Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

The Howard government made the decision in 2003, which meant that Bibles and holy books were no longer considered appropriate gifts to be distributed to new citizens at citizenship ceremonies. So Bibles are not banned from citizenship ceremonies. Attendees may choose to bring their own bible or a holy book on which they make their citizenship pledge. We have indicated, following the decision of the Howard government, that to ensure the secular nature of the ceremony attendees can select the pledge that best suits their beliefs. One pledge may well mention God; other pledges do not. It is entirely a matter for the individual. It is not a decision that this government has taken but a decision of the Howard government. I think, Senator Abetz, you should not be so mercurial as to put a senator in a position to ask a question such as that.