Celebrating 60 years of citizenship

The 60th anniversary of Australian citizenship is being celebrated during 2009. It involves a year long program of events and ceremonies celebrating the meaning and importance of Australian citizenship while reflecting on the changes that shaped the nation over the past 60 years.

On 26 January 1949 the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 came into effect, creating the new status of Australian citizen. Prior to this, most people living in Australia were considered British subjects. The introduction of this piece of legislation meant people could truly call themselves Australian. Since the first citizenship ceremony 60 years ago, more than four million people have chosen to become Australian citizens.

Celebrations for the 60th anniversary were launched at Canberra’s Australia Day citizenship ceremony in Commonwealth Park. The event included the opening of Citizenship Place by Her Excellency the Hon. Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. The site, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, features a timeline wall and engraving of the Australian citizenship affirmation and will be a focus for future citizenship celebrations.

Other celebrations included a mass citizenship ceremony on Australia Day in Perth where the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Senator Chris Evans addressed 1863 citizenship conferees. The Australian Football League co-sponsored ceremonies in Melbourne and special citizenship ceremonies were also held as part of Refugee Week activities in Adelaide and Melbourne.

Senator Evans said the 60th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the changes that have shaped the nation and for all Australians to understand the role that citizenship plays in building a strong and unified nation.