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2013-2014-2015
THE PARLIAMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP AMENDMENT (ALLEGIANCE TO AUSTRALIA)
BILL 2015
SUPPLEMENTARY EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
(REVISED EH190)
(Circulated by authority of the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection,
the Hon. Peter Dutton MP)
1
Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia) Bill 2015
OUTLINE
On 23 February 2015, the Prime Minister delivered his National Security Statement outlining the
Government's response to the Review of Australia's Counter-Terrorism Machinery for a Safer
Australia ('the Review'). The Review found that the terrorist threat in Australia is rising,
specifically:
the number of foreign fighters is increasing;
the number of known sympathisers and supporters of extremists is increasing; and
the number of potential terrorists is rising.
The Government is taking a multi-faceted approach to countering these threats to national security.
This includes implementing the Review's recommendations to strengthen the coordination of
agencies, introduce initiatives to counter violent extremism and manage the return of foreign
fighters, and implement measures to improve the community understanding of the threat level.
As part of the response, the Government is also amending the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (the
Citizenship Act) to broaden the powers relating to the cessation of Australian citizenship for those
persons engaging in terrorism and who are a serious threat to Australia and Australia's interests.
As the basic requisite for participation in and adherence to the values and institutions of Australia's
secular democracy, citizenship does not simply bestow privileges or rights, but entails fundamental
responsibilities. As set out in the preamble to the Citizenship Act, Australian citizenship gives full
and formal membership of the Australian community and is a common bond, involving reciprocal
rights and obligations, uniting all Australians while respecting their diversity. Those who are
citizens owe their loyalty to Australia and its people. This applies to those who acquire citizenship
automatically through birth in Australia and to those who acquire it through application. Where a
person is no longer loyal to Australia and its people, and engages in acts that harm Australians or
Australian interests, or engages in acts that are intending to harm Australians or Australia's interest,
they have severed that bond and repudiated their allegiance to Australia.
Currently under the Citizenship Act, a conviction for a specified offence is required before
citizenship can be revoked. In addition, the power to revoke only arises if the offence was
committed prior to the Minister giving approval for the citizenship application, or the offence was
committed in relation to the person's application to become an Australian citizen. These existing
revocation powers are inadequate to address the Government's concerns in relation to persons who
have acted contrary to their allegiance to Australia by engaging in terrorist-related conduct.
The Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia) Bill 2015 (the Bill) was
introduced in the House of Representatives on 24 June 2015. The Bill was referred to the
Parliamentary Joint Committee for Intelligence and Security (the Committee) on the same day for
inquiry and report. The Committee tabled its report on 4 September 2015.
The Committee made 27 recommendations for amendment to the Bill and Explanatory
Memorandum. Government amendments to the Bill, Revised EH190, and Explanatory
Memorandum implement the Committee's recommendations to the fullest extent possible.
The amended Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia) Bill 2015 (the amended
Bill) is necessary to provide explicit powers for the cessation of Australian citizenship in specified
circumstances where a dual citizen repudiates their allegiance to Australia by engaging in terrorism-
2
related conduct. The desired outcome of the amended Bill is to ensure the safety and security of
Australia and its people and to ensure the Australian community is limited to those persons who
continue to retain an allegiance to Australia.
The amended Bill recognises that Australian citizenship is a common bond, involving reciprocal
rights and obligations, and that citizens may, through certain conduct incompatible with the shared
values of the Australian community, demonstrate that they have severed that bond and repudiated
their allegiance to Australia.
"Allegiance" is the legal concept referred to by the High Court in Singh v Commonwealth (2004)
209 ALR 355 and Koroitamana v Commonwealth (2006) 227 CLR 31. The ordinary meaning of
"allegiance" is (relevantly) "the obligation of a subject or citizen to their sovereign or government;
duty owed to a sovereign or state" (Macquarie Dictionary, 5th ed (2009)). Allegiance is the concept
of a duty that is imposed by law on citizens, which is the same for all citizens. A citizen's duty of
allegiance is not created by the Citizenship Act, but is rather recognised by it.
The principal source of power for a person's Australian citizenship ceasing is the alien's power in
section 51(xix) of the Constitution. The concept of 'allegiance' is central to the constitutional term
'alien.' The High Court judgement in Koroitamana demonstrates that an alien is a person who does
not owe allegiance to Australia.
The amended Bill amends the Citizenship Act to:
insert a 'purpose clause' setting out the fundamental principles upon which the
amendments are based;
outline the circumstances in which a dual citizen ceases to be an Australian citizen through
their engagement in terrorism-related activities;
outline the circumstances in which the Minister may exempt a person from the operation of
the amended Bill;
provide for reporting on and monitoring of the operation of the arrangements in the
amended Bill;
provide for the protection of sensitive or prejudicial information in relation to that
reporting and monitoring; and
related matters.
In particular, the amended Bill introduces three new ways in which a person, who is a national or
citizen of a country other than Australia, can cease to be an Australian citizen:
the person, aged 14 years or older, renounces their Australian citizenship if the person acts
inconsistently with their allegiance to Australia by engaging in specified terrorist-related
conduct, where the conduct was engaged in outside Australia or the person left Australia
before being charged and brought to trial for the conduct;
the person, aged 14 years or older, ceases to be an Australian citizen if the person fights for,
or is in the service of, a declared terrorist organisation. The Minister may, by legislative
instrument, declare a declared terrorist organisation. This legislative instrument is subject to
strict oversight;
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the Minister may determine in writing that a person ceases to be an Australia citizen because
the person has been convicted of a specified terrorist-related offence with at least 6 years of
imprisonment (or to periods of imprisonment that total at least 6 years).
