Question 2 - In sentences, identify quotes, and explain factors, perspectives and data from each source, relevant to the Australian citizenship test.

Question

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 For Against
2
3
4

Answer 1

Analysis of the Discriminatory Impact of the Australian Citizenship Test

Relevant Quotes and Explanations from Source D:

1. Fall in Citizenship Applications:

   • Quote: “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).”
   • Explanation: This data highlights a significant decline in citizenship applications following the introduction of the test, suggesting that the new requirements have deterred potential applicants. The statistics illustrate a shift towards fewer individuals seeking citizenship, which can be interpreted as a negative impact of the test on accessibility for immigrants.

2. Higher Failure Rates Among Humanitarian Applicants:

   • Quote: “Applicants under the Humanitarian Program have failed the test at a much higher rate than other applicants.”
   • Explanation: This finding indicates that those seeking citizenship through the Humanitarian Program—often vulnerable individuals—face greater challenges in passing the test compared to those pursuing citizenship via other channels. This raises concerns about fairness in the evaluation process, particularly for disadvantaged groups.

3. Disparities for Non-English Speaking Applicants:

   • Quote: “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.”
   • Explanation: This shows evidence of systemic inequality in the citizenship process. It underscores the idea that language barriers contribute to disparities in success rates, essentially privileging applicants from English-speaking backgrounds and suggesting a broader issue of inclusivity within Australia’s citizenship framework.

4. Technological Barriers:

   • Quote: “Computers and information technology represent an obstacle to some groups gaining citizenship.”
   • Explanation: While technology is often seen as a facilitator, for some groups, it can present unique challenges. Those lacking access to or familiarity with technology may find the citizenship process even more difficult, potentially widening the gap in citizenship attainment among different demographics.

5. Reference to Linguistic Experts:

   • Quote: “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.”
   • Explanation: This expert opinion supports the claim that the language requirements for the citizenship test may be unjustifiably high, further exacerbating the difficulties faced by applicants with low English proficiency. It highlights a critical perspective that the test may not appropriately assess the basic competencies needed for successful integration into society.

6. Impact on Benefits of Citizenship:

   • Quote: “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.”
   • Explanation: This statement emphasizes the tangible impacts of failing to gain citizenship. It illustrates how the test not only acts as a barrier to obtaining citizenship but also perpetuates inequalities concerning access to rights and services that come with citizenship, thus illustrating the broader social implications of the citizenship test.

Conclusion

The findings presented in Source D reveal significant discriminatory impacts of the Australian citizenship test, particularly on non-English speaking and refugee applicants. The data indicates a falling rate of citizenship applications, higher failure rates among vulnerable groups, and barriers resulting from both language proficiency and technology. These factors contribute to a broader concern regarding the inclusivity and fairness of the naturalization process in Australia.