Australian Citizenship Day 17th September
Privileges and responsibilities of Australian citizenship
Tilly Bilby
Tilly Bilby thinks Australian citizenship is important because:
- it helps build our nation
- it gives all Australians a shared identity
- although Australians come from all over the world, Australian citizenship unites us as a people and a nation
- it allows migrants to feel welcome and become full members of our Australian community.
Pledge Platypus
Pledge Platypus knows that Australian citizens are able to:
- live in Australia
- apply for an Australian passport and leave and re-enter Australia without applying for a resident return visa
- vote to help elect Australia’s governments
- nominate for election to parliament
- seek assistance from Australia’s diplomatic representatives while overseas
- apply for a job in the defence forces
- work in the public service
- register children born overseas as Australian citizens by descent.
In return, Australian citizens are required to:
- obey Australia’s laws
- enrol on federal and state/territory electoral registers
- vote in elections
- serve on a jury, if called upon to do so
- defend Australia, should the need arise.
Benjiro Bear
Benjiro Bear is so proud to be an Australian citizen and share all the responsibilities and privileges of other Australians. He is also a valued member of his community.
Did you know that last year 103 350 people from more than 175 countries became Australian citizens at ceremonies held around Australia? Since Australian citizenship was introduced on Australia Day 1949, more than four million people have become Australian citizens.
Australian citizenship ceremonies are very important occasions for those who have chosen Australia as their new home.