Well, T800, if you were an inspector assessing me to see if I am acceptable to Australia, I have no idea if I would pass. Being English born, I would have no problems with speaking English. Although I do pronounce a number of English words differently to many Australian TV announcers and newsreaders.

I wouldn't get naturalised until it was no longer compulsory to swear allegiance to Queen Elizabeth of England, someone who I regard as a foreign head of state. When I did get naturalised, I also retained my British citizenship. I did this so that, in the unlikely event that I ever went back to Britain for a holiday [the last time was 1983], I could travel on a British passport and so make things much easier for myself.

I have a German born friend who has retained her German nationality, because otherwise she would be denied some pension or superannuation type entitlements by the German govt. She speaks excellent English and is married to an English born medical specialist. But she's not an Australian citizen, although her German income probably means that she pays more tax in Australia than she otherwise would.

My lady friend is Japanese. She came here about 14 years ago with her then husband and their children as, I believe, business migrants. She has been divorced for several years. When I met her about three and a half years ago she did not speak fluent English. She had been working as a Japanese cook in restaurants and had not been mixing much with English speaking people. But her and her family had paid plenty of tax in Australia and continue to do so.

She had taken up ballroom dancing as a way of socialising without the need for fluent English and we met at a dance. We socialise a great deal with mainly English speaking people and her English has certainly improved. I don't know why, but I get the impression that the family will retain their Japanese citizenship. It doesn't bother me at all. But would you find it a concern?

Back to the topic for a change...

Rex,

Sorry but I disagree with the basis of your argument which unfortunately reflects the most common thinking on such issues, but nonetheless a 'red-herring'.

I believe the only issue that really matters is - Will a migrant abide by principles of western liberal democracy?

Once question is settled, it then is a matter of following policies of the day as to what type, skills or even race of migrants to accept, and in what proportion.

Rex, you are funny. GZ is right... you're off the mark, yet again.

We are talking about Australian culture and that would only involve citizens Rex. BTW I don't think you have to pledge allegience to the Queen any more, I could be wrong.

http://www.citizenship.gov.au/ceremonies/citizenship/pledge.htm

but it doesn't look like it.

I was born here. Our heritage is not so dis-similar yet i don't nor did my parents or grand-parents harbour the same "attitude" problems you seem to regards culture and the monarchy.

Do I believe citizens should hold dual citizenship? No. As the saying goes... you can't serve 2 masters. The US doesn't allow it. Nor does Italy i believe... you must divest your Australian citizenship if you wish to live in italy. Maybe you could get back to me at how many countries do?

I'm not arguing about the "values" test etc... just that Australia has no need for multiculti policy... something you've failed as yet to show any benefits of.

The only point in your "strawman" related to the topic is this... "When I met her about three and a half years ago she did not speak fluent English. She had been working as a Japanese cook in restaurants and had not been mixing much with English speaking people. But her and her family had paid plenty of tax in Australia and continue to do so."

Perhaps if she had mixed more and tried to integrate more her English would have been better. Paying tax doesn't make one Australian.

I like the Japanese culture and Japanese. I didn't need Multiculti to learn about it.

Going back over posts T800..it would seem Ranier has a point..you really dont define what Australian culture is..answer that question first and if you cant, if ALL you can give us is a language and traditions leftover from England and stuff since borrowed from America, then I say your arguement is deeply flawed.

Give me in 50 words or less without drawing from England or America, what we would ALL agree what Aust. culture is and then go on to refine your arguement from there if you STILL can.

If we dont encourage some form of migration program that is a folly.
We are a big country and very under populated..a decent sized invasion from Indonesia would see us crash and burn..

America our allies?..Dont hold your breath.. theyve turned their backs before.The real world fellas.

ROTFLMAO taurus... how about you define it in 50 words or less eh? I have given quite a wide yet not complete description of our culture and its development so far. I even supplied the definition of culture... now if you think you can do better... then go for it.

50 words or less ROTFLMAO.

T800,

"Migrants should come here to become Australians not to remain as they are"
Becoming Australian to me as a migrant means love the country and its people, respect its values, obey the laws, pay the taxes, contribute to the society and raise a healthy happy family.

Most migrants I know keep up with the above values (except for the Alocohol and pork as GZ TAN comment).

Did I miss anything?

GZ TAN,

Out of respect to T800 thread I will not comment on this thread.
Your lack of knowledge of Islam can be resolved by visiting:

www.islamic-awareness.org

If you still have an itch for a challenge initiate your own discussion and I will be there.

Peace,