Petro Georgio made the most astute summary of the citizenship test and his analysis remains as valid today as it did when he challenged the Howard government. Also, a reminder to all that Petro's parents were migrants from a non-English speaking country, which, obviously is no impediment given the success of their son.

"This test represents a fundamental shift away from our current focus on basic English speaking ability to a test of literacy: the ability to read, comprehend and respond to written English.

The clear fact is that thousands of people would fail such a test, even when English is their native language. Scientific studies conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that two and a half million Australians have very poor literacy skills. They have great difficulties in using many of the printed materials that are encountered in everyday life. One and a half million people who have English as their native language fall into this low skill category. These people for instance cannot "locate information on a medicine label giving the maximum number of days the medicine should be taken". They cannot "enter the number of theatre tickets required on an order form". Recently it has been indicated that alternative testing arrangements will be made for people with low literacy skills and that this would involve only a few people. The ABS data show that this is optimistic in the extreme."

I recommend reading in full Petro's speech before casting judgement on the latest incarnation of the citizenship test.

Just as an aside, Australian born as I am, I too would've failed the question regarding Bradman as I don't give a rat's about cricket.

Ooops, here's the link to Petro's speech:

http://www.australianpolitics.com/news/2007/03/07-03-14_georgiou.shtml

I USED TO THINK THAT COMPULSORY VOTING WAS WRONG. But when you think about it , "voting" is not compulsory, but registering is a good way of ensuring that we know who everyone is and ensuring that voting more than once is not possible, as you are crossed off the roll after you've taken your slip into the booth. You can write "Get lost!" if you wish, then.

Glad they dropped any reference to Bradman.
Misanthropic, one dimensional, draft dodger.

the question should read 'is(insert name here) the new Bradman?'

For voluntary voting to work passing a Civics course at school should be mandated; and for immigrants, govt. must provide the courses.

BTW, voting at Local level is compulsory?

C'mon OLO community. Who the deuce is Bradman? I've heard of Batman. I've heard of our Cathey. I've heard of Patrick White and John Olsen. And Marcus Oliphant and Pastor Doug Nichols.

But who is Bradman?

I've lived in Australia for decades without knowing who this person Bradman is. Funny, no-one ever asked me about him, at work or at school. Or started a conversation over dinner with his name. Or on the train. Or anything.

I thought I was a pretty upright citizen. Paid my taxes, never unemployed. No trouble with the police (though there was a speeding fine but the nice policeman didn't ask me about Bradman).

Am I a deviant? Or perverse in some way? C'mon put me out of my misery. What have I failed to do as a good Australian?