I am an Australian citizen
Hey I’m back. Still Pacific Highlander. But now an Australian citizen. Yes - this morning, on Australia Day, I took the pledge with my family at an outdoor ceremony.
The Australian Citizenship Pledge
From this time forward, under God, I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey.
There are actually two versions of the pledge. The version we said, with 15 other people, includes with words “under God”. The second version, said by three new citizens, omits those words.
So why did I join up? As a permanent resident of Australia for six years I have had no problems taking part in Australian life except for a few areas.
Being an Australian citizen gives me the right to live in Australia, apply for an Australian passport and to leave and re-enter Australia without applying for a resident return visa, seek assistance from Australian diplomatic representatives while overseas, vote to help elect Australia’s governments, stand for Parliament, work in the public service, serve in the armed forces, register as Australian citizens by descent any of my children born overseas after I become an Australian citizen.
As a citizen I am required to obey Australian laws, enrol on Federal and state/territory electoral registers, vote in elections, defend Australia should the need arise, and serve on a jury if called to do so.
Being an Australian citizen does not require me to relinquish my New Zealand citizenship or passport.
See more at www.citizenship.gov.au
Today was a last of its kind in many ways. My certificate of Australian citizenship is signed by Amanda Vanstone as minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. She has just been replaced by Kevin Andrews, the new Minister for Department of Immigration and Citizenship. It remains to be seen how the federal government approaches multiculturalism.
When we applied for citizenship we had an interview with two very helpful DIMA officers. Apparently in future applicants will be trained and assessed in citizenship at local TAFE colleges.
3 Responses to “I am an Australian citizen”
By Lindsay Cullen on Jan 27, 2007 | Reply
Congratulations
By Paul Teusner on Jan 27, 2007 | Reply
Congratulations, mate. You know this means you have to vote now.
By Catherine Day on Jan 28, 2007 | Reply
This is a great thing and I’m proud to call you a fellow Aussie. Of course you’ve already done so much for the Australian community and for this I thank you. I especially appreciate your work in narrowing the gap between Australia’s different cultures and faiths. I commend you on everything you’ve done towards the Abraham Project… and also may I say providing this blog space for so many of us to tune in to. Well done Duncan and congratulations to you and your family.