Dear Banjo,

Thanks for the information.

It's good to hear.

I have a copy of the old book that
I managed to obtain from my MP when it
was first released (curiousity).

I did not see any problems with it.

The questions in the test were based on the
information contained in the book.

I'm glad that they're retaining most of
it.

Foxy

Thanks for that, but I'm still confused. Isn't Shane Warne that guy who works for Telstra?

So I might have spelled Badman's name right if they're related.

Dear Spikey,

It wouldn't surprise me at all
if Shane Warne ' worked' for
Telstra.

He does bring more fun to the phone.

Now, I won't be answering any more of
your questions. Simply because its
CJ's thread and its not appropriate
to derail it.

If you've got any more questions, just
google them...or go to your local library.

Cheers.

Foxy,
Yes, I am pleasantly surprised that the test is retained and no real radical changes made. There are some changes as you would expect and probably for the better. The new resources book will be interesting.

What I am more interested in is what the Minister has decided about the information that was intended to be given to prospective migrants before they actually applied for a visa. He was to review this as well.

I only found out about 2 years ago that information about our society and culture, etc. had only been given out to migrants after they got a visa. This had been the situation for ever and not good enough as prospective migrants had to find the info themselves before deciding to migrate. I think that their friends here would want them to come so painted a rosy picture. I reckon many would get a shock to find things different to what they expected. No wonder some took offense at some things like near nakedness at beaches, women going out alone, etc.

I have been lobbying the government about this information problem and it was finally changed not long before the last election. I just hope the current Minister continues with it, even if he makes some changes.

I think it terribly important that we give full and accurate info so people can decide before commiting to come.

Have not seen anything as yet so may have to write to him.

Dear Banjo,

I couldn't agree with you more.

Do write to the Minister.

And I will too, if it will help.

This is an issue that I feel strongly about.

People should be given a full and accurate picture,
prior to being granted a visa.

The more informed people are the more realistic
their expectations will be.

Foxy - thanks, but I get yours and Spikey's points, i.e. that to a large percentage of Australians the whole Bradman cultural phenomenon is - and probably has always been - totally irrelevant. More to the point are the various assumptions contained in the test, and it seems to me that the current administration recognises that it's not mandatory to subscribe to sport and other spurious "values" in order to be an Australian citizen.

Banjo actually makes some good points, although the subject is citizenship rather than residency. I think that a period of permanent residency prior to application for citizenship is probably a good idea, because during this time prospective citizens undoubtedly learn about Australian civic duties, popular culture and of course improve thier English skills. I don't think it's reasonable to have the same expectations of new arrivals as we would expect from those seeking citizenship.

Lastly, Badman? Wasn't that the name of the Englishman who stole Port Philip Bay from the Kooris?