The Federal Member for Aston, Hon Alan Tudge MP, is seeking feedback from the local community on proposed changes to citizenship for those who engage in terrorist activity.
The Federal Government has announced that it will update the Australian Citizenship Act so that dual nationals who engage in terrorism can be stripped of their citizenship.
It has also released a Discussion Paper regarding the privileges and responsibilities of Australian citizenship. It includes a proposal based on the United Kingdom laws, of removing citizenship of nationals who have eligibility to be a citizen of another country.
“These new powers will apply to dual citizens who fight with or support groups such as ISIL, or Daesh, as well as so-called ‘lone wolves’ engaged in terrorist acts, whether in Australia or on foreign soil,” said Mr Tudge.
“These new powers are a necessary and appropriate response to the terrorist threat, which bring our laws closer to those of the UK and other countries.”
“The changes will be consistent with our international legal obligations not to leave a person stateless and decisions will be subject to judicial review.”
“Since 1949, Australians with dual citizenship who fight for a country at war with Australia forfeit their citizenship under existing law. In the current age, there should be no difference in how we treat Australians who join a hostile army and those engaged in terrorism, as both are betraying our country and they should forfeit the privilege of being an Australian citizen,” said Mr Tudge.
“I seek feedback from the local community on the ideas outlined in the Discussion Paper.”
The consultation paper on Australian citizenship and further information on the submission process can be found at www.citizenship.gov.au.
