The Minister's message

The Minister’s message is a special welcoming message for conferees. It is to be read by the presiding officer after the opening address and before any official speeches at all ceremonies that the Minister is unable to attend.

Where the Minister sends a representative to attend the citizenship ceremony, it is the role of the Minister’s representative to read the Minister’s message.

Minister's special message to citizenship conferees

Your decision to become an Australian citizen is an important one and marks the final stage of your migrant journey. You join more than four million other migrants from over 200 countries who have chosen to make Australia their home.

Australian citizenship symbolises our unity as a nation. It is the common bond that unites all Australians, whether you were born here, or you have decided to make Australia your home. By becoming an Australian citizen today, you become a full and formal member of our democratic society.

I ask you to consider carefully the words of the pledge of commitment you are making today. Making the Pledge marks the symbolic and substantive commitment you must make to become an Australian citizen. It is a statement that outlines what the Australian community asks of all citizens and in turn the privileges that are bestowed on citizens by the community.

We welcome you and the talents, diversity and vitality that you bring to Australia. Congratulations on becoming an Australian citizen. I wish you and your family the best for the years to come.