To become a citizen in Australia, what does that mean? How is it different from having a Permanent Residency? Well first of all it means that you can get an Australian passport, that you have to vote in elections and that you possibly must give up your former nationality, depending on the laws in your home country. Being from Holland I will be able to keep my Dutch nationality while becoming Australian: it is called dual citizenship and it has its advantages. Having been a Permanent Resident for over 5 years, I started looking into becoming Australian and I came back to the question at the beginning of this blog: What does that mean, being Australian?

 

I found that the former Australian government had asked themselves that question and they invented a test with 20 questions that every Australian should be able to answer. Because the former Prime Minister Howard was very much concerned about Australian history and virtues like `mateship` and `have a fair go`, the questions focussed on `Australiana topics` like `who is Don Bradman` (famous cricket captain) and what is Australia’s national flower (Golden Wattle, photo).

To do the test I went to one of the test centres in Melbourne and found that you need to answer hundreds of questions before the test really starts. I filled in all the forms and after that I was allowed to go into a room with dozens of computers. I sat down and did a multiple choice test of  20 questions. The results were shown right after the test and I surprised myself by making no mistakes, which not many true blue Australians were able to do during try outs. Who would know the name of Australia’s first Federal Prime minister? (I will never forget Edmund Barton! Photo).

 

The new labour government decided that it was not that important to know about cricket captains but that it was much more important to examine people’s understanding of Australian values. It means that the new Citizenship test (from October 20th onwards) focuses on democracy and the rule of law. For example, the government wants people to know that domestic violence is illegal in Australia. ''That seems to me much more important than understanding whether Walter Lindrum was good at billiards,'' said Immigration Minister Chris Evan.

Beneath is a sample test. See if you got what it takes to become an Australian Citizen. If you struggle with the answers, download the PDF Australian Citizenship : Our Common Bond. It is a beautiful book with all handy info about Australia. And to anyone who goes out there to do the test: Good luck mates!

 

 

 

1. What do we remember on Anzac Day?

a. The landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli

b. The arrival of the first free settlers from Britain

 

2. What are the colours of the Australian Aboriginal Flag?

a. Black, red and yellow

b. Green, white and black

c. Blue, white and green

 

3. Which official symbol of Australia identifies Commonwealth property?

a. The national anthem

b. Australia’s national flower

c. Commonwealth Coat of Arms

 

4. Which of these statements about Australia’s system of government is correct?

a. The Queen of Australia chooses people to form the Australian Parliament

b. The government is elected by the people

c. The Prime Minister chooses our Members of Parliament

 

5. Which of these is an example of freedom of speech?

a. Newspapers can write about any topic

b. Men and women are treated equally in a court of law

c. Australians are free to not follow a religion

 

6. Which of these statements about government in Australia is correct?

a. The government does not allow some religions

b. Government in Australia is secular

c. Religious laws are passed by parliament

 

7. Which of these is an example of equality in Australia?

a. Everyone follows the same religion

b. Men and women have the same rights

c. Everyone belongs to the same political party

 

8. Which of these is a responsibility of Australian citizens aged 18 years or over?

a. To attend local council meetings

b. To vote in elections

c. To have a current Australian passport

 

9. Which of these is a responsibility of Australian citizens aged 18 years or over?

a. To do local community service

b. To carry a passport at all times

c. To serve on a jury if called to do so

 

10. Which of these statements about passports is correct?

a. Australian citizens can apply for an Australian passport

b. Permanent residents can hold an Australian passport

c. Australian citizens need a passport and visa to return to Australia

 

11. Which of these statements about voting in Australian elections is correct?

a. People are free and safe to vote for any candidate

b. Voting is by a show of hands

c. People must write their name on their vote

 

12. What happened in Australia on 1 January 1901?

a. The Australian Constitution was changed by a referendum

b. The Australian Constitution came into effect

c. The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps was formed

 

13. What is the name of the legal document that sets out the rules for the government of Australia?

a. The Australian Federation

b. The Australian Commonwealth

c. The Australian Constitution

 

14. What is a referendum?

a. A vote to change the government

b. A vote to change the Australian Constitution

c. A vote to change the Prime Minister

 

15. Which arm of government has the power to interpret and apply laws?

a. Legislative

b. Executive

c. Judicial

  

16. Which of these is a role of the Governor-General?

a. The appointment of state premiers

b. The signing of Bills passed by the Australian Parliament

c. The appointment of the Head of State

 

17. Which of these statements about state governments is correct?

a. All states have the same constitution

b. Each state has its own constitution

c. The states have no constitution

 

18. What is the name given to the party or coalition of parties that wins the second largest number of votes in an election?

a. The Government

b. The Opposition

c. The Senate

 

19. What is the name of a proposal to make a law in parliament?

a. Royal Assent

b. Bill

c. Debate

 

20. Who maintains peace and order in Australia?

a. Public servants

b. Police

c. Lawyers

 

Answers

1a, 2a, 3c, 4b, 5a, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9c, 10a, 11a, 12b, 13c, 14b, 15c, 16b, 17b, 18b, 19b, 20b