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.
