Citizenship Tests The Australian 12 December 2006

12 DECEMBER

John Stapleton

Danah Behbehani

MOST Australians approached by this newspaper yesterday would have failed a basic citizenship test. They could not cite the citizenship pledge, did not know the five fundamental freedoms of Australians, did not know any of their basic responsibilities as citizens and could not guess the year of Federation.

In a survey conducted at Central Station in Sydney, by The Australian, all those approached knew that John Howard was the Prime Minister, could describe the Australian flag and knew it was compulsory for Australian citizens to vote.

But not one of them could repeat the pledge expected of new citizens: ``From this time forward, under God

I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people

whose democratic beliefs I share.''

Nor did most know that the basic freedoms of Australians include the freedom of speach, association, assembly, religion and movement.

Many could not name the Australian floral emblem, the wattle, and had little idea of the country's population size, 20 million.

Many also did not know the year in which Captain Cook claimed Australia for Great Britain (1770), or the year in which British settlers first arrived (1788).

But in a sporting mad nation most knew the Australian national colours were green and gold. Interestingly, all those approached could describe the aboriginal flag.

Tony Davies, 27, a security officer from the Central Coast, did not know the population of Australia and did not know the year of Federation (1901). He guessed the main responsibility of an Australian citizen was to pay taxes, but failed to include obeying the law, and enrolling on the electoral roll.

He said a basic citizenship test was a good idea, particularly the need to speak English. ``I hate buying takeaway and they can't understand you,'' he said.

Australian born muslim Aisha Chamy, 35, who was wearing the full burka, could not recite the Australian citizenship pledge or describe the basic responsibilities of citizens. Nor could she say which year Captain Cook claimed Australia. However she could describe the Australian and aboriginal flags.

She said she did not think an Australian citizenship test was necessary and migrants learnt about the country after they settled in. ``In Australia they should teach a lot more about different cultures,'' she said. ``They touch base on aboriginal culture in our schools, but there are many different cultures and religions here.''

Eise Liston, 20, a volunteer youth worker from Newcastle, could not cite the citizenship pledge, did not know the country's population and did not know the basic freedoms of Australia. ``I don't think people should be forced to take a citizenship test,'' she said. ``I like that we are a multicultural nation and we accept for people to come in.''

Sidney Thomson, 72, a retired telecommunications worker from Lithgow, knew most of the answers to The Australian's mock citizenship test, but could not cite the citizenship pledge or the basic responsibilities of citizens. ``I would expect to take a test if I went to someone else's country and abide by their laws,'' he said.