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NEW AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP TEST FROM 15 NOVEMBER 2020

For the first time in over a decade the government has decided to revamp the citizenship test, adding questions that address “national values”.

Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge has announced new changes to the citizenship test. This is the first time in more than a decade that Australia’s citizenship test is getting a new update.

Mr Tudge said “Our Australian values are important. They have helped shape our country and they are the reason why so many people want to become Australian citizens.” “We are asking those who apply for citizenship to understand our values more deeply before they make the ultimate commitment to our nation,” Tudge added.

What exactly are the changes?

The updated test will now include five multiple-choice questions addressing questions on ideas such as mutual respect, equality and democracy.

Each applicant will be required to answer each of these new questions correctly, and to achieve at least 75% on the overall test.

The test itself is made up of 20 multiple-choice questions, with the example test on the government’s website giving three options for each question.

There won’t be any changes to English language or residency requirements for citizenship.

What will the questions look like?

Examples of the questions include:

• Which of these statements best demonstrates Australian values about freedom of expression?
• Why is it important that all Australian citizens vote to elect the state and federal parliament?
• Should people in Australia make an effort to learn English?
• In Australia, can you encourage violence against a person or group of people if you have been insulted?
• Should people tolerate one another where they find that they disagree?
• In Australia, are people free to choose who they marry or not marry?
• In Australia, is it acceptable for a husband to be violent towards his wife if she has disobeyed or disrespected him?
• Do you agree that men and women should be provided equality of opportunity when pursuing their goals and interests?
• Should people’s freedom of speech and freedom of expression be respected in Australia?

Impact of COVID-19 on the citizenship process

Due to COVID-19, citizenship ceremony will be delivered online via video-link. However, in some states, in-person citizenship appointments and tests are resuming. DoHA will contact applicants regarding the citizenship appointment and the test.

According to Tudge, more than 85,000 people from every state and territory have become Australian citizens in online ceremonies since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.