Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code

Candidates must make the pledge
Under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007, most people 16 years of age and over
applying for citizenship by conferral must make the pledge of commitment as a
citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia before the presiding officer.
The presiding officer should ensure that each candidate makes the pledge by
reciting the pledge out loud. If a candidate fails to make the pledge during a public
citizenship ceremony they should be advised that they are not a citizen and should
again be given the opportunity to make the pledge. Candidates who do not make
the pledge do not become Australian citizens and must not be presented with a
certificate.
Pledge cards
Before the ceremony begins each candidate should receive an Australian
Citizenship Pledge card, displaying the words of the pledge of commitment as a
citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia. It may be kept as a memento.
There are two forms of the pledge, clearly marked on the back of the pledge cards.
• Pledge No 1 includes the
words ‘under God’.
• Pledge No 2 does not
include reference to God.
Pledge cards are available
from the state and territory
offices of the department.
(For the two forms of the
pledge see Appendix 2.)
The version of the pledge
which each candidate
has indicated they wish to
make is specified on the
Australian citizenship pledge
verification list forwarded to
The Pledge of Commitment must be made by candidates at their
citizenship ceremony.
local government councils by the department. Pledge cards may be placed on the
candidates’ seats or handed to candidates on arrival. Children under 16 years of
age are not required to make the pledge but may do so.
22 Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code