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AUSTRALIA 
Citizenship test 'discriminatory'
Friday, 29 August, 2008
The review of the citizenship test will also look at making it fairer for people coming to Australia on humanitarian grounds. (AAP)
Australia's citizenship test set-up by the Howard government is set for a major overhaul after a review found it to be flawed and discriminatory.
Richard Woolcott is the head of a committee commissioned to review the test and has told News Ltd newspapers the 2006-document needs reform.
The committee is believed to have forwarded its opinion to Immigration Minister Chris Evans in a report.
"The standout recommendation would be that the present test is flawed and seen by some as intimidatory and needs substantial reform," Mr Woolcott told News Ltd.
Standard 'too high'
While Mr Howard continually defended the test, it faced much criticism for including questions which opponents claimed focussed too much on historical knowledge and the English language.
"Many of the (review) submissions thought that the standard of English required was too high and discriminated against non-English speaking migrants, of which there are of course an increasing number," Mr Woolcott says.
The committee received 170 submissions from members of the public and has forwarded 32 recommendations to the government.
Mr Woolcott declined to comment on what those recommendations are.
Senator Evans' office confirmed receiving the report and a spokeswoman says it is being considered.
Source: AAP
Richard Woolcott is the head of a committee commissioned to review the test and has told News Ltd newspapers the 2006-document needs reform.
The committee is believed to have forwarded its opinion to Immigration Minister Chris Evans in a report.
"The standout recommendation would be that the present test is flawed and seen by some as intimidatory and needs substantial reform," Mr Woolcott told News Ltd.
Standard 'too high'
While Mr Howard continually defended the test, it faced much criticism for including questions which opponents claimed focussed too much on historical knowledge and the English language.
"Many of the (review) submissions thought that the standard of English required was too high and discriminated against non-English speaking migrants, of which there are of course an increasing number," Mr Woolcott says.
The committee received 170 submissions from members of the public and has forwarded 32 recommendations to the government.
Mr Woolcott declined to comment on what those recommendations are.
Senator Evans' office confirmed receiving the report and a spokeswoman says it is being considered.
Source: AAP
