What are the proposed changes to citizenship?
Update
08 March 2018
Pauline Hanson has introduced a new Citizenship Bill in the Senate. It is essentially the same as last year's Citizenship Bill and is unlikely to pass. A Senate inquiry into the Bill is due to report in December 2018.
Citizenship Amendment Bill (2017)
28 April 2017
Please note: the proposed changes outlined below will not be implemented after the Citizenship Amendment Bill (2017) was struck down in October 2017.
The proposed new requirements for citizenship applications submitted after 20 April 2017 will include:
- extending from one to four years the time an applicant must have been a permanent resident; and
- putting into the citizenship test “more meaningful questions that assess an applicant's understanding of - and commitment to - our shared values and responsibilities”.
Prime Minister Turnbull has clarified that the new pathway to citizenship will not be affected by the changes to citizenship eligibility announced on 20 April 2017. Those who apply under this pathway should still be eligible for citizenship after one year.
Protected Special Category Visa-holders are considered permanent residents whilst in Australia and therefore will not be impacted by the proposed changes.
The new citizenship requirements will require a Bill to be passed by the Senate before they can be implemented.
What are the proposed citizenship changes?
Will the proposed citizenship changes affect the new visa for New Zealanders?
Can I do something to stop the proposed citizenship changes?