Stuart Henry (Hasluck, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

On 26 January 1949, the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 came into being. On that day, Australia’s national identity was enshrined in the reality of Australian citizenship. It is fair to say that, since then, Australian citizenship has meant different things to different people. However, one thing that has stood out and remained constant is that Australian citizenship is a great privilege that needs to be earned and respected. It is not a right or an entitlement. It is a choice which we encourage bona fide migrants to this country to make and it includes an appropriate process that leads to that ultimate outcome of Australian citizenship.

The Australian Citizenship Bill 2005 is intentionally designed to determine a person’s commitment, desire and fulfilment in understanding the Australian identity, which has been forged with exactly those qualities. It is appropriate that we continue to seek from those who wish to be identified as Australians a commitment to Australia and to our values, freedoms and laws. Contrary to the views of the member for Werriwa, this legislation is fair and reasonable, and the amendments proposed in it meet this nation’s needs.

The Australian identity, like our lives, is not for negotiation but for living fully. As Australians we expect that, with our shared and common vision for a secure and prosperous Australia, we can live together in a safe and secure Australia in this age of terrorism. This must be considered as a priority. It takes its place alongside employment opportunities, lifestyle and the character of our nation. We must never forget that one of the main reasons people choose to migrate to Australia and to take up that ultimate commitment to Australian citizenship is that Australia is seen as a safe and secure place where people are tolerant of different cultures, religions and races and live harmoniously together in our Australian communities.

In my electorate of Hasluck, one of the most multicultural in Australia, citizenship is very important. I am advised that more than 208 nationalities are represented among Australia’s citizens. There are 137 of these nationalities living together in harmony in the electorate of Hasluck. It is a well-integrated community, boasting many migrant services for new citizens, and different faces are well represented there. Sporting and cultural clubs have flourished there, supported by proud Australians who themselves represent the very best Australia has to offer to those seeking to settle here. These constituents, from all over the globe, have succeeded spectacularly in their journey to this country and in becoming Australian citizens. I congratulate each and every one of them on their wonderful choice in calling Australia home and on their contribution to our community.

This truly is a great demonstration of the many and diverse nationalities coming together under Australian laws and adopting Australian values as the basis for their lives in Australia, with their own cultures being woven into the fabric of what is an evolving Australian society. As the member for Hasluck I have had the opportunity to attend many citizenship ceremonies conducted by the Shire of Kalamunda and the cities of Gosnells and Swan. These occasions are filled with expectation, anticipation and excitement for those taking on Australian citizenship. On each occasion it has been a great privilege to attend these ceremonies and to have the opportunity to share with all these people from all parts of the globe their desire to be recognised as Australian citizens, taking on all the obligations and responsibilities that go with that.

It is also a great joy to recognise their diversity. These people have come from Asia, Africa, North America, South America and Europe. They have come from countries such as Nigeria, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Colombia, the United States of America, Canada, Ireland, England and New Zealand—to name just a few of the 137 nationalities represented in the Hasluck electorate. With Australian citizenship they have the freedom to pursue their dreams—dreams which some may have had while they endured unimaginable cruelty, oppression, hunger, threat of disease, torture and, in some cases, war. New Australian citizens understand the privilege and value of Australian citizenship only too well, having attained that status as a result of an appropriate and lawful process.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Hindu and Sikh communities upon the recent occasion of Deepavali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. The Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Senator the Hon. Amanda Vanstone, expressed her very good wishes to the Indian Hindu and Sikh communities on the occasion and reiterated her observation of the considerable contributions they have made to Australia in their integration as Australian citizens. Indeed, Australian citizenship has provided them with the opportunity to freely express their faiths and cultural identities.

Likewise, I take this opportunity to congratulate the Muslim community in Australia, especially the extensive Muslim community who reside in my electorate of Hasluck, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, the Muslim new year, and the completion of Ramadan. Like all Australians who look toward to their new year with hope and excitement, the Muslim community in my electorate will commence their new year with much to look forward to as Australians who can know they have every opportunity in our democratic society to pursue their potential and fulfil their dreams as citizens of Australia.