The proposed amendments are intended to capture those dual citizens who, by acting against the
interests of Australia by choosing to engage in terrorism, have by this conduct repudiated their
allegiance to Australia, thereby renouncing their Australian citizenship.
The amendments in the amended Bill:
apply to a person who is an Australian citizen regardless of how the person became an
Australian citizen, including a person who became an Australian citizen upon the person's
birth;
will not result in a person becoming stateless. The amended Bill only applies to persons
who are a national or citizen of a country other than Australia, that is, dual citizens, and
who would therefore not be rendered stateless if their Australian citizenship were to cease;
prevent a person from re-obtaining Australian citizenship where they have ceased to be an
Australian citizen under the three new provisions providing for citizenship to cease (as
outlined above). The person can never become an Australian citizen again unless the
Minister exempts the person from operation of the relevant cessation provision;
require the Minister to give written notice to the person (or make reasonable attempts to do
so) regarding the loss of citizenship as soon as practicable, except where the Minister is
satisfied that giving the notice could prejudice the security, defence or international
relations of Australia or Australian law enforcement operations. The notice must include a
basic description of that conduct and the person's rights of review; and
authorise the Minister to consider rescinding the written notice and exempting a person
from loss of their Australian citizenship, having regard to specific factors.
FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT
The financial impact of the amended Bill is low. Any costs will be met from within existing
resources of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
STATEMENT OF COMPATIBILITY WITH HUMAN RIGHTS
A Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights has been completed in relation to the
amendments in this amended Bill and assesses that the amendments are compatible with Australia's
human rights obligations. A copy of the Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights is at
Attachment A.
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AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP AMENDMENT (ALLEGIANCE TO AUSTRALIA)
BILL 2015 (EH190)
NOTES ON INDIVIDUAL CLAUSES
Amendment (1) - Schedule 1, pages 3 (line 1) to page 10 (line 8), omit the Schedule, substitute:
Schedule 1- Main amendments
Australian Citizenship Act 2007
1. This amendment omits Schedule 1 of the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to
Australia) Bill 2015 as introduced in the House of Representatives on 24 June 2015 and
substitutes a new Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 to the Bill ('the amended Bill').
1 Section 32A
2. This item omits:
you serve in the armed forces of a country at war with Australia: see section 35; or
and substitutes:
you engage in various kinds of conduct inconsistent with allegiance to Australia: see
sections 33AA, 35 and 35A; or
in the simplified outline in section 32A of Division 3 of Part 2 of the Citizenship Act.
3. This is a consequential amendment to reflect new sections 33AA, 35, and 35A in the
simplified outline for Division 3 of Part 2 of the Citizenship Act. New section 33AA
provides for renunciation of Australian citizenship if a person acts inconsistently with their
allegiance to Australia due to engaging in specified terrorist related conduct. New section 35
provides for cessation of Australian citizenship where a person serves in the armed forces of a
country at war with Australia, or fights for, or is in the service of, a terrorist organisation.
New section 35A provides for the cessation of citizenship where a person is convicted for
treason, terrorism or foreign incursion or recruitment etc.
2 Section 33 (heading)
4. This item repeals the heading and substitutes:
'33 Renunciation by application'
5. This is a consequential amendment to reflect the inclusion of new section 33AA which
provides for renunciation of Australian citizenship by conduct.
3 After section 33
This amendment inserts new section 33AA into the amended Bill. This amendment implements
Recommendations 1, 2, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 19 and 20 of the Committee report.
5
Section 33AA - Renunciation by conduct
Renunciation and cessation of citizenship
6. New subsection 33AA(1) provides that a person aged 14 years and older who is a national or
citizen of a country other than Australia renounces their Australian citizenship if the person
acts inconsistently with their allegiance to Australia by engaging in conduct specified in
subsection 33AA(2).
7. Note 1 to new subsection 33AA(1) provides that the Minister may, in writing, exempt the
person from the effect of section 33AA in relation to certain matters: see
subsection 33AA(14).
8. Note 2 to new subsection 33AA(1) provides that this section does not apply to conduct of
Australian law enforcement or intelligence bodies, or to conduct in the course of certain
duties to the Commonwealth (see section 35AB).
9. New subsection 33AA(2) provides that subject to subsections 33AA(3) to 33AA(5),
subsection 33AA(1) applies to the following conduct:
engaging in international terrorist activities using explosive or lethal devices;
engaging in a terrorist act;
providing or receiving training connected with preparation for, engagement in,
or assistance in a terrorist act;
directing the activities of a terrorist organisation;
recruiting for a terrorist organisation;
financing terrorism;
financing a terrorist;
engaging in foreign incursions and recruitment.
10. New subsections 33AA(1) and 33AA(2) operate so that a person, aged 14 years or older, can
by their own conduct cease to be an Australian citizen. The subsections are automatic so that
if a person undertakes one of the terrorist-related conducts specified in subsection 33AA(2),
and they meet the relevant intent specified in new subsection 33AA(3) to (5), they cease to be
an Australian citizen as a result of this conduct.
11. The words ' ... the person acts inconsistently with their allegiance to Australia ... ' in new
subsection 33AA(1) are not an additional requirement that sits on top of the requirement that
the person must have engaged in conduct specified in subsection 33AA(2). The words are in
fact an assertion that if a person engages in the terrorist-related conduct specified in
subsection 33AA(2), and they meet the relevant intent specified in new subsection 33AA(3)
to (5), the person has, by their conduct, acted inconsistently with their allegiance to
Australia. By acting in a manner contrary to their allegiance to Australia, the person has
chosen to step outside of the formal Australian community.
12. The conduct must have occurred when the person was an Australian citizen. This is because
the person owes an allegiance to Australia at all times they are an Australian citizen. A
6
person cannot repudiate allegiance to Australia if the person does not owe the allegiance at
the time of the conduct.
