Ethnic groups welcome decision by senate to block a proposed citizenship bill

Ethnic community groups have welcomed a decision by the Senate to block a proposed citizenship bill after it missed a deadline to be addressed in federal parliament. The changes would have extended the waiting time for permanent residents to apply for citizenship and created tougher English language tests. It also would have granted extra powers for the immigration minister as part of making it harder for migrants and refugees to become Australian citizens.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton will make amendments to the citizenship bill Source: AAP

Ethnic and advocacy groups in Australia are applauding the decision of the Senate to kill off proposed changes to the nation's citizenship laws.

It follows a Federal Government announcement earlier this year of planned changes which would have made it harder to become an Australian.

The proposal would have required applicants to live in Australia for four years on permanent-residency visas and demonstrate "competence" in a tough English language test.

Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria chairman Eddie Micallef says migrants and refugees would be happy the laws have been blocked.