We Live In Testing Times

Newcastle Herald

Monday October 15, 2007

HE SAID SHE SAID WITH DAVID AND TANYA OF KO-FM 102.9

HE SAID

HAVING now spent much more of my life in Australia than I did in my homeland, I have fairly definite views on the recent citizenship test debate that has been amusing plenty of people, especially those in the media. I cannot see what all the fuss is about.

When I became an Australian citizen in 1983, it was 30 seconds in an office with a social worker in Parramatta swearing an oath of allegiance to the same Queen to whom I was already a subject. What a major disappointment.

I wasn't asked a single question and I was just a number in line waiting to be called. Is it too much to expect an incoming migrant to know a few basics about their adopted country?

I think not. After all, we are lucky enough to be living in the greatest country on Earth and to be invited to become a vote-casting, tax-paying, fully fledged member should carry with it some responsibility.

The test should actually be a bit more comprehensive, requiring potential immigrants to learn a bit about our history and culture. It would show that they're prepared to make a bit of a commitment to their new homeland, instead of taking it for granted.

We already let people into Australia who have no desire to adopt our culture, let alone speak our language, so what harm is there in making them earn their right of passage and citizenship rather than just wait for it on a silver platter?

SHE SAID

LAST month I attended not only the largest citizenship ceremony Newcastle had ever seen in City Hall, but also the last that will not require new citizens to have passed the new test.

Almost 120 people from 32 nations, including my Irish-born hubby, just scraped in before they risked being turfed out on their foreign bums for not knowing which one of these Australians is famous for playing cricket: a) Rod Laver, b) Sir Donald Bradman, or c) Sir Hubert Opperman. I jest of course.

You don't get dragged off and tossed on the first plane out of here if you get one wrong, but you do have to know that it was the Don who wore the baggy green or risk having to re-book and re-sit the test before a gold star is pressed to your forehead and a certificate thrust into your hand.

I think it's a waste of time. People who are desirous of making a new life in Australia will integrate and will endeavour to enrich their Australian experience without sitting a multiple-choice questionnaire. Equally, those who choose not to share in our privileges and responsibilities are not denied citizenship by the introduction of this test they simply have to cram a bit harder and learn the questions by heart to ensure they eventually pass.

Being Australian is about the spirit within, not about a mark out of 20 living it is the best way to learn it. As for Sir Hubert Opperman, I had to Google him and I'm a born and bred Aussie.

David and Tanya can be heard on KO-FM 102.9 from 5.30am to 9am Monday to Friday. Email davidandtanya@kofm.com.au.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

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