The Department of Home Affairs has resumed Australian citizenship appointments across all the States and Territories.
Announced by the Minister Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge many people will now have the opportunity to become Australian citizens, with testing and appointments available in all States and Territories following COVID-19 shutdowns.
“There are currently 117,000 people waiting for an appointment nationally,” Mr Tudge said, “of which almost 40 per cent are in Victoria.”
He said the Department of Home Affairs would be providing additional resources to the task, as well as increasing its opening hours at key locations to ensure as many applications can be finalised as quickly as possible, while still maintaining the integrity of the citizenship program.
Mr Tudge said that despite the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, since 31 March 2020, more than 90,000 people from every State and Territory had become Australian citizens in online ceremonies.
As at 31 October 2020, a further 14,000 people become citizens through in-person ceremonies since they resumed in June 2020.
Mr Tudge said everyone who sits the Australian citizenship test from now on would be required to pass the new test which has a greater focus on Australian values, including the rule of law, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of association and equality of opportunity for all people.
“An updated version of the Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond publication is available online in English and in 40 community languages to help people to prepare for the test,” the Minister said.
More information on citizenship tests and appointments can be accessed on the Department of Home Affairs website at this PS News link.