13. The operation of section 33AA is limited to persons who are nationals or citizens of a country
other than Australia. The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that the application of this
provision will not result in a person becoming stateless.
14. The term 'national or citizen' is used because some persons may be legally entitled to
'nationality' of a country but not 'citizenship'. For example, in the United States a person can
be a U.S national but is not necessarily a U.S citizen. A person born in an outlying possession
of the United States is a U.S national but not a U.S citizen. An outlying possession of the
United States is currently American Samoa and the Swains Islands. U.S non-citizen nationals
who are eligible may obtain U.S passports and owe permanent allegiance to the United States.
15. The drafting of this provision differs slightly to other provisions in the Citizenship Act
relating to statelessness. The standard for cessation of citizenship under this new provision
has been set deliberately high because the operation of section 33AA can be differentiated
from other provisions relating to the cessation of citizenship under the Citizenship Act. This
is because the new provision applies to conduct that occurs while the person is an Australian
citizen. This will not affect the operation of other statelessness provisions in the
Citizenship Act.
16. It is also made clear that new subsection 33AA(1) does not apply to children under the age of
14 years. That is a person under the age of 14 years will not automatically renounce their
Australian citizenship by engaging in the terrorist related conduct specified in new
subsection 33AA(2).
17. The intention of the person when undertaking the specified terrorist-related conduct that
renounces their Australian citizenship is prescribed in subsections 33AA(3) to 33AA(5).
These amendments implement recommendation 2 of the Committee report.
18. New subsection 33AA(3) provides that the terrorist-related conduct listed in the new
paragraphs 33AA(2)(a) to (h) only applies if the conduct is engaged in with the intention of
advancing a political, religious or ideological cause and with the intention of
(i) coercing, or influencing by intimidation, the government of the Commonwealth or
a State, Territory or foreign country, or of part of a State, Territory or foreign country;
or
(ii) intimidating the public or a section of the public.
19. The effect of new subsection 33AA(3) is that where a dual citizen has undertaken specific
terrorist-related conduct as provided for in subsection 33AA(2), and has done so with the
intention as provided for in subsection 33AA(3), the person is taken to have repudiated their
allegiance to Australia and renounced their Australian citizenship.
20. New subsection 33AA(4) provides that a dual citizen is taken to have engaged in conduct with
an intention referred to in new subsection 33AA(3) if, when the person engaged in the
conduct, the person was:
a member of a declared terrorist organisation (see section 35AA); or
acting on instruction of, or in cooperation with, a declared terrorist organisation.
7
21. This a deeming provision to the effect that, where a person is a member of a declared terrorist
organisation or is acting on instruction of, or in cooperation with, a declared terrorist
organisation, they are taken to have satisfied the intention requirements for the conduct as
specified in new subsection 33AA(3). For example, a person may recruit for a terrorist
organisation and may also be a member of a declared terrorist organisation. In this case, the
person is taken to satisfy the element of intent in respect of the conduct, inasmuch as the
person could be taken to be advancing a political, religious or ideological cause. Therefore,
upon recruiting for a terrorist organisation, the person has demonstrated repudiation to
Australia and has renounced their Australian citizenship.
22. New subsection 33AA(5) provides that, to avoid doubt, new subsection 33AA(4) does not
prevent the proof of establishment, by other means, that a person engaged in conduct with an
intention referred to in subsection 33AA(3).
23. The purpose of this provision is to clarify that the person does not necessarily need to be a
member of a declared terrorist organisation to satisfy the intent component of the terrorist-
related conduct. For example, a person may undertake the terrorist related conduct in new
subsection 33AA(2) alone, and by their action, demonstrate that they have satisfied the intent
element provided for in 33AA(3). That is, a person may independently engage in a terrorist
act to advance a political, religious or ideological cause that is not associated with a declared
terrorist organisation.
24. New subsection 33AA(6) provides that the words and expressions used in paragraphs
33AA(2)(a) to (h) have the same meanings as in Subdivision A of Division 72, sections 101.1,
101.2, 102.2, 102.4, 103.1 and 103.2 and Division 119 of the Criminal Code, respectively.
However (to avoid doubt) this does not include the fault elements that apply under the
Criminal Code in relation to those provisions of the Criminal Code.
8
25. A brief description of the specified definitions in the Criminal Code is below:
Provision Offence Maximum Penalty
72.3 International (1) A person commits an offence if: Imprisonment for
terrorist activities using (a) the person intentionally delivers, places, life
explosive or lethal discharges or detonates a device; and
devices (b) the device is an explosive or other lethal
device and the person is reckless as to
that fact; and
(c) the device is delivered, placed,
discharged, or detonated, to, in, into or
against:
(i) a place of public use; or
(ii) a government facility; or
(iii) a public transportation system; or
(iv) an infrastructure facility; and
(d) the person intends to cause death or
serious harm.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person intentionally delivers, places,
discharges or detonates a device; and
(b) the device is an explosive or other lethal
device and the person is reckless as to
that fact; and
(c) the device is delivered, placed,
discharged, or detonated, to, in, into or
against:
(i) a place of public use; or
(ii) a government facility; or
(iii) a public transportation system; or
(iv) an infrastructure facility; and
(d) the person intends to cause extensive
destruction to the place, facility or
system; and
(e) the person is reckless as to whether that
intended destruction results or is likely to
result in major economic loss.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(3) Strict liability applies to paragraphs (1)(c)
and (2)(c).
9
101.1Terrorist acts (1) A person commits an offence if the person Imprisonment for
engages in a terrorist act. life
(2) Section 15.4 (extended geographical
jurisdiction- category D) applies to an
offence against subsection (1).
terrorist act is defined in section 100.1 of the
Criminal Code
101.2 Providing or (1) A person commits an offence if: Imprisonment for
receiving training (a) the person provides or receives training; 25 years
connected with terrorist and
acts (b) the training is connected with preparation
for, the engagement of a person in, or
assistance in a terrorist act; and
(c) the person mentioned in paragraph (a)
knows of the connection described in
paragraph (b).
