Key Points
- The Multicultural Framework Review has been released with 29 recommendations.
- Among the 10 recommendations flagged as immediate, was a review of the citizenship test procedures.
- The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) welcomed the recommendation to review the citizenship test.
The 200-page has been welcomed by advocates who are calling on all levels of government to update and improve what has been described as "fragmented" policy.
The review, which took more than a year to finalise, called on the federal government to action 29 recommendations, including 10 immediately.
They were made following consultation across Australia with more than 1,400 individuals and 750 organisations.
"Australia stands at a unique crossroads where we have a great opportunity to craft an inclusive future where not only do we celebrate our differences, but also our shared values to help form our national identity,” said Dr Bulent Hass Dellal, director of the Australian Multicultural Foundation and Chair of the review panel.
A key recommendation was a review of the citizenship test procedures, including incorporating languages other than English.
Dr Bulent Hass Dellal AO was the chair of the review which was launched in 2023. Source: SBS
"Apart from a very small category that are exempted from the exam, the test, the rest are required to do the test in English, which is very challenging for some groups, especially minority and refugees categories and some family visa-holders," she said.
Another recommendation was the establishment of a Multicultural Affairs Commission and Commissioner, as well as a standalone Department of Multicultural Affairs, Immigration and Citizenship, with a dedicated minister.
A spokesperson from the Department of Home Affairs said the government "will draw from and embed the key features of the review ... across all Commonwealth agencies and activities, now and into the future."
The citizenship test plays an integral role in ensuring new citizens have “a basic knowledge of the English language and an understanding of Australia”, the spokesperson said, adding that a basic knowledge of English supports integration and participation in the community.
“The citizenship test will continue to be offered only in English as this reflects the role our national language plays in unifying the community and ensuring those who become citizens can fully participate in Australian society,” the spokesperson said.
“The department continuously monitors the operation of the test in order to consider any potential adjustments and support that may be needed.”
The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) welcomed the recommendation to review the citizenship test.
“In too many cases, we see families divided between those who are able to pass the citizenship and those who cannot,” RCOA chief executive officer Paul Power said.
“Instead of penalising those with low English proficiency, we should strive to encourage all individuals to become citizens and contribute to Australian society. We urge the government to implement the Panel’s recommendation for a comprehensive review of the citizenship test.”
Despite the government is yet to accept any specific recommendations, Professor of Sociology Andrew Jakubowicz pointed out.
"A lot of the recommendations of the review relate to parts of government doing new things, and there's no framework until the multicultural commission is established, if it is established, of ensuring that those sorts of things happen."
Among the further recommendations are to develop a national plan to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity.
This story was originally produced as a by SBS News journalists Sophie Bennett and Catriona Stirrat.
