2 weeks Ago By Thomas Sargeant
Matildas star Mackenzie Arnold has called for Aussie icon Milo to be a part of the citizenship test, alongside identifying native flora and fauna, Aussie foods and understanding Australian slang. The Tillies goalkeeper, an icon in her own right, penned a tongue-in-cheek letter to Minister for Immigration Tony Burke calling for action “on a matter of national (and choc-malty) importance”. “My letter concerns a true icon – one that I believe deserves to be recognised for its contribution to our culture over the past 90 years with a well-earned spot in the Australian Citizenship Test.
” The Australian citizenship test includes questions on a range of topics such as our national gemstone, national flower and Aussie values of equal opportunity and freedom of religion. These questions are designed to demonstrate that potential new citizens “have an understanding of what it means to become an Australian citizen”. In Arnold’s letter, signed off as “Chief MILO ambassador and Aussie Football’s very own Minister of Defence”, she writes that “proud MILO-drinking Aussies agree that this delicious drink has earned a place in the bedrock of what it means to be an Aussie”.
Milo-commissioned research found three in four Australians agreed that drinking Milo was part of the Australian experience, with the majority agreeing that the iconic beverage is the most nostalgic non-alcoholic drink. Milo is owned by Nestle, the world’s largest food and beverage company globally, with their headquarters in Switzerland. Nestle head of dairy marketing Sid Kajale said “it’s clear that this choc-malty drink holds a special place in the hearts of Australians”.
“The new research highlights just how deeply rooted Milo is in Australian culture – from childhood memories to sporting traditions. Whether you enjoy it hot or cold, making a Milo is a rite of passage and one we hope all future citizens of Australia will learn to create and enjoy.” The research found that almost 40 per cent of Australians considered drinking Milo one of the most Australian activities, alongside watching AFL and NRL, using Aussie slang and seeing native animals.
Arnold and Milo have launched a petition to get the Aussie drink officially recognised in the Australian citizenship test at milo.com.au.
.