I witnessed this firsthand last month when I had the pleasure of visiting the Australian Islamic College in my electorate for the graduation ceremony of their year 7 students. There I had the opportunity to see students demonstrating excellent behaviour, recognition of values consistent with the values of Australia, positive and progressive attitudes and leadership qualities, as well as an impressively high level of academic achievement. It is great to know that these young Australians receiving an Australian education through the Islamic values integration approach to education can freely know and express their beliefs at a community level and that the community as a whole is richer for it.

I am proud of the great cultural diversity and backgrounds of the many Australian citizens who live in the electorate of Hasluck, and I very much appreciate the talent, skills and generosity of spirit that they have brought with them. There has been no negative feedback from the diverse population in my electorate on the proposed change that extends to a minimum of four years the residential qualifying period prior to making an application for citizenship. Given the criticism that we have heard from some speakers on the opposition benches, that is very comforting.

These changes have been carefully considered. And let us not forget that it is a necessary process to confirm the applicant’s bona fides and intent to become an Australian citizen. Citizenship should not be given away lightly. It is not a passport which expires after its pages are filled or the date runs out—it is an identity for the rest of one’s life.

In consideration of these factors and the well-understood needs of applicants, the bill has reasonably accommodated absences. Absences from Australia of up to 12 months during the four-year period will be allowed, with no more than three months in the year before making an application. Presently, the requirements provide that, to be eligible for Australian citizenship, applicants need to have spent a minimum of two years permanent residence in Australia in the last five years, including at least 12 months in the last two years.

The new requirements recognise the changes in migration to Australia over the years, which have resulted in an increased number of people spending longer periods of time in Australia as temporary residents prior to becoming permanent residents. The changes are very clear-cut and focused, allowing for absences of up to 12 months within that time frame, providing for better planning by the applicant. Often there is family education, early child rearing or ageing family members to be considered by the applicant, and the amendments provide greater flexibility, facilitating this process and other matters that may be of consideration. Likewise, it gives professionals the opportunity to complete work or service contracts, which helps to preserve their foreign pension entitlements—something which is obviously very important to them. And those funds may ultimately be invested in financial services and Australian property.

There are many significant benefits to applicants and to Australia from these amendments. Those people who become permanent residents before the changes come into effect will only be required to meet the current two-year residential qualifying period, provided they apply for citizenship within three years of the commencement of the act.

The changes are comparable to those of other countries, though I would suggest that the Australian citizenship process is more focused than those of the United States, the UK or Canada, to which some people have made comparisons. Whilst comparable in many ways to these countries’ requirements, the Australian model has its advantages in that it is a focused program which gives applicants well-planned organisational and preparation time.

Then, of course, there is the other side of the coin. Because we are a democracy, we do not presume that everyone will feel the same about our country. We give them the choice. We do this by providing a reasonable time frame for the applicant to search their heart and mind as to whether Australian citizenship is something they really do want. As a democracy which respects the rights of individuals and their individual freedoms, we give them the time to choose. We believe the way we have structured the new residency requirements reflects this sense of provision and democracy in the process.

Finally I want to draw your attention to the great importance of Australian citizenship, our democracy and our national commitment to it. It has been exciting to see Australians embracing democracy, citizenship and civic education recently. During October, Australia celebrated its democracy during Celebrating Democracy Week. This is a week of civics and citizenship education for our schools and communities. It ultimately celebrates the very reason migrants choose to become Australian citizens.

The very privilege that our citizenship brings is the freedom of a democratic society. Our citizens work hard at maintaining and building our free and democratic society, and fiercely guard these freedoms. It is appropriate for Australians to always seek to understand their unique Australian identity, such as through opportunities provided by Celebrating Democracy Week. It is also important to understand the context of our history, of our patterns of migration across the generations and of our peoples through important programs like this. We, as Australians, should never be afraid to engage in the debate of considering how we see ourselves and to learn of our collective views and the historical facts that form our Australian identity and character.

Australia rightly defends its freedom to choose who enters this land of ours and when and how people enter. It wholeheartedly welcomes all those who seek to be Australian citizens, accepting our values and our laws. In return it shares with them the democratic privileges, obligations and responsibilities that go with being Australian. I support the amendments.

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