Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for the question. It is a great day for Australian democracy and citizenship when a Scotsman can ask a Welshman a question while being interjected upon by people from Germany, Belgium and New Zealand. It says something about the country. Of course, all of them are now Australians; all are now citizens of this country. Not all of them use their hands as much as others, but nevertheless. We have been enriched by cultures and traditions from more than 200 countries. Since the introduction of the Citizenship Act 1949 over four million people have taken the pledge to become Australians. Australian citizenship is the bond that unites us all in one common endeavour. In a world increasingly devoid of boundaries and markers, Australian citizenship binds us together across heritage, culture, politics, wealth, religion, colour and—in some cases—language.

The government believes that anyone who is of good character and has the will and commitment to learn about Australia should be able to become a citizen, to seize that opportunity. Today is an opportunity for all Australians, whether citizens by birth or by choice, to reflect on their rights and responsibilities and the role that Australian citizenship plays in building a strong, harmonious and united nation.

Today in Parliament House we made 15 or so people Australian citizens. They were from Zimbabwe, London and all round the world. They included a family with a South African father, a New Zealand mother and Australian born children. As the father said, they have the tri-nations covered. They are a great example of the diversity of the people who come to make their home here and contribute to Australia. That act of taking out citizenship is their commitment to their country and we are all richer for that.