Minister warns Fremantle Council not to politicise Australian Citizenship

Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, the Hon Alex Hawke MP, has today written to the City of Fremantle Council to warn them to abandon plans to politicise Australian citizenship.

This follows the Council’s decision to promote and host a citizenship ceremony on a day they are marketing as an anti-Australia Day alternative to traditional Australia Day celebrations.

“The Government takes a very dim view of Fremantle City Council’s decision to cancel their Australia Day events on political grounds. The Council’s attempt to politicise Australian citizenship is unacceptable and a potential breach of the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code,” Mr Hawke said. 

“I have today written to the Mayor of the City of Fremantle to reiterate that citizenship ceremonies are non-commercial, apolitical, bipartisan and secular and must not be used as forums for political, partisan or religious expression.

 “The Government’s position is very clear; if the Council are unable to reconcile their political views with their civic duty, I will consider revoking authorisation from those persons in the City of Fremantle who can currently receive a pledge of commitment at citizenship ceremonies,” Mr Hawke said.

The City of Fremantle Council has conducted Australian citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day for the last five years, and the Government strongly encourages this important tradition to continue.

“The Government has asked for an urgent response from the City of Fremantle and will be monitoring the situation closely,” Mr Hawke said.