Over 1300 new citizens for Queensland on Australia Day 2000
Media Release - DPS 004/2000
More than 1300 people will become Australians in ceremonies to be held across Queensland on Australia Day, 26 January 2000.
Citizenship ceremonies have become an important part of Australia Day events over the years and this one is particularly significant because it marks the end of a year of activities celebrating 50 years of Australian citizenship. (Until 26 January 1949 all Australians were officially British subjects.)
Although citizenship is a Commonwealth function and applications are approved under the direction of the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, the Minister has authorised senior elected and appointed officials in Local Government (Mayors, Town Clerks etc) to confer citizenship.
This Australia Day will see more than 30 citizenship ceremonies held at Council Chambers and Town Halls, on beaches and in parks all over Queensland.
More than 700 new citizens will make their pledges in the Brisbane Town Hall, in the biggest citizenship ceremony held anywhere in Australia on the day.
At the other extreme, several outback shires will hold ceremonies for a single candidate.
Most citizenship ceremonies will form an element of community celebrations - barbecues, picnics, multicultural events, concerts and more.
In Toowoomba about 25 people will become citizens in the Empire Theatre after a concert to be compered by entertainer Barry Crocker.
And as new citizens pledge themselves to their new country, many Australians will take the opportunity to affirm their loyalty, because citizenship is something for everybody to think about, not just migrants.
25 January 2000