Imprisonment for
15 years
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person provides or receives training;
and
(b) the training is connected with preparation
for, the engagement of a person in, or
assistance in a terrorist act; and
(c) the person mentioned in paragraph (a) is
reckless as to the existence of the
connection described in paragraph (b).
(3) A person commits an offence under this
section even if:
(a) a terrorist act does not occur; or
(b) the training is not connected with
preparation for, the engagement of a
person in, or assistance in a specified
terrorist act; or
(c) the training is connected with preparation
for, the engagement of a person in, or
assistance in more than one terrorist act.
(4) Section 15.4 (extended geographical
jurisdiction- category D) applies to an
offence against this section ...
102.2 Directing the (1) A person commits an offence if: Up to 25 years
activities of a terrorist (a) the person intentionally directs the imprisonment
organisation activities of an organisation; and
(b) the organisation is a terrorist
organisation; and
(c) the person knows the organisation is a
10
terrorist organisation.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person intentionally directs the
activities of an organisation; and
(b) the organisation is a terrorist
organisation; and
(c) the person is reckless as to whether the
organisation is a terrorist organisation.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
102.4 Recruiting for a (1) A person commits an offence if: Up to 25 years
terrorist organisation (a) the person intentionally recruits a person imprisonment
to join, or participate in the activities of,
an organisation; and
(b) the organisation is a terrorist
organisation; and
(c) the first-mentioned person knows the
organisation is a terrorist organisation.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person intentionally recruits a person
to join, or participate in the activities of,
an organisation; and
(b) the organisation is a terrorist
organisation; and
(c) the first-mentioned person is reckless as
to whether the organisation is a terrorist
organisation.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
103.1 Financing (1) A person commits an offence if: Imprisonment for
terrorism (a) the person provides or collects funds; life
and
(b) the person is reckless as to whether the
funds will be used to facilitate or engage
in a terrorist act.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
Note: Intention is the fault element for the
conduct described in
paragraph (1)(a). See subsection 5.6(1).
(2) A person commits an offence under
subsection (1) even if:
(a) a terrorist act does not occur; or
(b) the funds will not be used to facilitate or
engage in a specific terrorist act; or
11
(c) the funds will be used to facilitate or
engage in more than one terrorist act.
103.2 Financing a (1) A person commits an offence if: Imprisonment for
terrorist (a) the person intentionally: life
(i) makes funds available to another
person (whether
directly or indirectly); or
(ii) collects funds for, or on behalf of,
another person
(whether directly or indirectly); and
(b) the first-mentioned person is reckless as
to whether the other person will use the
funds to facilitate or engage in a terrorist
act.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(2) A person commits an offence under
subsection (1) even if:
(a) terrorist act does not occur; or
(b) the funds will not be used to facilitate or
engage in a specific terrorist act; or
(c) the funds will be used to facilitate or
engage in more than one terrorist act.
Division 119 Foreign incursions and recruitment Up to
imprisonment for
life
26. Section 100.1 of the Criminal Code defines terrorist act as an action or threat of action
where:
the action is of a type that:
o causes serious harm that is physical harm to a person; or
o causes serious damage to property; or
o causes a person's death; or
o endangers a person's life, other than the life of the person taking the action; or
o creates a serious risk to the health and safety of the public or a section of the
public; or
o seriously interferes with, seriously disrupts, or destroys, an electronic system
the action is done or the threat is made with the intention of advancing a political,
religious or ideological cause; and
the action is done or the threat is made with the intention of:
12
o coercing, or influencing by intimidation, the government of the Commonwealth
or a State, Territory or foreign Country; or
o intimidating the public or a section of the public.
27. The purpose of this provision is to clarify that, when considering the meanings of the
specified terrorist related conduct in new subsection 33AA(2), a consideration of the fault
element that apply under the Criminal Code is not required. This amendment recognises that
new section 33AA is not concerned with whether a person has committed a criminal offence
since that is a matter for a court to determine. It will ultimately be for a court to determine
whether an individual has engaged in conduct prescribed by new section 33AA in
contravention of the Criminal Code. That is, whether the terrorist-related conduct engaged in
by the person is an infringement of the relevant provision in the Criminal Code is a matter for
a criminal court to determine.
28. However, where the person engages in the specified terrorist-related conduct as prescribed in
new subsection 33AA(2), and the conduct is engaged with the intention as specified in new
subsection 33AA(3), the person is taken to repudiated their allegiance to Australia and the
person will cease to be an Australian citizen. This occurs by operation of law and does not
amount to an assessment of whether the person has committed a criminal offence.
29. New subsection 33AA(7) provides that section 33AA does not apply in relation to conduct by
a person unless:
the person was not in Australia when the person engaged in the conduct; or
the person left Australia after engaging in the conduct and, at the time that the person
left Australia, the person had not been tried for any offence related to the conduct.
30. The purpose of this amendment is to clarify that a person will have renounced their
Australian citizenship for the purpose of new section 33AA, only if the person was outside
Australia when the person engaged in the conduct, or had left Australia after engaging in the
conduct and had not been tried for any offence relating to the conduct.
31. The prospects of bringing a person to trial and successfully convicting that person would be
more constrained if that person is outside Australia. In order to protect the Australian
community, it is appropriate that there is a process for Australian citizenship to be lost based
on the person's conduct repudiating their allegiance to Australia.
32. New subsection 33AA(8) provides that subsection 33AA(1) applies to a person who is an
Australian citizen regardless of how the person became an Australian citizen (including a
person who became an Australian citizen upon the person's birth).
