Australia introduces new Citizenship Ceremonies Code

The Australian Government has introduced a new Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code.

As part of the new code, councils across the country will be required to hold a citizenship ceremony on Australia Day – the country’s national day held annually on 26th January.

The Citizenship Ceremonies Code also requires councils to introduce a dress standard for people attending citizenship ceremonies, given the significance of the event. That said, attendees may still choose to wear national or cultural dress.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman said there is no better day for migrants to make this important commitment to Australia.

“Whether you are Australian by birth or choose to settle here, Australian citizenship is at the heart of who we are and what we believe as a nation. Australia Day is a chance for all Australians to celebrate our successful multicultural nation and we want as many migrants as possible to receive the privilege of citizenship on January 26.

“It is an opportunity to welcome our newest citizens and acknowledge the importance of what it means to become an Australian.”

Australia Day is the most popular day for people to attend a citizenship ceremony, with almost 90,000 people becoming Australian citizens on the country’s national day in the past six years.

Following consultation earlier this year, Minister Coleman has written to all councils to advise them of the new Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code.

While most councils already hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day, there will be an exception in the Code for small councils that conferred citizenship on less than 20 people in the previous year.

Along with Australia Day, councils are encouraged to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australian Citizenship Day (17th September), and can continue to host citizenship ceremonies on other days throughout the year.

Article published 20th September 2019