Australia Introduces Tests for Would-be Citizens Based, in Part, on Australia's Judeo-Christian Heritage and Values
"They are, for example, respect for the equal worth, dignity and freedom of the individual, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and secular government, freedom of association, support for parliamentary democracy and the rule of law, equality under the law, equality of men and women, equality of opportunity, peacefulness, tolerance, mutual respect and compassion for those in need."
(Australia)—Cybercast News Service (CNS) reports that Prime Minister John Howard's government has introduced a new test for would-be citizens, based on the assertion that Australia has been built on values based on "Judeo-Christian ethics."
According to the report, immigrants who have lived in the country as legal residents for four years and want to become citizens will be expected to score at least 60 percent in a test of 20 questions taken randomly from a pool of 200 questions. The test also reportedly gauges whether applicants have a basic grasp of English.
"Before becoming a citizen it is reasonable to expect that a person will understand the core values that have helped to create a society that is stable yet dynamic, cohesive yet diverse," said Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews.
Giving an example of such values, which he called "relatively uncontroversial," Andrews said: "They are, for example, respect for the equal worth, dignity and freedom of the individual, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and secular government, freedom of association, support for parliamentary democracy and the rule of law, equality under the law, equality of men and women, equality of opportunity, peacefulness, tolerance, mutual respect and compassion for those in need."
Reporter Patrick Goodenough noted that the booklet says the values are based on "Judeo-Christian ethics, a British political heritage and the spirit of the European Enlightenment," along with "distinct Irish and non-conformist attitudes."