33. The purpose of this amendment is to provide that renunciation of citizenship by conduct
under subsection 33AA(1) applies to all Australian citizens, including those persons who are
born in Australia and automatically acquire Australian citizenship. This is the case because
all citizens have an obligation of allegiance to Australia irrespective of how they obtained
their citizenship. If a person engages in specified terrorist-related conduct that is
incompatible with their allegiance to Australia, they can renounce their citizenship by
conduct irrespective of how they obtained citizenship.
34. New subsection 33AA(9) provides that where a person renounces their Australian citizenship
under new section 33AA, the renunciation takes effect, and the Australian citizenship of the
person ceases, immediately upon the person engaging in the terrorist-related conduct referred
13
to in new subsection 33AA(2). This is appropriate as the cessation of citizenship by
renunciation as provided in new subsection 33AA is automatic so that if a person undertakes
one of the terrorist-related conducts specified in subsection 33AA(2) they cease to be an
Australian citizen as a result of this conduct at that point in time.
Minister to give notice
35. New subsection 33AA(10) provides that if the Minister becomes aware of conduct because of
which a person has, under this section, ceased to be an Australian citizen, the Minister:
must give, or make reasonable attempts to give, written notice to that effect to the
person:
o as soon as practicable; or
o if the Minister makes a determination under subsection 33AA(12) - as soon as
practicable after the Minister revokes the determination (if the Minister does
so); and
may give notice to that effect to such other persons and at such time as the Minister
considers appropriate.
36. The Note at subsection 33AA(10) provides that a person may seek review of the basis on
which a notice under section 33AA was given in the High Court of Australia under section 75
of the Constitution, or in the Federal Court of Australia under section 39B of the Judiciary
Act 1903. This implements recommendation 14 of the Committee report. The Note makes
the distinction that review is available regarding the application of the provision to the
conduct, not on the giving of the notice itself.
37. These provisions confer a power on the Minister, if he or she becomes aware of conduct,
because of which the person has ceased to be an Australian citizen, to give or make
reasonable attempts to give written notice to that effect to the person and other appropriate
persons. These Ministerial notices are evidence of the Minister's awareness that citizenship
of a particular person has ceased.
38. Upon becoming aware of the relevant conduct, the Minister is obliged to give written notice
of the cessation of citizenship to the person as soon as practicable. A question arises as to the
level of satisfaction required of the Minister about the conduct which causes the cessation of
citizenship, before a notice is issued. The statutory requirement is the Minister is 'aware' that
the individual has ceased to be an Australian citizen because of their conduct. The term
aware is not defined in the provision, so it should be given its ordinary meaning. In the
Macquarie dictionary, the ordinary meaning of 'aware' is 'cognisant or conscious'. In the
context of other legislation, courts have found that to 'become aware' of something is to
acquire subjective knowledge of it (Right to Life Association (NSW) Inc v Secretary of the
Commonwealth Department of Human Services and Health (1994) 36 ALD 264, 267).
Knowledge is more than suspicion or belief. To issue a notice under the provision in
subsection 33AA(12), the Minister should have a degree of knowledge about the conduct
which gives rise to a clear mental apprehension of the existence of the conduct. The Minister
should have the same mental assurance that the person is a national or citizen of a country
other than Australia.
39. The Minister must make 'reasonable attempts' to give written notice to the person. This
recognises that the Minister may not always be able to provide written notice to the person in
14
situations where that person is overseas and not able to be contacted. For example, a person
may be fighting with a terrorist organisation in a desert in Syria. Reasonable attempts to give
written notice may include giving notice at a last known email address or postal address or
via personal message on social media.
40. The notice is an expression of official opinion as to whether a person has renounced his or her
citizenship (Recommendation 18 of the Committee report). The basis for the conclusion that
the terrorist-related conduct has occurred may be reviewed by a court. In any such judicial
proceedings, the notice would have no determinative or presumptive significance.
41. A person will have the right to seek judicial review of the basis on which a notice was given.
The operation of the new provisions in the amended Bill is extraordinary and lends itself to
review by the High Court and Federal Court. Section 75 of the Constitution gives the High
Court original jurisdiction to hear all matters:
arising under any treaty;
affecting consuls or other representatives of other countries;
in which the Commonwealth, or a person suing or being sued on behalf of the
Commonwealth, is a party;
between States, or between residents of different States, or between a State and a
resident of another State;
in which a writ of Mandamus or prohibition or an injunction is sought against an
officer of the Commonwealth.
42. Section 39B of the Judiciary Act 1903 also gives the Federal Court of Australia original
jurisdiction to, amongst other matters, hear matters in which a writ of mandamus or
prohibition or an injunction is sought against an officer or officers of the Commonwealth.
43. The notice alerts the person to the formation of official opinion as a means of ensuring that
the person may bring the substantive issue before a court for determination.
44. The notice also may alert other administrators to take the existence of the notice into account
for other decision making purposes. For example, the Minister may notify the Department of
Foreign Affairs and Trade of the person's cessation of Australian citizenship so that the
person's Australian passport is cancelled or an Electoral Commissioner so the person is
removed from the electoral roll.
45. Any consequential action taken by Government agencies will only take place after the
Minister issues the notice (Recommendation 18 of the Committee report).
46. New subsection 33AA(11) provides that a notice under paragraph (10)(a) must set out:
the matters that are required by section 35B (see explanatory commentary below); and
the person's rights of review.
47. New subsection 33AA(12) provides that the Minister may determine in writing that a notice
under paragraph 33AA(10)(a) should not be given to a person if the Minister is satisfied that
giving the notice could prejudice the security, defence or international relations of Australia
15
or Australian law enforcement operations. The Minister must consider whether to revoke
such a determination:
no later than 6 months after making it; and
at least every 6 months thereafter until 5 years have passed since the determination
was made.
