Diversity and inclusion were celebrated with much pomp and ceremony in Australia. On September 17, the country opened its arms to thousands of new citizens in the country’s annual celebration of Australian Citizenship Day. The event celebrates the 1948 Nationality and Citizenship Act, which was the first legislation to create an Australian citizenship. This year, ceremonies around the country recognized people from more than 140 different countries. These celebrations were momentous occasions in their paths towards becoming Australian citizens.
Evie Wong, who hails from Taiwan, couldn’t contain her delight at the news that she had been granted Australian citizenship. Australia is indeed an amazing country. The natural environment, the collegiality of the people and creativity, and the opportunity that exists here are unparalleled. Whether you’re working or starting a family, it’s a beautiful place to settle,” she added. Wong’s sentiments echo the experiences of many who come to Australia and discover a deep-seated sense of belonging.
Australian citizenship as a separate status from British subject status commenced in 1948. At the end of that year, 2,493 people from over 35 nationalities welcomed their new citizenship with pride after the Nationality and Citizenship Act was passed into law. As of 1960, the five most common nationalities in the city were Italian, Polish, Greek, German, and Yugoslav. This historic legislation was a radical departure in the way that Australia acknowledged its increasingly diverse, multicultural, graceful, and artistic society.
The path to citizenship was not without its difficulties. The White Australia Policy that lasted until the 1970s severely limited migration from any country outside of Europe. It wasn’t until 1957 that amendments to the citizenship law allowed non-European migrants to gain citizenship after residing in Australia for 15 years. Indigenous Australians [Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders] were granted full citizenship in 1948 but were still denied the right to vote until 1962.
The context of Australian citizenship has changed dramatically since then. More than 6.2 million people have become citizens by conferral since the Act came into force. In the past year alone, approximately 165,000 individuals from more than 190 nationalities embraced their new status as Australian citizens. The top five countries of birth for these new citizens include New Zealand, India, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
At the Perth ceremonies on March 10th, Governor-General Sam Mostyn read an impassioned speech welcoming Australia’s newest citizens to the fold. So relish that deer-in-headlights feeling and be there for it! Know that you are doing work that is having an amazing influence and a huge dedication to this great country,” she told them. Mostyn reiterated the importance of opening Australia’s doors to a global talent pool to help build and sustain the local industry.
Allan Lee Allan, originally from New Zealand, celebrating his new citizenship at a ceremony in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. He was enraptured and quick to spread the word to others. “It was handled beautifully in Coffs Harbour. The mayor was there and our local MP. It was very friendly, but we did all the formalities properly. We were made to feel very welcome,” he stated.
Lee is also quite keen to get stuck into Australia’s democratic processes. “When I get home, the very first thing I’m going to do is register to vote. This is my 11th year here, and I have not had a chance to participate in the democratic process,” he said. His excitement is a reminder of how important it is for all newcomers to engage civically.
As much as Citizenship Day is a celebration of individual triumph, it is a reminder that this accomplishment brings certain responsibilities with it. Lee added, “Here is a group of folks who, [forrecolor_caption_1=view native_code] Lee pointed out. That carries tremendous benefits. With that victory comes grave responsibilities—to our country, our communities, and to the planet.
Australian Citizenship Day made a short-lived official debut back in 2001 to celebrate the Centenary of Federation. Since then, it has grown into an annual month-long celebration of Australia’s rich, multicultural and multi-ethnic society. This year’s events took place over a span of 24 hours, showcasing ceremonies where new citizens gathered to affirm their allegiance and commitment to their new home.
Australia is experiencing a transformation into a dynamic, cosmopolitan multicultural society. Events such as Australian Citizenship Day are a great way to share stories of our diverse backgrounds and mutually appreciate our commitment to inclusiveness.
