Seven new citizens in Melbourne have become the first to receive their citizenship through a virtual ceremony hosted by a Local Council.
Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Alan Tudge said now was more important than ever to welcome new citizens.
“Australian citizenship is an immense privilege and fundamental to our national identity,” Mr Tudge said.
“While the current health pandemic has meant we can’t hold ceremonies in the usual way, we still want to celebrate Australian citizenship and ensure as many people as possible are able to commit to Australia during this tough time.”
The pilot ceremony came after trials by the Department of Home Affairs over several weeks.
“We expect 90,000 people will receive their citizenship in this way over the next six months,” Mr Tudge said.
“I commend the City of Melbourne for helping with this trial so we can get Councils back involved in these great events.”
Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne, Sally Capp said the city was proud to partner with the Government as the first Council in the country to pilot online citizenship ceremonies.
“Before COVID-19 restrictions the City of Melbourne would typically confer citizenship on several hundred people in a very large and exciting Town Hall sitting every few months,” Lord Mayor Capp said.
“I am pleased and relieved that we can now continue to deliver our ceremonies by using technology innovatively.”
She said the City of Melbourne had worked closely with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure the pilot online citizenship ceremonies met legal requirements.