48. The purpose of this provision is to recognise that there may be instances where providing
immediate notice to a person regarding the cessation of their Australian citizenship may
compromise ongoing operations of national security and thereby prejudice the security,
defence or international relations of Australia or Australian law enforcement operations. For
example, intelligence operations may be put at risk if a person were to be notified about the
cessation of their Australian citizenship.
49. However, the Minister must review this decision no later than 6 months after making it, and
at least every 6 months thereafter until 5 years has passed. This recognises the reasonable
expectation that the person is to be notified as soon as possible, until 5 years has passed. It is
expected that any ongoing operation of national security would be resolved within 5 years, or
alternatively that the person may make themselves known to the Minister during this period
(for example, by attempting to return to Australia).
Minister's power to rescind notice and exempt person
50. New provision 33AA(13) provides that the power in new subsection 33AA(14) only applies
where a person has renounced his or her citizenship under section 33AA.
51. New subsection 33AA(14) authorises the Minister to make a determination rescinding a
notice given under subsection 33AA(10) and exempting the person from loss of citizenship.
This is a discretionary power, which comes into play only after a person has renounced his or
her citizenship, with the effect that the core 'operation of law' nature of new section 33AA is
maintained.
52. New subsection 33AA(15) makes it clear that the Minister does not have a duty or obligation
to exercise the power conferred by subsection 33AA(14). This includes in circumstances
where a request or application for the Minister to consider exercising that discretion has been
made.
53. New subsection 33AA(16) is an avoidance of doubt provision which makes it clear that,
when deciding whether to consider exercising the power conferred by subsection 33AA(14),
the Minister is not required to have regard to any of the matters set out in
subsection 33AA(17).
54. New subsection 33AA(17) provides that, in the event the Minister decides to consider
exercising the power conferred by subsection 33AA(14), the Minister must have regard to the
following:
the severity of the matters that were the basis for any notice given under
subsection 33AA(10) or that would have been the basis for a notice under
paragraph 33AA(10)(a) if not for the operation of subsection 33AA(12);
the degree of threat posed by the person to the Australian community;
the age of the person;
16
if the person is aged under 18--the best interests of the child as a primary
consideration;
whether the person is being or is likely to be prosecuted in relation to the matters that
were the basis for the notice;
the person's connection to the other country of which the person is a national or
citizen and the availability of the rights of citizenship of that country to the person;
Australia's international relations;
any other matters of public interest.
55. This will require the Minister to have regard to all of the circumstances surrounding the
person's conduct and the other matters specified in subsection 33AA(17), in considering
whether to rescind any notice given under subsection (10) and exempt the person from the
effect of the section - but this only applies if the Minister decides to consider exercising the
power conferred by subsection 33AA(14). A decision of the Minister under new subsection
33AA(14) will be subject to judicial review.
56. The assessment of the public interest is by reference to the purpose of the statutory scheme.
The application of the public interest test will require a balancing of competing interests and
will be a question of fact and degree (Hogan v Hinch (2011) 243 CLR 506). Public interest
consideration in this statutory scheme may include matters such as public confidence in the
safety of the Australian community, actual public safety, the need for deterrence and the
impact on the person.
57. The Minister is well placed to make an assessment of public interest as an elected member of
the Parliament. The Minister represents the Australian community and has a particular insight
into Australian community standards and values and if it would be contrary to the public
interest for the person to remain an Australian citizen.
58. New subsection 33AA(18) requires the Minister to cause a statement to be laid before each
House of Parliament if he or she makes a determination under subsection 33AA(14). The
statement must be laid within 15 sitting days of making the determination, and must set out
both the determination and the reasons for the determination, including the Minister's reasons
in relation to the matters set out in subsection 33A(17).
59. New subsection 33AA(19) provides an exception to subsection 33AA(18). Specifically,
where the Minister forms the view that it would not be in the public interest to publish the
name of any person connected with a determination under subsection 33AA(14) and a
statement under subsection 33AA(18), the Minister must not include information that would
identify those persons.
General provisions relating to Minister's powers
60. New subsection 33AA(20) provides that the powers of the Minister under this section may
only be exercised by the Minister personally.
61. The effect of this provision is that the Minister's powers under section 33AA, including the
power to give notice and the power to rescind notice and exempt a person, must be exercised
by the Minister personally, and may not be exercised by a delegate of the Minister.
17
62. New subsection 33AA(21) provides that section 47 of the Act, which sets out the general
notice requirements, applies to a decision by the Minister to make or not make a
subsection 33AA(14) determination, but does not apply to any other decision of the Minister
under this section, including a decision whether to consider exercising the power in that
subsection to make a determination.
63. New subsection 33AA(22) provides that the rules of natural justice apply in relation to a
decision by the Minister to make or not make a subsection 33AA(14) determination, but do
not apply to any other decision of the Minister under this section, including a decision
whether to consider exercising the power in that subsection to make a determination..
64. The purpose of new subsection 33AA(22) is to clarify that the Minister is required to apply
the rules of natural justice when exercising the discretion under subsection 33AA(14).
However, the rules of natural justice do not apply to the Minister's decision whether or not to
consider exercising that discretion or any other decision under this section.
65. New subsection 33AA(23) provides that an instrument exercising any of the Minister's
powers under this section is not a legislative instrument. The reason that a decision under this
section is not a legislative instrument is that it is administrative in character.
Subsection 33AA(23) is declaratory of the law and is not intended as an exemption to the
Legislative Instruments Act 2003, but is included to assist readers in the interpretation of the
legislation.
