Sport quiz for Australia migrants

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The importance of sport and the history of aboriginal settlement are likely to be part of controversial citizenship tests in Australia.

New details have emerged as to the sort of questions prospective citizens will be asked. It is thought they will include an English language component.

The government hopes the tests, likely to be introduced by the end of the year, will enhance social integration.

But critics fear they will discriminate against non-English speaking migrants.

Customs and values

Those applying for Australian citizenship will have to know about the traditions of indigenous people and the colours of the nation's flag to pass these new tests.

Sport is also likely to feature prominently, along with geography and politics.

Prospective citizens will not have to absorb long lists of facts and figures.

The government does, however, want them to have a decent grasp of what customs and values make this country tick.

The Prime Minister, John Howard, has said the tests will promote social harmony and integration.

Those who fail will be able to re-sit the exam. The pass mark will probably be around 60%.

Critics believe the measures will discriminate against migrants with low levels of literacy and for whom English is not their first language.

A senior opposition politician said the tests were ideologically-driven nonsense.