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"Values Statement" to be Signed by All Migrants to Australia
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| Author: |
Alan Collett |
| Date: |
Thursday, October 04, 2007 |
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From the 15th of October 2007 those migrating to Australia or planning to spend more than a year there will be required to sign a "Values Statement."
Among other things the Statement will require individuals to confirm that they will respect Australian values and will comply with Australian law for the duration of their stay in Australia.
By way of additional details, the Department of Immigration's website (see the weblink below) advises:
"Applicants for permanent visas, including applicants for most provisional visas that lead to permanent residence, will be asked to sign a values statement indicating that they have read, or had explained to them, material made available by the department on life in Australia and that they understand and respect Australian values and will obey Australian laws.
The values statement will be included in application forms for affected permanent and provisional visas, with a space for all applicants over the age of 18 years to sign.
The material made available by the department will be a Life in Australia book, designed to inform visa applicants about Australian history, culture and social structures before they sign the values statement on their visa application form.
The book will be widely and freely available, including for download from the department’s website, in printed form and in audio-visual format. It will be translated into about 29 community languages.
Applicants who are unable to read the book can have its contents explained to them by, for example, a friend or relative or their sponsor or agent.
Applicants for temporary visas with the potential for long term stay will be asked to sign a values statement indicating that they will respect Australian values, (as listed on their application form) and will obey Australian laws.
These applicants will not be required to have read the Life in Australia book, but may do so if they wish.
The values statement will be included in the general declarations section of application forms for affected temporary visas and signing the application form will include signing the values statement.
We expect the majority of applicants to sign the values statement, those who fail or forget to sign the values statement will be given another opportunity to sign before a decision is made on their visa application."
The Values Statement to be signed by all permanent and provisional visa applicants lodging an application from the 15th of October 2007 will read as follows:
"I confirm that I have read, or had explained to me, information provided by the Australian government on Australian society and values.
I understand
* Australian society values respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual, freedom of religion, commitment to the rule of law, Parliamentary democracy, equality of men and women and a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces mutual respect, tolerance, fair play and compassion for those in need and pursuit of the public good
* Australian society values equality of opportunity for individuals, regardless of their race, religion or ethnic background
* the English language, as the national language, is an important unifying element of Australian society
* I undertake to respect these values of Australian society during my stay in Australia and to obey the laws of Australia.
I understand that, if I should seek to become an Australian citizen:
* Australian citizenship is a shared identity, a common bond which unites all Australians while respecting their diversity
* Australian citizenship involves reciprocal rights and responsibilities. The responsibilities of Australian citizenship include obeying Australian laws, including those relating to voting at elections and serving on a jury.
If I meet the legal qualifications for becoming an Australian citizen and my application is approved I understand that I would have to pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people."
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| Weblink: |
http://www.immi.gov.au/gateways/agents/news/values-statement-amendments.htm |
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