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Australian Citizenship Test will be updated to include a section focusing on Australian values from 15 Nov 2020

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The Australian Citizenship Test will be updated for the first time in more than a decade to include a section focusing on Australian values, starting from 15 November 2020.

This was announced by Australia’s Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Alan Tudge on Thursday (17 September) in conjunction with Australian Citizenship Day.

In the updated citizenship test, there will be 20 multiple-choice questions, including five questions on Australian values.

Meanwhile the applicant will be required to correctly answer all five of the questions on Australian values, with a mark of at least 75 per cent overall, to pass the test.

It also said that there will be no changes to the English language or residency requirements for citizenship.

Addressing the update of citizenship test, Mr Tudge said, “Our Australian values are important. They have helped shape our country and they are the reason why so many people want to become Australian citizens.”

He also explained that there will be new and more meaningful questions on the updated citizenship test which “require potential citizens to understand and commit to our values” such as freedom of speech, mutual respect, equality of opportunity, the importance of democracy and the rule of law.

“We are asking those who apply for citizenship to understand our values more deeply before they make the ultimate commitment to our nation,” he noted.

Here is a list of example questions that focus on Australian values in the updated citizenship test, as reported by SBS news.

  • Why is it important that all Australian citizens vote to elect the state and federal parliament?
  • Should people in Australia make an effort to learn English?
  • In Australia, can you encourage violence against a person or group of people if you have been insulted?
  • Should people tolerate one another where they find that they disagree?
  • In Australia, are people free to choose who they marry or not marry?
  • In Australia, is it acceptable for a husband to be violent towards his wife if she has disobeyed or disrespected him?
  • Do you agree that men and women should be provided equality of opportunity when pursuing their goals and interests?
  • Should people’s freedom of speech and freedom of expression be respected in Australia?

To assist people to prepare for the test, an updated version of the Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond resource, which includes information on the new Australian values component and an updated practice test will also be made available online for download.

On top of this, most applicants for new visa and citizenship will be required to affirm the updated Australian Values Statement (AVS) from 30 October 2020.

“The updated AVS will better reflect the shared values of Australian society, including the rule of law, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of association and equality of opportunity for all people in Australia,” it said in the statement.

During the Australian Citizenship Day on Thursday, according to Mr Tudge, more than 2,500 people will receive Australian citizenship at more than 100 ceremonies across the country.

He also revealed that since 31 March, more than 85,000 people from every state and territory have become Australian citizens in online ceremonies despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s restriction.

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International

Iran fires 180 missiles at Israel in response to escalating tensions

Iran fired 180 missiles at Israel on Tuesday (1 Oct), claiming it was retaliation for Israeli airstrikes and assassinations of key figures in Gaza, Lebanon, and Tehran. Most missiles were intercepted, but Israel vowed retaliation. The United States condemned the attack as a “significant escalation,” heightening concerns of a broader conflict.

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2 days ago

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2 October 2024

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Iran launched a large-scale missile attack against Israel on Tuesday (1 Oct), escalating tensions in the already volatile region.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), around 180 projectiles were fired at Israel, prompting a coordinated missile defence effort with the United States.

Israel’s military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, confirmed that the nation’s air defences successfully intercepted the majority of the Iranian missiles.

However, some projectiles reached central and southern Israel, causing minor injuries to two civilians.

In the West Bank, Palestinian officials reported the death of a Palestinian man near Jericho after being struck by a missile, though it remains unclear which side was responsible for that particular strike.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the strike, stating that it targeted “vital military and security installations.”

Iran claimed that Tuesday’s missile strikes were in retaliation for the recent deaths of key figures from Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Iranian military.

It specifically referenced Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guard General Abbas Nilforushan, both of whom were killed in an Israeli airstrike last week in Beirut.

The operation also cited the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was reportedly killed in Tehran in a suspected Israeli attack in July.

In response to the missile strikes, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Iran had made a “big mistake” and would face severe consequences for the attack.

“Iran made a big mistake tonight—and it will pay for it,” Netanyahu said.

“The regime in Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and retaliate against our enemies.”

His remarks strongly signaled that Israeli retaliation was imminent, increasing concerns about a potential spiral into a broader regional war.

Iran defended its actions, with President Masoud Pezeshkian posting on social media that the missile strikes were a defensive response to Israeli provocations.

“Let Netanyahu know that Iran is not a belligerent, but it stands firmly against any threat. This is only a corner of our power,” Pezeshkian stated, warning Israel not to enter into further conflict with Iran.

On the international front, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan characterized Iran’s attack as a significant escalation, but noted that it had been effectively neutralized by Israel’s missile defense systems.

“At this point this attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective,” Sullivan remarked, though he acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.

US President Joe Biden reiterated the United States’ support for Israel, but stressed that his administration was in close consultation with Israeli officials to determine an appropriate response.

