Immigration to Australia over the past 10 years has generally seen a decline in the number of English-speaking people or a decline in English proficiency, said Citizenship Secretary Tucci. (Web Photo)
Citizen Affairs Minister Tucci (Alan Tudge) used his first major speech to warn that "ethnic separation" shook Australia`s core, according to the Australian news agency, after taking office in December. He believes that if the government does not act, European racial unrest could repeat itself in Australia.
Mr. Tucci`s comments reflect government`s attitude after the federal government citizenship amendment, which was thwarted in the Senate last year, now hopes to break through again. He told Sky News (Sky News) on Wednesday that some regions of Australia, where even English is no longer the first language, are concentrated in overseas-born immigrants.
He also warned against the emergence of "multicultural separatists" in Australia, where immigrants "have no intention of sharing or integrating with the local community". "they live next to each other rather than integrate into the existing population."
Over the past decade, Tucci noted, there has been a general trend towards fewer English-speaking people or a decline in English proficiency among immigrants to Australia.
It is reported that 10 years ago, 1/5 of immigrants poor or unable to speak English, but now that proportion has risen to 1/4.
The Australian Federation of National Community councils (FECCA), a new immigrant group, acknowledged that new immigrants needed support in English learning, education and job search, but called on the Federal government to maintain a fair and just citizenship system.
Minister of Civil Affairs Tucci. (photo by Australian newspaper)
"measures that make it harder for them to become citizens will be counterproductive," says FECCA Chairman Patthos (Mary Patetsos). "if the English test is too strict, many Australians who have only functional English will unfairly lose the rights, opportunities and protections that citizens can enjoy."
Unionparty government wants to raise English requirements for naturalists and ensure that immigrants try to integrate into society and demonstrate their acceptance of Australian values. Opposition party, on the other hand, believes citizenship requirements are now working, accusing government of "snobbling and divisive" attacks on Australia`s multiculturalism.
(Ed Husic), a former Labour MP, questioned that there was little evidence to support government`s attempt to tighten naturalization requirements.
"[naturalization requirements] have nothing to do with policy, not good ideas that are in the public interest, but about Tucci`s political life," he said.
Tucci gave a speech at the Munchiz Research Center in Sydney on Wednesday night, and he is expected to announce in his speech that Australia`s multicultural model is the best in the world, but it is no longer as effective as it used to be. He also said that "the multiculturalism of Australia is not a god, and it cannot be taken for granted."
