Background information about the test

The Australian Government released a discussion paper on 17 September 2006 seeking community views on the merits of introducing a formal citizenship test. More than 1644 responses were received with 60 per cent of respondents supporting the introduction of the citizenship test. 25 per cent of respondents were opposed to the introduction of a formal citizenship test and 15 per cent did not state a clear view either way.

The Government announced on 11 December 2006 its intention to introduce a citizenship test and values statements for permanent and selected temporary visa applicants.

The Australian Citizenship Amendment (Citizenship Testing) bill 2007 was introduced into Parliament on 30 May 2007 and was passed by the Parliament on 12 September 2007. The citizenship test was implemented on 1 October 2007.

Changes to the test and application process

An independent review of the Australian citizenship test was undertaken in 2008 to review the test operation and effectiveness. Following the review a number of changes to the citizenship test and application process are being implemented, including a new citizenship test which began on 19 October 2009.

More information about citizenship legislation and policy is available.
See: Law and policy