Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says his government’s planned changes to citizenship laws will be “empowering” for migrants.
“Is it unreasonable to say that people should have a competent understanding and ability to read and write and speak English to become an Australian citizen?” he told SBS News in an exclusive interview.
“How can you succeed, how can you progress effectively in Australia without English?”
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The new rules would require applicants to be a permanent resident for four years, up from the current 12 months, face a stand-alone English test and commit to embracing Australian values.
The changes paid greater respect to citizenship, Mr Turnbull said, insisting Australia’s success as a multicultural nation was because national identity was defined by shared political values such as freedom, the rule of law, democracy, equality of men and women and a fair go.
“That’s what defines us,” he said.
“It’s not the colour of your skin or your face, or your ethnic background. We do not define our national identity by reference to race, religion, ethnicity.
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“I’ve been talking about this for well over 20 years. I think this is broadly accepted; widely accepted.”
But Mr Turnbull insists these aren’t new beliefs of his.
“What I said about Australian values and Australian citizenship reflects views that I’ve held for many years,” he said.
On the English language tests, the prime minister insisted there was plenty of time for migrants to learn before being tested.
“Of course very successful people came to Australia without English skills – but they acquired them.
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“Under the new arrangements, a person will have to be a permanent resident for four years before they can apply for citizenship … so there is plenty of time to engage, to be involved, to learn English.
“This is an empowering decision, and empowering policy, it’s enabling people to do their best and succeed in Australia as citizens of this remarkable multicultural society."
Mr Turnbull has also spoken to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the changes to the skilled visa scheme for migrant workers.
The 457 visa scheme had lost its credibility, he said.
“The changes are simply ones will ensure, as every nation has the sovereign right to do, to ensure that wherever possible, jobs, employment, opportunity, skill gaps are filled by Australians," he said.
“But we are not going to be any less open to people from other countries, in this context India.”
