This Australian Citizenship Day more than 1,110 people from 88 countries will become Australian citizens at ceremonies across the country.
The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton congratulated over 390 new Australians at a special citizenship ceremony at Calamvale Community Sports Centre, encouraging them to commit to the Australian values of democracy, respect, security and freedom.
“Today, we celebrate our values and respect for each other, and think about what unites us as Australians,” Mr Dutton said.
“Citizenship is a privilege to have, not a birthright. Today all Australians are encouraged to join our newest citizens as they make the pledge to our country and start their own Australian story.”
More than 4,480 people from 131 countries had Australian citizenship conferred at 87 citizenship ceremonies over the past week in recognition of Australian Citizenship Day.
The top countries of origin for conferees include India, United Kingdom and South Africa.
As part of the nationwide celebrations for Australian Citizenship Day today, his Excellency, the Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove will preside over a ceremony at Government House in Canberra.
Major ceremonies are also being held at Government House in Melbourne, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in Darwin and Customs House in Sydney.