Citizenship Test Plan Accused of Politicizing Jewish Community
The opposition has been accused of exploiting the Jewish community for political purposes and inciting division among community groups by suggesting citizenship tests include questions on antisemitism.
The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) told Guardian Australia the proposal raises “significant concerns,” asserting it divides communities instead of uniting them.
“It suggests that some individuals possess a lesser sense of belonging and connection to the nation,” a council spokesperson stated.
“The timing of this proposal appears opportunistic, as it seems to exploit racial issues and deepen societal rifts.”
Proposal Originates from Shadow Immigration Minister
Shadow Immigration Minister Dan Tehan initially raised the suggestion in February, reportedly at an Australian Jewish Association (AJA) online forum.
The Coalition had previously considered altering citizenship requirements following a viral video allegedly showing Sydney nurses threatening Israeli patients.
Tehan subsequently confirmed the planned changes to the Sydney Morning Herald on Wednesday, after a pledge from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton that the Coalition would hold a referendum to grant the government greater authority to deport criminals with dual citizenship.
Scope of Citizenship Test Questioning
Shadow Foreign Minister David Coleman on Wednesday declined to specify whether the citizenship test would also be broadened to include questions on other forms of racism or discrimination.
“Tolerance is highly important; it’s part of our national identity, and the announcement we are making today is focused on antisemitism and ensuring that individuals who immigrate to our country understand the significance of that issue,” he stated to ABC TV.
“I support the proposal for the test concerning antisemitism, and naturally, discrimination of any kind is unacceptable.”
Government Dismisses Proposal as “Thought Bubble”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promptly dismissed both ideas as mere “thought bubbles.”
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke echoed Albanese’s sentiment in a statement to Guardian Australia.
“Yesterday’s thought bubble on a referendum did not even last until lunchtime – let’s observe how long this one endures,” he remarked.
“Peter Dutton and the Coalition will resort to any tactic to evade discussing their substantial cuts, which will escalate the cost of living.”
Jewish Council Previously Advocated for Migration Changes
The Executive Council of Australia Jewry (ECAJ) has not yet responded to the latest Coalition announcement but had earlier this year advocated for modifications to migration policies to address antisemitism.
At a Sky News antisemitism summit in February, ECAJ co-chair Alex Ryvchin urged for immigration officers to receive training to identify antisemitism, and to disqualify applicants promoting antisemitism under the character assessment.
ECAJ also recommended reinforcing the migration act to ensure antisemitic conduct served as grounds to deny new visas or cancel existing ones.
Community Leaders Criticize Political Exploitation and Division
Sarah Schwartz, Executive Officer of the Jewish Council of Australia, accused the Coalition of “attempting to utilize the Jewish community” for political expediency and suggested they were “fixated” on “pitting different communities against each other.”
“I believe Peter Dutton and the Coalition are demonstrably attempting to exploit the Jewish community and legitimate anxieties regarding increases in antisemitism to advance their own anti-immigrant agenda,” she told Guardian Australia.
Dr. Jamal Rifi, a Lebanese Muslim community leader in western Sydney, contended that the proposal treats the Muslim diaspora as “second-class citizens.”
“It simply conveys a message that Australian Muslims are, in effect, second-class citizens within this great nation,” he stated.
Rifi, who has campaigned for Labor in western Sydney, argued that including questions solely on antisemitism would disregard the Islamophobia present in Australia.
“It contradicts our fundamental Australian values that we all embrace, because racism should be condemned in all its manifestations.”