CCF – Citizenship
Throughout the world’s written history Emperors, Kings, dictators, political and community leaders and philosophers searched and struggled to form systems of government. They experimented with new rules and laws.
The citizenship saga/issue/crisis continues. Almost every day one or two MP’s or Senators are outed in the media for having a parent born in some other country.
The result of children not being taught the value of democracy in school is that only 50% of 18 year olds are enrolled to vote at this election.
Last night the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia) Bill 2015 passed through the Senate. You may have heard many constitutional experts, some politicians, the Human Rights Commission and the media say that the laws might be unconstitutional.
Last week Dutch MP Geert Wilders arrived in Australia to help launch a new party, the Australian Liberty Alliance. Wilders is described as a controversial global figure.
CEFA asked a group of people what being an Australian citizen means to them. Overall, those not born in Australian felt that Australian citizenship was a huge privilege, while others born in Australia were more apathetic about it.
Recent national security proposals and Australia’s ongoing focus on asylum seekers have raised questions about what it means to be an Australian citizen. Australians commonly regard citizenship as central to political life and identity.
