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Labor set to block Peter Dutton’s proposed citizenship changes

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton. Photo: AAP

The Labor caucus is today expected to reject key aspects of the Federal Government’s proposed changes to citizenship laws.

Labor’s executive met last night and the ABC understands it resolved to block the legislation unless changes are made.

In particular, the shadow cabinet is against making permanent residents wait four years before they can apply for citizenship and it will not accept the tougher English language test the Government is proposing.

On ABC’s Q&A program last night, Labor frontbencher Linda Burney said Labor was yet to settle on a final position but she was worried the Coalition was setting the language pass mark too high.

“This test we believe is requiring people to have level 6 or university English,” she said.

“Now is that really fair for people who are escaping terrible situations?”

Liberal MP Ted O’Brien said Tuesday it was important new citizens have a command of English and were committed to Australian values.

“If Labor does want to block the new citizenship test I want to know what language they want Australians to speak,” he told reporters in Canberra.

“If the reports overnight are right then the Labor Party need to answer to whom do you pledge loyalty.”

Mr O’Brien rejected claims the English test would be set at university level.

“That’s absolutely absurd,” he said insisting if people wanted to get ahead they need to speak the language.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton called on Opposition Leader Bill Shorten to show there was bipartisan support of Australian values.

“I’m hoping that common sense prevails,” he said.

Nationals MP David Gillespie described the changes as sensible, saying it was reasonable to expect people to have a certain mastery of English.

“If you don’t have that you remain in a language enclave which is the last thing we want in our multicultural society,” he said.

Labor frontbencher Linda Burney said any changes would have to be fair and in the national interest.

Crossbench senator Nick Xenophon is doubtful about English language requirements being necessary for Australia’s safety.

“I support the government in ensuring that we have an orderly migration program, that we control our borders, but I don’t think we should have a punitive test,” he said.

Australian values

The Government’s legislation also includes a requirement for citizenship applicants to sign a statement promising to share Australian values.

Liberal senator James Paterson said it was an important move.

“Some of the things that we’re looking at including in the values test in the citizenship application is an acceptance and understanding that domestic violence is completely unacceptable in Australia,” he said.

The legislation would also give the Immigration Minister the power to ignore citizenship decisions made by the administrative appeals tribunal.

Members of Labor’s left faction said that aspect was troubling too.

 

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