Could you pass the Aussie citizenship test? Report reveals thousands have to resit

A new report released by the Auditor-General’s office this week has shone a light on the process that wannabe citizens have to go through before they become fully fledged Aussies.

The audit report, which was released by the federal department on Monday, has raised questions about the effectiveness of the current citizenship process after it was reported by News.com.au that more than 1,200 new Australians actually failed the test three times before they went on to secure a pass last year.

According to the news outlet more than 4,800 applicants out of more than 85,000 failed the 20-question test last year.

The report, which is publicly available online, found that the number of citizenship applications has increased by 25 per cent over the past four years, with a total of 239,413 applications lodged in 2017–18.

Despite an increase in lodgements, the audit report also found that the number of backlogged citizenship applications has increased by a whopping 771 per cent over the same time period, demonstrating that processing by the Department of Home Affairs has not kept up with the rate of applications received.

Also, while the number of such applicants has risen since 2015, the number of computer-based citizenship tests administered has decreased.

“Applications for citizenship by conferral have not been processed in a time-efficient manner,” the report reads. “Processing times have increased and long delays are evident between applications being lodged and decisions being taken on whether or not to confer citizenship.”

The audit focused solely on applications for citizenship by conferral, which requires applicants to have spent a certain period of time as an Australian permanent resident, as opposed to becoming a citizen through marriage or a de facto situation. Applications are usually aged between 18 and 59.

Read more: Data reveals rising number of migrants applying for Australian citizenship.

In light of the report, Starts at 60 has pulled together 20 practice questions for the Citizenship Test so that our readers can test their own True Blue Aussie knowledge. The test requires applicants to score at least 15 out of 20 to secure a pass, with the questions selected from 75 possible options.

Practice questions

1. What do we remember on Anzac Day?

• The landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli, Turkey
• The arrival of the first free settlers from Great Britain
• The landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove

2. What are the colours of the Australian Aboriginal Flag?

• Black, red and yellow
• Green, white and black
• Blue, white and green

3. Which official symbol of Australia identifies Commonwealth property?

• The national anthem
• Australia’s national flower
• Commonwealth Coat of Arms

4. Which of these statements about Australia’s system of government is correct?

• The Queen of Australia chooses people to form the Australian Parliament
• The government is elected by the people
• The Prime Minister chooses our Members of Parliament

5. Which of these is an example of freedom of speech?

• People can peacefully protest against government decisions
• Men and women are treated equally in a court of law
• Australians are free to not follow a religion

6. Which of these statements about government in Australia is correct?

• The government does not allow some religions
• Government in Australia is secular
• Religious laws are passed by parliament

7. Which of these is an example of equality in Australia?

• Everyone follows the same religion
• Men and women have the same rights
• Everyone belongs to the same political party

8. Which of these is a responsibility of Australian citizens aged 18 years or over?

• To attend local council meetings
• To vote in elections
• To have a current Australian passport

9. Which of these is a responsibility of Australian citizens aged 18 years or over?

• To do local community service
• To carry a passport at all times
• To serve on a jury if called to do so

10. Which of these statements about passports is correct?

• Australian citizens can apply for an Australian passport
• Permanent residents can hold an Australian passport
• Australian citizens need a passport and visa to return to Australia

11. Which of these statements about voting in Australian elections is correct?

• People are free and safe to vote for any candidate
• Voting is by a show of hands
• People must write their name on their vote

12. What happened in Australia on 1 January 1901?

• The Australian Constitution was changed by a referendum
• The Australian Constitution came into effect
• The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps was formed

13. What is the name of the legal document that sets out the rules for the government of Australia?

• The Australian Federation
• The Australian Commonwealth
• The Australian Constitution

14. What is a referendum?

• A vote to change the government
• A vote to change the Australian Constitution
• A vote to change the Prime Minister

15. Which arm of government has the power to interpret and apply laws?

• Legislative
• Executive
• Judicial

16. Which of these is a role of the Governor-General?

• The appointment of state premiers
• The signing of Bills passed by the Australian Parliament
• The appointment of the Head of State

17. Which of these statements about state governments is correct?

• All states have the same constitution
• Each state has its own constitution
• The states have no constitution

18. What is the name given to the party or coalition of parties with the second largest number of members in the House of Representatives?

• The Government
• The Opposition
• The Senate

19. What is the name of a proposal to make a law in parliament?

• Royal Assent
• Bill
• Debate

20. Who maintains peace and order in Australia?

• Public servants
• Police
• Lawyers

Answers: 1a, 2a, 3c, 4b, 5a, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9c, 10a, 11a, 12b, 13c, 14b, 15c, 16b, 17b, 18b, 19b, 20b

How many questions did you get right? Do you think applicants for citizenship should be able to take the test more than once?