Adding to the Australian family on Citizenship Day 2008
Wednesday 17 September 2008
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans (right) joins new Australian citizens the Benavidez family, on Citizenship Day at the National Museum. Jerry (left), son Jeremy (aged seven ), 16-year-old daughter Lizette and his wife Conchita originally came to Australia from the Philippines.
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, today said Citizenship Day was a chance for all Australians to celebrate the value and meaning of Australian citizenship.
More than four million people have become Australian citizens since citizenship was introduced in 1949 and 1600 others will join the Australian family today in celebrations around the nation.
'In 2007-08, my department approved 107 647 people as new Australian citizens from more than 200 countries around the globe,' Senator Evans said.
Of the new citizens in 2007-08, the top 10 countries of nationality or citizenship of people who were conferred were: the United Kingdom (27 369), India (9053), China (8402), New Zealand (6806), South Africa (5490), Iraq (4216), Philippines (3827), Afghanistan (3174), Sudan (3017), and Sri Lanka (2921).
'Australia has been enriched by the diverse cultures and traditions of people who have come here from all over the world,' Senator Evans said.
The minister conferred 17 people with Australian citizenship at a special ceremony at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra today.
'Becoming an Australian citizen shows commitment and loyalty to this country and a desire to share in our common future,' Senator Evans said.
'Australian Citizenship Day is an opportunity for all Australians to think about the changes that shaped our nation, and to reflect on the role we play in building Australia and our future.
'The common bond that unites us all is citizenship.
'I encourage anyone who is eligible to join them and formally become a part of our community as Australian citizens.'
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2008/ce08087.htm
Last update: 18 September 2008 at 10:07 AEST