following:
• There has been a fall in the number of people applying for citizenship since
the test was introduced in October 2007. In the 6 months since the new test came
into operation, 25,067 people applied for citizenship. This is lower than the
comparable period from October-March in any year for the last decade, when the
number of applications ranged between 35,889 (1999-2000) and 75,757
(2006-2007)
• Applicants under the Humanitarian Program have failed the test at a much
higher rate than other applicants
• Applicants from non-English speaking countries, like Afghanistan and Iraq,
are not able to gain Australian citizenship as readily as other applicants who
are born in English speaking countries
• Computers and information technology represent an obstacle to some groups gaining citizenship
11. The above findings confirm HREOC’s initial concerns that the test is having a
discriminatory impact on NESB applicants. Applicants with low levels of English
literacy are also disadvantaged by the test.
12. The report also indicates that refugees are being disadvantaged by the requirement of a formal test. This finding suggests that people with low levels of English literacy have failed the test at a higher rate than other more literate applicants, such as those in the skilled migration stream and applicants from mainly English speaking backgrounds.
13. These disparities are likely to be exacerbated if the level of English required to understand and therefore pass the test is above a basic English standard. Petro Georgiou’s submission sets out the views of linguistic experts Professor Ingrid Piller of Melbourne University and Professor Tim McNamara of Macquarie University that the current test exceeds a basic English standard.
14. Applicants disadvantaged by the test in its current form are not able to
enjoy to the same extent as other applicants the benefits of being an Australian
citizen, including employment in the public sector, protection from deportation
or having the ability to travel as an Australian citizen.

]
Source 3 -

Source 4 - From an article from The Guardian:

Question 1 - What is the Australian citizenship test?

Activity 2
Resources
Continue to complete the following revision activities using the stimulus provided (Australian Citizenship Test stimulus).

Question 2 - In sentences, identify quotes, and explain factors, perspectives and data from each source, relevant to the Australian citizenship test. An example has been completed for you.

Source For Against
1 The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs states that the Australian Citizenship test is needed to ensure that prospective Australian citizens understand the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship, and are committed to Australian values.


N/A
2
3
4

Question 3 - Using the information in the table above, summarise the key perspectives for and against the Australian citizenship test.

Question 4 - What are some reasons why there would be varying perspectives regarding the Australian citizenship test?

Question 5 - Are you for or against the Australian citizenship test?

Question 6 - Persuade the public of your perspective. Refer to information from the stimulus in your response.

Question 7 - What action would you take to persuade the public of your perspective for or against the Australian Citizenship test. - either for or against it. Eg. If you are arguing against the Australian Citizenship test how could you change the perspectives of Australian citizens?

Answer 1

Activity 1

Question 1 - What is the Australian citizenship test?

The Australian citizenship test is an assessment administered by the Australian Government that applicants must pass to obtain Australian citizenship. The test evaluates an applicant's understanding of Australian values, laws, and responsibilities that come with being a citizen, ensuring that they are adequately committed to joining Australian society.

Activity 2

Question 2 - Table of Perspectives

| Source | For | Against | |-------|-----|--------| | 1 | "The Australian Citizenship test is needed to ensure that prospective Australian citizens understand the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship, and are committed to Australian values." | N/A | | 2 | N/A | "The report also indicates that refugees are being disadvantaged by the requirement of a formal test." | | 3 | N/A | N/A | | 4 | N/A | N/A |

Question 3 - Key Perspectives Summary

For the Australian Citizenship Test: Proponents argue that the test is necessary for ensuring that new citizens comprehend their rights and responsibilities and have a commitment to Australian values.

Against the Australian Citizenship Test: Critics highlight the discriminatory impacts of the test, noting that it disproportionately affects applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds and refugees. Such individuals may struggle with the test due to low English literacy levels, hindering their ability to obtain citizenship and enjoy the associated benefits.

Question 4 - Reasons for Varying Perspectives

Varying perspectives on the Australian citizenship test stem from different experiences and backgrounds of potential applicants. Those who are fluent in English and have a solid understanding of Australian societal values may view the test as a reasonable requirement, while individuals from non-English speaking backgrounds or those entering via humanitarian programs might see it as an unnecessary barrier. Furthermore, societal values, perceptions of integration, and experiences with the legal and immigration system can influence views on the fairness and effectiveness of the test.

Question 5 - Personal Stance

I am against the Australian citizenship test in its current form, as it unfairly disadvantages certain groups, particularly those from non-English speaking backgrounds and refugees.

Question 6 - Persuasion Argument

The Australian citizenship test is intended to confirm that new citizens are committed to understanding Australian values and responsibilities. However, it has become clear that the implementation of the test disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations. According to the Australian Human Rights Commission, applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds, such as refugees from Afghanistan and Iraq, find it challenging to pass the test, leading to a significant drop in citizenship applications. It is unjust that individuals who may face language barriers and lack access to adequate resources are being held to the same standards as those fluent in English. Thus, I believe the test should be redesigned to ensure it assesses comprehension in a fairer, more accessible way that considers the diverse backgrounds of applicants.

Question 7 - Proposed Action

To change public perspectives against the Australian citizenship test, I would advocate for increased awareness surrounding the test's discriminatory impacts. This could involve organizing community forums that highlight firsthand experiences of those affected by the test, as well as collaborating with linguistic experts to present evidence that the current standards exceed basic comprehension levels. Additionally, I would propose a campaign to promote legislative changes that simplify the test, making it more accessible for individuals with lower English proficiency. Engaging advocacy groups and humanitarian organizations would amplify voices calling for a more equitable approach to Australian citizenship.