Released on = May 18, 2007, 3:51 am

Press Release Author = Kevin Andrews MP, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship

Industry = Internet & Online

Press Release Summary = The Australian Government's new citizenship test will ensure
new Australian citizens are committed to Australia's values and way of life.

Press Release Body = The Department of Immigration and Citizenship will receive
additional funding of $359 million in the 2007-08 Budget to help meet the labour
force needs of Australia's economy, ensure we have a cohesive community and strong
border security.

The Australian Government's new citizenship test will ensure new Australian citizens
are committed to Australia's values and way of life.

The 2007-08 Budget provides funding of $123.6 million over five years to deliver the
Australian Government's new citizenship test, to be introduced in 2007.

The planning number for the Migration Programme will be set at 152,800 places in
2007-08. This level will strengthen our economy and maintain a strong cohesive
community.

The Skilled Migration Stream will have a modest increase of 5,000 places with a
total of 102,500 places. The family stream will be maintained at the 2006-07 level
of 50,000 places.

The 2007-08 Budget will strengthen Australia's borders against the increasingly
sophisticated criminal networks who engage in people smuggling. Ten additional
Airline Liaison Officers (ALOs) will be placed at overseas airports. The Australian
Government will also provide funding of $7.7 million to the International
Organization for Migration (IOM) in Indonesia. The funding will provide training and
resources for the care of intercepted people and a dedicated unit to manage
voluntary returns.

The Australian Government is committed to supporting humanitarian entrants to settle
in Australia and become part of the Australian community. The 2007-08 Budget
delivers $209.2 million over four years to assist recently arrived refugee and
humanitarian entrants to settle into the community. The Budget also maintains 13,000
places for refugees and humanitarian entrants.

Kevin Andrews MP, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship

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