ECCV welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed changes to Strengthening the test for Australian citizenship to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
This submission is informed by community consultation, desk top review on issues relating to, but not confined to, strengthening multiculturalism, migration and settlement and social cohesion.
ECCV consultation found that migrants value their Australian citizenship and feel that attaining Australian citizenship is the pinnacle of achieving belonging. They look forward to singing ‘Advance Australia Fair’ and celebrating events that Australians hold dear such as ANZAC Day. The value of Australian citizenship is further demonstrated by the high take rate up and a perception that Australia is a place of opportunity, safety and truly the ‘lucky country’. ECCV consultations however found that putting up yet more hurdles to attaining Australian citizenship may marginalise and disadvantage the most vulnerable in our community.
Media Enquiries
For media enquiries or more information, please contact:
Email: media@eccv.org.au
Phone: 0431 091 738