Cr Kidd was speaking after conducting a citizenship ceremony to welcome six new Australians on Thursday at council chambers. The six, five women and one man, hail from New Zealand, Pakistan, the UK, Sudan and Zimbabwe.

Asked about changes to the citizenship test announced this week by federal minister Alan Tudge that will see a greater focus on "Australian values", Cr Kidd said: "I don't think you should have to do a test. I think if someone is making a commitment to be a citizen, why do they have to do a test? The test is that you're wanting to become a citizen.

"If you're genuine and you become a citizen, then people learn the things they have to about their country - pride in their country and community. I don't think you need an actual test. Language comes into [testing], but that comes with time."

Cr Kidd said that when he was growing up in Orange there were Dutch settlers on his street. "The mums and dads learnt enough English after a few years. They still spoke Dutch in their house, but the following generations only speak English.

"If you're allowed to be here and are not an illegal immigrant, you've come into this country and you're living in this country with family and want to be a part of it, then I think you're making a huge commitment. Why have a test?"

It was the first in-person swearing in since March due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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