66. New subsection 33AA(24) provides that, to avoid doubt, a person's citizenship is taken never
to have ceased under this section because of particular conduct if:
in proceedings under section 75 of the Constitution, or under this Act or another
Commonwealth Act, a court finds that the person did not engage in the conduct or
have the requisite intention under subsection (3) of this section; or
in proceedings under section 75 of the Constitution, or under this Act or another
Commonwealth Act, a court finds that the person was not a national or citizen of a
country other than Australia at the time of the conduct; or
the Minister makes a determination under subsection 33AA(14) in relation to the
conduct to exempt the person from the effect of section 33AA; or
a declaration under section 35AA is disallowed by either House of the Parliament, and
the person's citizenship would not have ceased under this section if that declaration
had not been made.
67. The effect of this provision is that where a person is found by an Australian court not to have
engaged in the terrorist-related conduct, or would be rendered stateless, the person's
Australian citizenship is taken never to have ceased. That is, the person is taken to never have
lost their Australian citizenship. This also applies where the Minister rescinds the notice and
exempts the person from the operation of section 33AA. Section 33AA may apply to any
subsequent conduct. If the Minister rescinds the notice and exempts the person from the
effect of section 33AA, sections 35 and 35A may still apply to the persons conduct.
68. The combined operation of new section 35AA and paragraph 33AA(24)(d) is such that a
declaration under section 35AA will commence upon registration on the Federal Register of
Legislative Instruments. However, in the event that the declaration is disallowed, any loss of
18
citizenship that occurred on the basis of that legislative instrument, is taken never to have
occurred.
4 Section 35
69. This amendment repeals the section and inserts new sections 35, 35AA and 35AB into the
amended Bill. This amendment implements Recommendations 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16,
19 and 20 of the Committee report.
Section 35 - Service outside Australia in armed forces of an enemy country or a declared
terrorist organisation
Cessation of citizenship
70. New subsection 35(1) provides that a person aged 14 years or older ceases to be an Australian
citizen if:
the person is a national or citizen of a country other than Australia; and
the person:
o serves in the armed forces of a country at war with Australia; or
o fights for, or is in the service of, a declared terrorist organisation (see
section 35AA); and
the person's service or fighting occurs outside Australia.
71. Note 1 to new subsection 35(1) provides that the Minister may, in writing, exempt the person
from the effect of this section applying in relation to certain matters: see subsection 35(9).
72. Note 2 to new subsection 35(1) provides that this section does not apply to conduct of
Australian law enforcement or intelligence bodies or to conduct in the course of certain duties
to the Commonwealth (see section 35AB).
73. The provision does not include the requirement that appears in some Commonwealth offences
that there is a Proclamation in relation to the country at war with Australia or a Declaration in
relation to the war itself. Accordingly, there is no requirement that there be a Proclamation in
relation to a country at war with Australia or a Declaration of war in order for a person to be
regarded as serving in the armed forces of a country at war with Australia for the purposes of
this provision.
74. The provision does not define 'fights'. As the word is not defined, it should be given its
ordinary meaning. The primary meaning of "fights" in the Macquarie Dictionary is battle or
combat. Fighting for a declared terrorist organisation is intended to generally mean fight on
behalf of a terrorist organisation.
75. The provision does not define 'is in the service of'. As the phrase is not defined it should be
given its ordinary meaning. In the Macquarie Dictionary "service" is an act of helpful
activity or the supplying of any articles, commodities, activities etc., required or demanded.
In this context the term, "in the service of" is intended to cover acts done by persons willingly
and is not meant to cover acts done by a person against their will (for example, an innocent
kidnapped person) or the unwitting supply of goods (for example, the provision of goods by
innocent persons following online orders). This is further clarified in new subsection 35(4).
19
76. New subsection 35(1) provides that a person affected by this provision loses their Australian
citizenship automatically. New subsection 35(1) builds on, adapts and modernises loss of
citizenship provisions for those fighting in a war against Australia which have been in place
since 1949.
77. The effect of this amendment is that in addition to the current provision which provides that a
dual citizen ceases to be an Australian citizen if they serve in the armed forces of a country at
war with Australia, a dual citizen's Australian citizenship will now also cease if the person
fights on behalf of, or is in the service of, a terrorist organisation outside Australia.
78. The purpose of this provision is to deal with the threat caused by those who have acted in a
manner contrary to their allegiance to Australia by removing them from formal membership
of the Australian community. Cessation of citizenship is a very serious outcome of very
serious conduct that demonstrates a person has repudiated their allegiance to Australia.
Citizenship is a privilege not a right. The cessation of a person's formal membership of the
Australian community is appropriate to reduce the possibility of a person engaging in acts or
further acts that harm Australians or Australian interests. The cessation of a person's
Australian citizenship will also have a deterrent effect by putting radicalised persons on
notice that their citizenship is in jeopardy if they engage in terrorist-related conduct contrary
to their allegiance to Australia.
79. The provision also clarifies that new subsection 35(1) does not apply to children under the age
of 14 years.
80. New subsection 35(2) provides that the person ceases to be an Australian citizen at the time
the person commences to so serve or fight.
81. The effect of this provision is to make it clear that a person ceases to be an Australian citizen
at the time that the person fights on behalf of, or is in the service of, a terrorist organisation,
provided that the terrorist organisation is captured by the operation of new subsection 35AA.
That is, where the terrorist organisation is captured by new section 35AA, and the person
satisfies the requirements in subsection 35(1), the person ceases to be an Australian citizen at
that time.
82. New subsection 35(3) provides that new subsection 35(1) applies to a person who is an
Australian citizen regardless of how the person became an Australian citizen (including a
person who became an Australian citizen upon the person's birth).
