'They give you the answers': Pauline Hanson calls for tougher citizenship test
Australian Senator Pauline Hanson has slammed the current citizenship test, as the government confirmed tougher testing could be on the cards for migrants wanting to become Australians.
Ms Hanson described the current test format, where migrants must answer 15 out of 20 questions correctly on Australian culture and history, as “ridiculous”.
“It’s ridiculous, you just answer a few questions,” Ms Hanson said.
“And I’m told they give you the answers anyway.”
Shocking new figures have revealed thousands of migrants fail the test each year, but are allowed to sit it over and over again, until they pass.
One man failed the test 47 times before becoming an Australian citizen on his 48th attempt.
The figures also showed nearly 8000 people had to sit the test between four and 10 times, while 96 per cent of new citizens since 2012 sat the test three times before passing.
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said revamping the test "was a debate worth having" as the federal government looks at measures to prevent terrorists from exploiting migration path ways.
Mr Dutton flagged he wants to see greater focus on Australian values and the ability to integrate into society, including an individual's willingness to learn English, to educate their children and their employment prospects or welfare dependence.
"The vast majority of people come here and do the right thing... but there is a minority that are on a path way to citizenship who we need to have a closer look at in my judgement," he told 3AW Radio.
The controversial test was brought in by the Howard government in 2007 and covered Australia's history, sporting greats, government, geography and traditions.
The Rudd government tweaked the test two years later to cover civic duty and responsibilities.
Topics include the significance of Anzac Day, the role of the governor-general, laws and government, and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.
“We’ve essentially got a multi choice test asking people whether they know different aspects of Australian culture and society,” Mr Dutton said.
“(But) we want people to have a greater, tangible demonstration of the fact that they’ve embraced Australian values.”
Key senate crossbencher David Leyonhjelm backed the minister's calls for a tougher test.
"Raising the bar on citizenship is the right response to the concern about immigration which is currently circulating in Australia," Senator Leyonhjelm told AAP.
