Call for Broome residents to take Australian Citizenship

The Australian Immigration Department recently conducted citizenship testing for a group of 13 locals in Broome. Eight will officially take Australian Citizenship at a ceremony conducted by the council on October 27.

The department is planning to conduct further citizenship testing in Broome next month but first needs more applicants to register their interest, or migrants must travel to Perth to sit the test.

A departmental spokesman said DIAC wanted to encourage more migrants to become Australian citizens, especially people who had lived in Australia a long time but never taken the final step.

“Citizenship is not just a chance to belong, but an opportunity to fully participate in the Australian community,” the spokesman said.

"As an Australian citizen, you enjoy its democratic freedoms, such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of choice across all areas of life, such as politics, religion and education. You also enjoy Australia’s protection under national and international laws.

The benefits of citizenship include the right to vote, the right to stand for political office, the chance of a career in the Australian Defence Force and the opportunity to be employed by federal and state government departments and agencies.

If migrants apply before the end of October, they will be able to take the test in Broome in November and could have the rare chance to participate in a citizenship ceremony on Australia Day.

Residents of the Broome local government area can obtain an application form by appling online at www.citizenship.gov.au/applying/.

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The Australian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people lodge their Australian Visa application with the Australian High Commission.