Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, the Hon Alex Hawke MP, has today welcomed Fremantle council’s decision to reinstate a citizenship ceremony at the Fremantle Town Hall on Australia Day, January 26^th 2017.

The newest citizens in Fremantle will be offered the choice of attending a citizenship ceremony at Fremantle Town Hall on Australia Day, or the next scheduled ceremony at Fremantle Arts Centre on March 14^th 2017, as normal.

“I commend Mayor Brad Pettitt on this common sense decision that will ensure our newest citizens will have the opportunity of having their citizenship conferred to them on our national day, Australia Day, alongside thousands of others,” Mr Hawke said.

The government’s view is that citizenship ceremonies are non-commercial, apolitical, bipartisan and secular. They must not be used as forums for political, partisan or religious expression or for the distribution of material which could be perceived to be of a commercial, political or religious nature.

“Australia Day 26^th January is our national day and is a perfectly appropriate and suitable choice for an Australian citizenship ceremony to be held.

“Australia is one of the fairest, most prosperous and tolerant nations and I know all Australians take pride in our achievements and successes as a people,” Mr Hawke said.

The Government will continue to uphold all relevant standards in relation to the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 and the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code.