The Hon David Coleman MP, Federal Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, recently wrote to councils seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code.
For some time now, the Commonwealth Government has been reviewing the code and, as a result, are proposing the key changes below:
- local government councils will be required to hold a citizenship ceremony on Australia Day (26 January) and Australian Citizenship Day (17 September).
- Federal members of Parliament, if attending a ceremony, should read the Minister’s message at citizenship ceremonies.
- There will be a recommended standard of dress for ceremonies, which will be set by councils. The attire of attendees at citizenship ceremonies should reflect the significance of the occasion. Conferees may wear national or cultural dress if they wish.
- Ceremonies must be scheduled to avoid parliamentary sitting days.
All feedback on the revised code must be provided to natoceremonies@homeaffairs.gov.au by 28 February 2019.
Posted 1 February, 2019