Australia toughens up citizenship test

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says Australia is defined by a commitment to common values, the rule of law, democracy, freedom, mutual respect, and equality. - AFP/file

Sydney (AFP) - Canberra on Thursday unveiled plans to put "Australian values" at the heart of tougher requirements to gain citizenship, including competent English, belief in gender equality and a four-year qualification period.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Australia was "an "extraordinary nation... We're not defined by race or religion or culture, as many other nations are.