A proud and auspicious occasion is the Citizenship Ceremony held on Australia Day right around the country.
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“Australian citizenship is more than just a ceremony and forms an important part of Australia Day celebrations,” an Australia Day spokesperson said. “It symbolises our unity as a nation. It represents commitment to Australia and its people, the values we share and our common future.
“It also symbolises the sense of belonging to the country where we have been born or where we have decided to make our home. Australian citizenship is a shared identity, a common bond which unites all Australians while respecting our diversity.”
The ceremony legally formalises the citizenship of the participants and welcomes them as new Australian citizens. Ceremonies are therefore dignified but friendly occasions that represent the importance of the event.
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection administers citizenship ceremonies and notifies local government regarding new citizens in their area.
There are clear protocols which must be followed:
- An official welcome
- An address by a special guest or the mayor
- A process for citizens to make the pledge of commitment to Australia and to receive the Certificate of Australian Citizenship
- The presentation of a gift to citizens to mark their Australian Citizenship
- Singing of our national anthem
Making the Pledge of Commitment, before a person delegated by the Minister, is a moving, important part of the Citizenship Ceremony.
The pledge reads:
“From this time forward, under God*,
I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,
whose Democratic beliefs I share,
whose rights and liberties I respect,
and whose laws I will uphold and obey.”
After the pledge is made, new citizens are presented with the certificate of Australian Citizenship and have the opportunity to complete an electoral enrolment form which registers them on the electoral roll.
“Citizenship brings with it significant rights and responsibilities, including the right to vote, to stand for public office and travel on an Australian passport,” the spokesperson said.
“An Australian Citizenship Affirmation is a statement that gives all Australians the opportunity to affirm their loyalty and commitment to Australia and its people.”
The ceremony can be followed by music, entertainment and an Australia Day Awards Presentation.
See australiaday.org.au for information.
*New citizens can choose between this oath or an affirmation which doesn’t include ‘under God’.
