CELEBRATING NEW CITIZENS AND AUSTRALIAN VALUES
THE HON PETER DUTTON MP
Minister For Home Affairs and Minister For Immigration And Border Protection
THE HON ALAN TUDGE MP
Minister For Citizenship And Multicultural Affairs
CELEBRATING NEW CITIZENS AND AUSTRALIAN VALUES
26 January 2018
This Australia Day will see almost 13,000 new citizens pledge their commitment to Australia.
Our new citizens come from 129 different nationalities and will be recognised in more than 330 ceremonies nationwide.
The Minister for Home Affairs the Hon Peter Dutton MP said more people become citizens on Australia Day than any other day of the year.
“Citizenship ceremonies provide a way for all citizens, new or old, to come together and bond over our shared characteristics, beliefs and values,” Mr Dutton said.
“Australia Day is a time for us to unite and welcome our newest citizens to this great country.”
Mr Dutton will preside over a morning ceremony at his local Rotary Club in Samford Valley welcoming 28 new citizens, followed by another ceremony in Moreton Bay where he will welcome 144 new citizens.
The Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs the Hon Alan Tudge MP said thousands of people will take part in a variety of celebrations around the country.
“On Australia Day, we celebrate the big three pillars of our society; our Indigenous heritage, the British foundation and multicultural character,” Mr Tudge said.
“I encourage all Australians to support their local Australia Day citizenship ceremonies and demonstrate why we are proud to call Australia home.”
Mr Tudge will preside over a ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall to welcome 108 new Australian citizens, followed by a ceremony hosted by the Knox City Council for 100 new Australian citizens.
Other major events on Australia Day will include a ceremony on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra presided by the Prime Minister the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, a ceremony at the Melbourne Victory Football Club at AAMI Park and a ceremony on HMAS Canberra in Darling Harbour, Sydney.
As well as attending the flag raising ceremony in Canberra, the Governor-General His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) will also hold a ceremony at Admiralty House in Sydney.
For further information: Minister’s Office – 02 6277 7860
**For information about and/or interviews with new citizens in your local area, contact: Home Affairs Media Operations on 02 6264 2244**
