AUSTRALIA:Who is Australia's greatest cricketer? Is it Sir Donald Bradman, Sir Hubert Opperman or Walter Lindrum? The question, said to have been personally written by cricket fanatic and former prime minister John Howard, is part of the homework recommended for those taking the country's controversial citizenship test.
Not surprisingly, many migrants haven't a clue who any of the three are, and find other questions equally daunting. On Tuesday, amid complaints that there is too much irrelevant sporting trivia, emphasis on historical dates and racist overtones in the test, introduced before the conservative leader was trounced in the polls, the new Labor-led government announced a review.
The immigration minister, Chris Evans, said he was concerned that many of the questions were inappropriate for unskilled refugees and put them at a disadvantage. He said parts of the test appeared to be the result of political interference and questions were too heavily weighted towards Australia's obsession with sport .
"I'm not sure a lot of sports trivia is really what's important when settling here," said Mr Evans. "I think it's really important new citizens have an understanding of our democracy, how it functions and the values of Australia."
Other questions in the test include naming the colours of the national flag, stating the year in which the federation took place and naming the three levels of Australian government. All will be reassessed, as well as the level of English required - almost that of a native speaker - which may be set lower. The test is done on computer, which the government also believes may be difficult for some people without a formal education, and a written or aural test could be allowed.
The review coincides with immigration department figures that show 9,043 people sat the test in its first three months, with 18 per cent failing on their first attempt. The highest failure rate was among refugees from Sudan and Afghanistan. Figures also show that fewer people are taking the test, suggesting they may deterred by the format.
"The test is clearly skewed to disadvantage refugees and humanitarian immigrants not from western nations," said Kristine Klugman, president of Civil Liberties Australia. "Cricket is not a high priority when just eating and surviving is all they have time for."