RECORD NUMBER OF AUSTRALIAN CITIZENS CONFERRED THIS AUSTRALIA DAY

More than 27,000 people will mark this Australia Day by becoming Australian citizens – the largest ever number to make the pledge on 26 January.

Luke Howarth MP, Federal Member for Petrie said new conferees in Petrie would make the important pledge to Australia on Sunday.

“Migrants have made an important contribution to Petrie and I congratulate all those who will soon become our newest citizens,” Mr Howarth said.

“One in every four people living in Petrie is born overseas so Australia Day is an opportunity to celebrate our success as a multicultural nation and reflect on what it means to be an Australian.

“I’ll be attending the citizenship ceremony at Bracken Ridge State School and look forward to celebrating this important event on our national day.”

Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said citizenship is an immense privilege and a chance for new migrants to make a pledge to uphold Australia’s laws and values.

“A citizenship ceremony is an important event in every new citizens’ life and being able to attend one on Australia Day adds extra significance,” Mr Tudge said.

“This is the first time we are requiring councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.

“We want them to do the right thing as it is the most popular day for new migrants to become an Aussie.  This is the day that all of us can celebrate, whether born here or only just becoming a citizen.

“I extend my best wishes to all those in the Petrie electorate who are becoming Australian citizens this Australia Day.”