“We’re going to get all the data straight,” Biden said.

“We’re in constant contact with the Israeli government and our counterparts, and that remains to be seen.”

Iran’s mission to the United Nations issued a statement on Wednesday (2 Oct) defending its missile operation as a “legal, rational, and legitimate response” to Israel’s actions.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the mission warned that any retaliatory actions by Israel would trigger a more severe Iranian response.

“Should the Zionist regime dare to respond or commit further acts of malevolence, a subsequent and crushing response will ensue,” the mission stated.

The message also advised other regional actors and supporters of Israel to distance themselves from the Israeli government.

Military bases in Tel Aviv, targeted in the strike, have sustained structural damage, according to the IRGC. However, these claims have not been independently verified.

Videos on X (formerly Twitter) show missiles intercepted and hitting ground targets, contrary to Israel’s claim of no damage done.

International reactions have also begun to emerge. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the continued escalation, calling for an immediate ceasefire. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Guterres stated, “This broadening of the Middle East conflict must stop.”

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International

World leaders urge Israel to halt Lebanon offensive amid escalating conflict

On 1 October 2024, Israel launched airstrikes on southern Lebanon, killing at least 95 people and injuring 172. The attacks, aimed at Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, have sparked international concern. World leaders, including US President Joe Biden, are calling for a ceasefire, warning that further escalation could lead to a regional catastrophe.

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3 days ago

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1 October 2024

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Israel launched a series of airstrikes and artillery bombardments on southern Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of at least 95 people and injuries to 172 others.

The attacks, which began early on Tuesday (1 Oct), are part of Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group that operates in Lebanon.

The strikes were aimed at Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in the region and marked a significant escalation in the hostilities between Israel and the group.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the military operation is “limited, localized, and targeted.”

The goal of the operation, according to IDF statements, is to protect Israeli citizens, particularly those residing in northern Israel, and to facilitate the return of displaced residents to their homes.

This development comes amid a growing concern in the international community over the potential for a broader regional conflict, with multiple world leaders calling for a ceasefire and urging Israel to refrain from launching a ground invasion into Lebanon.

US President Joe Biden called on Israel to avoid a ground campaign in southern Lebanon during a press event at the White House on Monday (30 Sept).

Biden, while stressing the need for an immediate ceasefire, did not elaborate on any specific US actions or plans to halt the conflict.

In response to a reporter’s question, Biden expressed his awareness of the situation, stating, “I am more aware than you might know, and I am comfortable with them stopping.”

Belgium’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hadja Lahbib, also expressed deep concern over the violence, particularly the loss of civilian lives.

Lahbib emphasized the importance of respecting international law, suggesting that the current crises in both Gaza and Lebanon are intertwined.

She warned that a failure to address these issues could lead to a dangerous regional escalation.

The UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign, David Lammy, added his voice to the growing international calls for a ceasefire.

Following discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Lammy reiterated the need for a political solution to the crisis.

He stressed the importance of implementing a plan that would allow displaced Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return to their homes.

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell underscored the need to avoid further military intervention in Lebanon, cautioning that any such actions could dramatically worsen the situation.

“Any further military intervention would dramatically aggravate the situation, and it has to be avoided.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also weighed in, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prevent any regional escalation.

Modi highlighted the importance of ensuring the safe release of hostages and expressed India’s commitment to supporting efforts to restore peace and stability.

UN experts warn of regional catastrophe amid escalating Israel-Lebanon conflict

UN experts warned on Monday (30 Sept) that the escalating conflict between Israel and Lebanon could lead to a regional humanitarian and geopolitical catastrophe.

The experts expressed deep concern over the intensifying violence, with Hezbollah launching missiles indiscriminately and Israel responding with large-scale airstrikes across Lebanon.

This surge in violence is exacerbating instability and civilian suffering, particularly in Lebanon and Palestine.

The experts condemned Israel’s use of destructive force in Lebanon, similar to its actions in Gaza.

They criticised Israel for justifying attacks on civilians by claiming Hezbollah fighters hide among them, using civilians as human shields.

The experts argued that the airstrikes in densely populated areas, where residential buildings are being destroyed with little warning, violate international humanitarian law and could amount to domicide, or the mass destruction of homes.

They also highlighted the ongoing violence against Palestinians, calling it a genocidal campaign.

Referring to a recent explosion of booby-trapped electronic devices in Lebanon that caused widespread casualties, the experts condemned those who praised such tactics, calling them criminal.

The experts further warned that double standards in condemning terror while granting impunity threaten the global democratic order.

They stressed the need to address fundamental issues fueling the violence, including the illegal occupation of Palestine, arms supplies to non-state actors, and extrajudicial killings.

The experts called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged the UN Security Council to take swift action.

They emphasised the need to protect civilians, investigate crimes, and strengthen the UN’s presence in the region to prevent further escalation.

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