australia launches anti-racism programme, page-19

A number of post WW2 refugees and immigrants didn't speak or write English. Heck, some of them weren't too literate in their first language! Funnily enough many could converse very adequately in a few different languages!

Many worked their guts out and did jobs that most Australians would not do.

I find it lacking in understanding and sensitivity that someone can say that you must speak and read English to be admitted into this country.


Many locally born people can not read or write. You would be amazed at the amount if you looked into it. I was speaking to an adult literacy teacher recently and she made me aware of the seriousness of this issue.

Today, many local university students can not put together adequate essays. Many do not know basic punctuation such as where to place a full stop and when to start a new paragraph.

I think the issue of literacy and the failure of the education system for locals is a topic more worthy of our ire.
IMO.