In an unpublicised change to the immigration process, last month the government introduced a new "Australian Values Statement" that all migrants must sign - after swotting up on what they are in a lengthy
brochure. I've had a quick read through and for Poms it all looks quite standard uncontroversial stuff: freedom of speech, respect for the law etc. But I wonder how migrants feel about actually signing a contract to abide by a defined set of values?
Does anyone explain what happens if you don't agree with any of the statements [any Welsh people uncomfortable with the requirement to speak English, for example?]. And what happens if you don't respect these values? Could you have your residency revoked and be sent back to Blighty for not being egalitarian and matey enough?
I'm not joking, here's one of the values you must sign up for:
"Australians have a spirit of egalitarianism ... The aim is
to ensure there are no formal class distinctions in Australian society."
So that rules out Her Majesty getting a 457 visa then!
I don't have a problem with the values, but being forced to sign up for them is a bit creepy - more like joining a cult than starting a new life down under. And I'm not sure coercion is the best way to get people to adopt specific values.
What do you think?
