Editorial A Fighting Chance
Illawarra Mercury
Monday August 27, 2007
THE Federal Government is a step closer to setting a new citizenship test, which it says will try to strike the right balance between diversity and integration.
As societies change and as the world changes, there is nothing wrong with tweaking citizenship requirements from time to time to ensure we remain on a path of cohesion.And it seems a reasonable stance to shift some focus on to the need for new citizens to have a grasp of the English language, particularly if it helps the applicant feel part of the general community and gain the skills to find a rewarding job.But the ability to demonstrate an adequate level of English should not be a one-way street.It has been argued the language requirement is a convenient mechanism to block certain people who, if they were given a chance, would be outstanding new citizens.Therefore, if the Government is genuine and fair-minded about a cohesive immigration policy it has to give all applicants a fighting chance. And to do that, it must provide adequate funds for a range of English language programs that are accessible to all.
© 2007 Illawarra Mercury