Citizenship Bill 2015 passed

The Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia) Bill 2015 was passed by Parliament on 3 December 2015.

Australian citizens aged 14 and over can have their Australian citizenship revoked or ceased if they are also a citizen or national of another country and participate in specific activities.

Australian citizenship can be renounced or ceased for:

• engaging in international terrorist activities using explosive or lethal devices;
• engaging in a terrorist act;
• providing or receiving training connected with preparation for, engagement in, or assistance in a terrorist act;
• directing, recruiting or financing terrorism or the activities of a terrorist organisation;
• engaging in foreign incursions and recruitment

Australian citizenship ceases at the time a person outside Australia commences to:

• serve in the armed forces of a country at war with Australia
• serves or fights for a declared terrorist organisation 

Australian citizenship can also be ceased by determination by the Minister

• for serious crimes under the Criminal Code
• resulting in imprisonment for six years or six years cumulatively
• and that demonstrated the repudiation of allegiance to Australia

The Bill also provides:

• giving notice of a determination
• general provisions related to the Minister's power, including rescinding a notice or exempting a person from its provisions 
• the declaration of terrorist organisations
• the resumption of citizenship

The Bill will become the Act and commence on the day after it receives Royal Assent.