A Kiwi couple living in Melbourne's western suburbs will be the first New Zealanders to become Australian citizens under the Albanese Labor Government's new direct pathway to citizenship at a ceremony in Werribee today.
The small business owners have called Australia home for more than 15 years but until today, haven't been able to call themselves Aussies, saying "[Our] children live and work here; they pay taxes and we have made a comfortable life for ourselves here, so why not live here fully and take advantage of everything this beautiful country has to offer, including the ability to vote."
Only 70 days since the program's commencement, the couple will lead the way for more than 100 other keen Kiwis who have already locked in a citizenship ceremony in the coming months, 13 of whom will become Aussies at a ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra next week to mark Australian Citizenship Day.
Kiwis from Victoria made up the majority of people who have jumped at the opportunity to become Aussies, having already passed their citizenship test, followed by Queensland and New South Wales each making up around 25% of tests passed.
Under the landmark direct pathway to citizenship introduced by the Albanese Labor Government, New Zealand citizens who hold a Special Category Visa are now able to apply directly for citizenship by conferral, as long as they have been living in Australia for four years, bringing our policy more in line with the benefits that Australians living in New Zealand already receive.
Quotes Attributable to Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles:
"Today marks a significant milestone in the Albanese Labor Government's commitment to build a fairer, better managed and more inclusive migration system.
"As a proud multicultural nation, built on citizenship, it is only fair that some of our closest friends and allies from across the ditch are finally able to call Australia home.
"My heartfelt congratulations to the family and all of our soon-to-be citizens as they continue to contribute greatly to our communities - now as Aussies."
