Australian Citizenship... A Common Bond - The Southern Cross Group

unifying role is for all Australians. The Government therefore, strongly welcomes a
community focus on citizenship that will bring Australians closer together.
The Government will establish an Australian Citizenship Day to further highlight Australian
citizenship as a unifying force within the community with activities and initiatives
designed to reinforce the benefits of unity. 17 September, the anniversary of the renaming
of the Nationality and Citizenship Act in 1973 to the Australian Citizenship Act 1948, will
be celebrated for this purpose, each year from 2001.
The Government will continue to provide opportunities for Australian citizens to publicly
‘affirm’ their loyalty to Australia and its people, at appropriate occasions. The ‘affirmation’
is based on the wording of the Australian Citizenship Pledge used by migrants when they
become Australian Citizens and affirmation ceremonies could be usefully undertaken as
part of the celebrations of Australian civic values during the Centenary of Federation and
beyond. Most Australians have not previously had an opportunity to express their
commitment to Australia, and the response at a number of occasions where these
initiatives were trialed during the 50th anniversary of Australian citizenship was very
positive. Accordingly, the Government will continue to build on these initiatives as part of
its overall effort to promote civic values during the Centenary year.
The Government will continue to support the process of reconciliation in the community
and support practical initiatives which will enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples to share in the general success of the community, as an important part of a fully
inclusive Australian citizenship.
The Government endorses the Council’s view that the small differential of responsibilities
and privileges between Australian Citizens and permanent residents should not be
widened. However, full civic participation is to be encouraged and it is important that we
strive for a unified and inclusive Australian community from both the legal and broad
perspective of Australian citizenship.
Australian Citizenship in
the Centenary Year
The Government endorses the Council’s emphasis on the importance of the Centenary of
Federation in the context of Australian citizenship. The Centenary of Federation is a time
when Australians are reflecting on the civic values that unite us as a nation one hundred
years later, so this provides an ideal focal point for citizenship activities.
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