Today, on Australian Citizenship Day, we welcome people from all across the country who are taking the pledge to become a citizen. More than 5,700 people have been invited to over 70 Australian citizenship ceremonies nationwide.
Australian Citizenship Day is a chance to reflect on the meaning and significance of citizenship - a common bond that unites all Australians.
In recognition of Australian Citizenship Day, the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles had the pleasure of attending a ceremony in his electorate of Scullin, in Melbourne's North.
Over 150 new Australian citizens were invited to attend the ceremony with the City of Whittlesea council where the Minister participated in formally welcoming them into the community.
"Australia has a long and proud history of welcoming migrants to our shores- we are home to migrants born in almost every country worldwide, and over 50 per cent of Australia's population were either born overseas or has a parent born overseas.
"More than 5.7 million people have chosen to become Australians since Australian citizenship was introduced in 1949," Mr Giles said.
"Our nation has been built on successive waves of migration, making us one of the world's most successful multicultural countries.
This Australian Citizenship Day, Minister Giles has announced a new initiative, where primary school students across Australia are being encouraged to write welcome messages that will be shared with new citizens by local government councils hosting citizenship ceremonies.
"Australian citizenship is both a privilege and a responsibility. We all can contribute to making this country one of the best places in the world to live.
"This Australian Citizenship Day I encourage everyone to celebrate our diversity and reflect on how we can all support a welcoming and inclusive Australia." He said
For more information about Australian Citizenship Day visit Immigration and citizenship.
