Melbourne, Sept 19 (ZEENEWS.COM) Facing criticism from ethnic groups over the proposed changes in its citizenship laws, Australian government on Monday denied that the step was taken to target Muslim immigrants.

Prime Minister John Howard, who has, in the past, urged moderate Muslims to speak out more often against terrorism and favoured reinforcing "Australian values" on immigrants, today defended the proposed "citizenship test" saying it had "nothing to do with the Muslim religion".

"We have no argument with faithful Muslims who practise their religion as part of our way of life," he said reacting to criticism from

"But we require everybody to be part of the mainstream of the community," he said, adding the government in the past had made citizenship "a little too easy."

The conservative Premier, in a statement, said the changes should be in place before the next election, and he expected bipartisan support for them.

The government released a discussion paper yesterday proposing to strengthen laws to make immigrants wait longer to be eligible for citizenship. Immigrants also would have to take a test to prove they understand Australian history, national symbols, culture and the democratic system, as well as English, before being granted citizenship.

Parliamentary secretary for immigration Andrew Robb said the test was "certainly not" motived by the Muslim community. "Certainly, many areas of the Muslim community will be advantaged by this test as will every other non-English speaking or every other migrant coming to this country."

"The important thing is that people, no matter where they come from ... That when they come here they become an essential part of our community very quickly, very effectively," Robb said.

Australian multicultural foundation executive director Hass Dellal has said it was important the test apply to all communities.

"It seems that it's always directed toward the Muslim community that they are the people that aren`t integrating or can`t speak English," he said yesterday.

"Let`s put it in balance a little bit and not just focus it totally on the Muslim community. This should apply for all if it`s going to apply."

The opposition Labour party said the government had nearly doubled immigration numbers in the past decade but has not provided the support needed to the new Australians.

Labour`s citizenship spokeswoman Annette Hurley today said she supported the government`s moves, but said more money needed to be spent on integrating migrants into the Australian community.

Senator Hurley said many migrants were unprepared when they arrived in Australia.

"I think we have to equip people to understand our country by adequate programs and I think this is where the government has failed," she told the nine network.

But the government denied its spending on integrating new migrants had been inadequate, saying up to 500 hours language training was available to migrants at taxpayers expense.

The government is taking submissions on the discussion paper until November 17.