New citizenship test to ask about child marriage, genital mutilation
A new citizenship test will promote "Australian values" with new questions for anyone looking to become an Australian citizen.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has been pushing “Australia first,” with the decision to discard the 457 visa on Tuesday.
The new test will rely less on general knowledge about Australia and instead question applicants on their values including thoughts on child marriage and genital mutilation.
Mr Turnbull said most of the questions were part of a push for "mutual respect" and to decrease violence against women.
New questions:
Does Australia’s principle of freedom of religion mean that in some situations it is permissible to force children to marry?
While it is illegal to use violence in public, under what circumstances can you strike your spouse in the privacy of your home?
Mr Dutton said there would be further announcements regarding Australia's immigration policies but gave no specified time frame.
“What we’re doing is strengthening our multi-cultural society and strengthening the commitment to Australian values," he said.
“Not all disrespecting women ends up in violence against women but that’s where all violence against women begins.”
Another proposal is a push for migrants to be fluent English speakers.
“Of course a lot of migrants have come here in the past without strong English skills but of course they’ve acquired those English skills," Mr Turnbull said.
“It’s big win for applicants because its gives them incentives to acquire a skill that is vital to success."
During an appearance on Sunrise on Thursday immigration minister Peter Dutton was asked if the questions were trying to target Muslims.
“They’re not pointed at anybody in particular,” Mr Dutton said.
“They’re pointed at people who might think domestic violence is okay, well it’s not.
“And clearly as a country we have an issue in relation to domestic violence.
“But we should say to people who want to become Australian citizens that it is against the law, and if you have a different view frankly we don’t want you to become an Australian citizen.
"I think we should be open and frank about it and I don’t think we should apologise for it.”
It's believed participants will only be able to take the test three times and will have to live in Australia for four years before taking it.
The government is set to announce the changes on Thursday.
