Freedom of Information Access Request - FA 24/10/01555
Thank you for your request of 24 October 2024. In your request you seek access to advice, documents or
legislation relied upon by the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) to state that “
English is the
national language” and that the statement “
There is no expectation to learn any particular language in
Australia” is incorrect in the following Australian citizenship test practice question:
Should people in Australia make an ef ort to learn English?
(a) People in Australia should speak whichever language is most commonly spoken in their local
neighbourhood
(b) There is no expectation to learn any particular language in Australia
(c) Yes, English is the national language of Australia and it helps to get an education, a job, and to
integrate into the community
The Department has considered the legislative requirements contained in the
Australian Citizenship Act
2007 (the Act) and the content of the Australian citizenship test resource booklet
Australian Citizenship:
Our Common Bond (OCB) in confirming the accuracy of the information contained in the citizenship test
questions and responses, including the practice test question you refer to in your FOI request.
The Act sets out the eligibility requirements for Australian citizenship. As part of these requirements, most
applicants for citizenship by conferral aged between 18 and 59 years at the time of applying need to
successfully complete the Australian citizenship test (the test). Subsection 21(2)(d),(e) and (f) of the Act
outlines that persons applying for citizenship by conferral under general eligibility criteria are able to
demonstrate they meet the legislative requirements if the Minister is satisfied that the person:
(d) understands the nature of an application, and
(e) possesses a basic knowledge of the English language, and
(f) has an adequate knowledge of Australia and of the responsibilities and privileges of Australian
citizenship.
As specified in the Act under s21(2)(e), there is an expectation that a person possesses a basic knowledge
in the English language in order to acquire Australian citizenship by conferral. As such, the response option
(b) ‘
There is no expectation to learn any particular language in Australia’, is regarded as an incorrect
response option.
The Australian citizenship test resource e-booklet,
Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond (OCB),
contains all the information required to prepare for the test. Al the questions contained in the test, including
the practice test questions, are based on the content of the testable section of the OCB. This resource
booklet was originally published in 2007, and redeveloped by a panel of professional educators with
experience in civics and citizenship education in 2009 to better assist applicants prepare for the test
following the recommendations in the Report by the Australian Citizenship Test Review Committee in 2008.
The OCB references English is the national language of Australia, at:
−
Page 8:
‘Australia’s national language is English. It is part of our national identity. In keeping with
Australian values, migrants should learn and use English to help them participate in Australian
society. Communicating in English is important for making the most of living and working in
Australia. Other languages are also valued, including more than 100 distinct Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander languages.’ and;
−
Page 38: ‘
Australian society values the English language as the national language of Australia,
and as an important unifying element of society. People living in Australia should make an effort
to learn English. It is important to learn to speak English because it helps to get an education, a
job, and better integrate into the community. It is essential for economic participation and social
cohesion.’
I trust this information is of assistance.
Notes:
1. Source: Department of Home Affairs (internal documents)
Caveats:
•
This information is provided for the specific purpose of this request.
•
It is the responsibility of the area providing the Department of Home Affairs information to external
stakeholders to ensure that the disclosure is in accordance with the ABF Act, Australian Privacy
Principles or other relevant legislation.
Document Outline
