Australian citizenship is the status of enjoying and fulfilling the same rights and duties as of those who are naturally born in Australia.
The Australian Citizenship Act 2007 governs how non-citizens can become naturalised through a citizenship process and obtain Australian citizenship. Previously, Australian citizenship was governed under the Australian Citizenship Act 1948 – known as the ‘old Act’.
Some of the rights that are exclusive to Australian citizens include the following:
The right to vote;
Eligibility to seek election for public office;
Privilege to hold an Australia passport;
The chance to work in the Australian defence force and the federal government;
The right to secure aid from an Australian official while outside the country;
If your offspring were born overseas, they will be considered Australian citizens through decent;
The right to leave and re-enter Australia without restrictions and avoid deportation;
Deferment of university expenses;
The right to adopt children;
The chance to participate and represent Australia in international sporting events; and
Hold full residency rights in New Zealand without expiration or risk of losing these rights.
Australian citizenship is about being a part of the community. As such there are duties and obligations attached to the enjoyment of citizenship of Australia. These include the following:
Defend the country should the situation call for it;
Register for and vote at all elections and referenda; and
Serve on a jury, if requested upon.
