Tan Bao government is considering a basic English conversation test as a necessary condition for immigrants to become Australian citizens.
Australian Citizenship Secretary Tucker (Alan Tudge) is expected to announce the plan in a speech at Sydney College (Sydney Institute) today following consultations with immigration and business groups.
"this will be a stronger motivation to learn the language, because permanent residency is the most important goal for many people," he said.
Last year, the federal government tried to make the English test part of the naturalization test, but many feared it was too difficult for the proposal to win support from the Senate.
Australia's government is considering a simpler English conversation test, but it will apply to anyone who wants to become a permanent resident, the Australian newspaper reported.
Tucci believes that Australia's non-English-speaking population is already close to 1 million, a worrying increase.
"this is especially true in Melbourne and Sydney, given the concentration of non-English-speaking populations in specific areas," he expects.
This is not the first time Tucci has stressed the importance of English for immigrants.
In March, he suggested that immigrants must demonstrate their efforts to integrate into society before becoming citizens, including joining Rotary (Rotary Club) or football teams.
Government has been negotiating with lawmakers to support the naturalization law reforms that were vetoed in the Senate last year.