Citizenship Test

The morning after our most recent visit to the obstetrician, I had my Australian citizenship interview and test.

To qualify for citizenship, I needed to be a permanent resident for at least a year (which I have been) and have resided in the country during that time. Permanent residency is harder, and more expensive, to get than citizenship; it is also probably more worthwhile, in that it confers many of the same benefits as being a citizen such as medicare benefits, health insurance and bank loans.

Citizenship means that I will not need to renew my residency visa and can apply for an Australian passport, meaning I can come and go as I please without the need for a visa. It also means I am obliged to vote in all federal and state elections and qualify for consular assistance when overseas. So in summary, pretty much the only benefit is not needing to renew my visa.

The interview simply involved me presenting my identity documents - passport, birth certificate, driving licence - in person, so they could confirm who I am.

In order to prepare for the test, Immigration supply you with an handy document - Our Common Bond - so you can learn all about this country. The first half is the 'testable' section - which is in three parts covering Australia and its People, Australian Beliefs, Rights and Liberties, and Government and the Law in Australia. The second, 'non-testable' section, is all the other stuff the government would like to put in the testable bit, but it's just too hard. Sir Donald Bradman's batting average? Who's the chick on the back of the $10 note? That kind of thing. 99.94 and Dame Mary Gilmore, by the way.

So the test is 20 multiple choice questions in 45 minutes and is completed on a computer. There are a bank of some 200 questions, I believe, that you can be asked.
The immigration staff member who interviewed me said I should have 'no problem' with the test; "you'll probably complete it in about seven minutes", he said with a smile. 

The test took place in a separate room with about 20 computers. Having secured my mobile phone and valuables in a locker and had my ID checked, I was guided to a station to complete the test. Here were some of the questions, that I can remember:


1. How many languages are spoken in Australia?
A: Fewer than 10
B:  20 - 50 
C: Over 200


2. What are the colours of the Aboriginal Flag?
A: red, black, and yellow
B: red, white and blue
C: blue, green and white


3. How many state and territories are there in Australia?
A: 6 states, 2 territories
B: 8 states, 3 territories
C  5 states, 1 territory


4. What is Australia's National Flower?

A: the waratah
B: the rose
C: the wattle


5. Who is responsible for keeping law and order in the Australian community?

A: The federal government
B: The police
C: The armed forces


6. What happened in Australia on 1 January 1901?

A: The Australian Constitution came in to effect
B: The Australian Constitution was changed by a referendum
C: The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps was formed


7. What year did the First Fleet arrive in Australia?

A: 1510
B: 1788
C: 1901


8. What name is given to the party or coalition of parties that have the second largest number of members in the House of Representatives?

A: The Government
B: The Opposition
C: The Senate


Answers are below....


The pass mark is 75% (15/20) and you can take the test as many times as necessary in order to pass. Fortunately, I passed first time with 100%. In 1 minute, 37 seconds. I think I could have done it sub 1.30, but a couple of the questions were so stupidly easy I had to re-read them a couple of times to check I hadn't missed something.


So what happens next?
Now I wait for the character checks, which includes contacting a nominated person in the community to verify who I am (thanks to Jeremy), and the police to run a criminal background check. Then I will be invited to attend a Citizenship Ceremony in my local area (Lane Cove). Only once I have attended this will I be an Australian citizen; it involves making 'the pledge' (which I think involves promising to speak with an upward inflection at the end of sentences, grow a mullet and drink VB) and singing 'Advance, Australia Fair'.


Does this mean I will no longer be a British citizen?
No, I will always be a British citizen as well. And, of course, I will continue to support England whenever they play against Australia in rugby and cricket, as I always have. And I will continue to support Australia when they play against New Zealand, South Africa and pretty much anyone else (especially the French).


Answers:
1C, 2A, 3A, 4C, 5B, 6A, 7B, 8B.