By Casey Neill
About 400 people turned out in Springvale to oppose changes to Australian citizenship rules.
Greater Dandenong Labor MPs Mark Dreyfus, Clare O’Neil and Julian Hill hosted the event at the Springvale Town Hall on Tuesday 25 July.
They discussed changes proposed in the Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment Bill, including requiring all applicants to pass a stand-alone English test, have lived in Australia as a permanent resident for at least four years instead of one, and show steps they’ve taken to integrate into and contribute to the Australian community.
The Journal reported on 17 July that Greater Dandenong Council would write to Immigration and Border Protection Minister Peter Dutton to strongly oppose the changes.
Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti and councillors Youhorn Chea and Heang Tak were among speakers at the forum.
Joining them on stage were former Manningham mayor Jennifer Yang, Vietnamese Community in Australia’s Thong Nguyen, Wellsprings for Women’s Dr Dalal Smiley, Hari Guduru from the Hindu Society of Victoria and Omid Cultural Association’s Hayat Rahimi.
On her Facebook page, Ms O’Neil said she spoke to Kingston councillor Steve Staikos at the event.
“He told me the story of his parents and grandparents who came to Australia from Greece with only conversational English language skills they learnt whilst on a boat to our country,” she said.
“However, Steve’s family were still able to contribute huge amounts to Australia and make it into the extraordinary country it is today without ever needing the university-level English test.
“There is an absolute disconnect around passing a university-level English test and that making you a good citizen, but if you don’t pass the test, you won’t be able to make a positive contribution to your local community.”
Bruce MP Julian Hill said: “Everyone should speak up and make a submission to the senate inquiry.”
Mr Dutton said on 20 April that “membership of the Australian family is a privilege and should be granted to those who support our values, respect our laws and want to work hard by integrating and contributing to an even better Australia”.
He said the changes would also add more meaningful questions to assess an applicant’s understanding of and commitment to Australia’s shared values and responsibilities.
Applicants will only be allowed to fail the test three times, and applicants who cheat will automatically fail.
“Citizenship brings with it great privileges and responsibilities and so deserves respect and commitment from those who seek it, as well as those who are granted it,” he said.
“Those who choose to become Australian citizens are making a solemn commitment to our democracy, to our way of life.”
Mr Dutton said English language proficiency was essential for economic participation and promoted social cohesion.
