On 3 February 1949, seven people from seven nations participated in the first Australian citizenship ceremony at Albert Hall in Canberra. Each person represented a state in Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.
To commemorate this occasion, and to celebrate the history and value of Australian citizenship, a special citizenship ceremony will take place at Albert Hall today, presided over by Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd).
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Andrew Giles will welcome 75 people from every continent who will complete their migration journey today, and become part of one of the greatest multicultural nations in the world.
Today’s newest Australians will join over 6 million people from more than 200 nations who have acquired Australian citizenship in the last 75 years- united by a shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law, to freedom of speech and religion.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs of Australia, Andrew Giles MP:
“Modern Australia is a nation built through citizenship – reflecting the contributions and experiences of more than 6 million people from around the world who chose to commit to us.
“Our Government understands how important permanency and citizenship are to those who have lived, worked and contributed to their local communities for so long.
“That’s why we’ve brought down the backlog in citizenship applications, ended the limbo of temporary protection visas and provided a pathway to citizenship to thousands of New Zealanders previously denied this opportunity.”
Footage available for use, including imagery of the 1949 ceremony, can be found
here.
