Malcolm Turnbull government considering mandatory English test for all new permanent resident immigrants
THE Turnbull government is considering a mandatory English test for all new permanent resident immigrants, amid concerns one million Australians could have little English skills by 2021.
National
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THE Turnbull government is considering a basic conversational English test as a requirement for migrants to becoming Australian citizens, amid concerns there will be over a million Australians with little English proficiency in three years’ time.
The Australian reports, Citizenship Minister Alan Tudge is expected to announce the plans, after consultation with migrant and business groups, in a speech to the Sydney Institute today.
“This would become a stronger incentive to learn the language as permanent residency is the most important objective for many,” he’s expected to say.
The move comes amid warnings Australia is at risk of drifting to the European example of multiculturalism where “parallel” communities would emerge.
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A conversational English test would replace the International English Language Testing System used to assess skilled migrants, The Australian reports. Australia is approaching a million non-English speakers and the increase is concerning, Mr Tudge believes.
“This is particularly so, given the concentration of non-English speakers in particular pockets, largely in Melbourne and Sydney,” he’s expected to say.
An analysis of census data revealed that on current growth rates Australia will be home to one million people who can’t speak English, or can’t speak English well by 2021.
If children are excluded from the statistics that level would be reached by 2026.
Currently Australia welcomes over 200,000 permanent residents a year.
It’s not the first time Mr Tudge has flagged the importance of English for migrants.
In March he suggested migrants must demonstrate they’ve made an effort to integrate before becoming citizens, steps which could include joining a Rotary Club or a soccer team.
The government has been in talks with crossbench MPs to garner support for changes to citizenship laws that were shot down in the Senate last year.
Read more in The Australian.