Tuesday, 26 May 2015

Changes to Citizenship Act - Opportunity to comment


The Australian Prime Minister and the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection  announced on 27 May 2015 that the Commonwealth Government intends to update the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 to include provisions to revoke the Australian citizenship of dual nationals who engage in acts of terrorism.


The new powers will apply to dual citizens who fight with or support groups such as ISIL or Daesh, as well as so-called 'lone wolves' and will apply whether the terrorism occurs in Australia or on foreign soil. 


The changes will be consistent with Australia's international legal obligation not to leave a person stateless. There will also be safeguards, including judicial review, to balance these powers.


The Commonwealth Government will also launch a national consultation to improve understanding of the privileges and responsibilities of Australian citizenship. This will be led by the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Services, Senator the Hon Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, and the Hon Philip Ruddock MP. Mr Ruddock will undertake this task as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Citizenship and Community Engagement.

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