83. The purpose of this amendment is to provide that the cessation of citizenship referred to in
subsection 35(1) applies to all Australian citizens, including those persons who are born in
Australia and automatically acquired Australian citizenship. This is the case because all
citizens have an obligation of allegiance to Australia irrespective of how they obtained their
citizenship. If a person fights on behalf of, or is in the service of, a terrorist organisation,
which is incompatible with their allegiance to Australia, the provision to cease Australian
citizenship should apply to a person irrespective of how they obtained their citizenship.
84. New subsection 35(4) provides that, for the purpose of new paragraph 35(1)(b)(ii) and
without limitation, a person is not in the service of a declared terrorist organisation to the
extent that:
the person's actions are unintentional; or
the person is acting under duress or force; or
20
the person is providing neutral and independent humanitarian assistance.
85. The purpose of this provision is to clarify the circumstances in which a person would not be
'in the service of' a declared terrorist organisation, including where the person's conduct
takes place unwittingly or against the person's will. The provision also clarifies that
section 35 would not apply to the type of impartial, independent humanitarian assistance
provided by organisations such as International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement,
UNICEF or Médecins Sans Frontières. However, the provision of medical services in a
hospital run by a declared terrorist organisation would be conduct in the service of a declared
terrorist organisation.
Minister to give notice
86. New subsection 35(5) provides that if the Minister becomes aware of conduct because of
which a person has, under this section, ceased to be an Australian citizen, the Minister:
must give, or make reasonable attempts to give, written notice to that effect to the
person:
o as soon as practicable; or
o if the Minister makes a determination under subsection 35(7) - as soon as
practicable after the Minister revokes the determination (if the Minister does
so); and
may give notice to that effect to such other persons and at such time as the Minister
considers appropriate.
87. The Note at subsection 35(5) provides that a person may seek review of the basis on which a
notice under section 35 was given in the High Court of Australia under section 75 of the
Constitution, or in the Federal Court of Australia under section 39B of the Judiciary
Act 1903. This implements recommendation 14 of the Committee report. The Note makes
the distinction that review is available regarding the application of the provision to the
conduct, not on the giving of the notice itself.
88. These provisions confer a power on the Minister, if he or she becomes aware of conduct,
because of which the person has ceased to be an Australian citizen, to give or make
reasonable attempts to give written notice to that effect to the person and other appropriate
persons. These Ministerial notices are evidence of the Minister's awareness that citizenship
of a particular person has ceased.
89. Upon becoming aware of the relevant conduct, the Minister is obliged to give written notice
of the cessation of citizenship to the person as soon as practicable. A question arises as to the
level of satisfaction required of the Minister about the conduct which causes the cessation of
citizenship, before a notice is issued. The statutory requirement is the Minister is 'aware' that
the individual has ceased to be an Australian citizen because of their conduct. The term
aware is not defined in the provision, so it should be given its ordinary meaning. In the
Macquarie dictionary, the ordinary meaning of 'aware' is 'cognisant or conscious'. In the
context of other legislation, courts have found that to 'become aware' of something is to
acquire subjective knowledge of it (Right to Life Association (NSW) Inc v Secretary of the
Commonwealth Department of Human Services and Health (1994) 36 ALD 264, 267).
Knowledge is more than suspicion or belief. To issue a notice under the provision in
subsection 33AA(7), the Minister should have a degree of knowledge about the conduct
21
which gives rise to a clear mental apprehension of the existence of the conduct. The Minister
should have the same mental assurance that the person is a national or citizen of a country
other than Australia.
90. The Minister must make 'reasonable attempts' to give written notice to the person. This
recognises that the Minister may not always be able to provide written notice to the person in
situations where that person is overseas and not able to be contacted. For example, a person
may be fighting with a terrorist organisation in a desert in Syria. Reasonable attempts to give
written notice may include giving notice at a last known email address or postal address or
via personal message on social media.
91. The notice is an expression of official opinion as to whether a person has renounced his or her
citizenship (Recommendation 18 of the Committee report). The basis for the conclusion that
the terrorist-related conduct has occurred may be reviewed by a court. In any such judicial
proceedings, the notice would have no determinative or presumptive significance.
92. A person will have the right to seek judicial review of the basis on which a notice was given.
The operation of the new provisions in the amended Bill is extraordinary and lends itself to
review by the High Court and Federal Court. Section 75 of the Constitution gives the High
Court original jurisdiction to hear all matters:
arising under any treaty;
affecting consuls or other representatives of other countries;
in which the Commonwealth, or a person suing or being sued on behalf of the
Commonwealth, is a party;
between States, or between residents of different States, or between a State and a
resident of another State;
in which a writ of Mandamus or prohibition or an injunction is sought against an
officer of the Commonwealth.
93. Section 39B of the Judiciary Act also gives the Federal Court of Australia original
jurisdiction to, amongst other matters, hear matters in which a writ of mandamus or
prohibition or an injunction is sought against an officer or officers of the Commonwealth.
94. The notice alerts the person to the formation of official opinion as a means of ensuring that
the person may bring the issue before a court for determination.
95. The notice also may alert other administrators to take the existence of the notice into account
for other decision making purposes. For example, the Minister may notify the Department of
Foreign Affairs and Trade of the person's cessation of Australian citizenship so that the
person's Australian passport is cancelled or the Electoral Commissioner so the person is
removed from the electoral roll.
96. Any consequential action taken by Government agencies will only take place after the
Minister issues the notice to the person (Recommendation 18 of the Committee report).
97. New subsection 35(6) provides that a notice under paragraph 35(5)(a) must set out:
the matters required by section 35B (see explanatory commentary below); and
22
the person's rights of review.
98. New subsection 35(7) provides that the Minister may determine in writing that a notice under
paragraph (5)(a) should not be given to a person if the Minister is satisfied that giving the
notice could prejudice the security, defence or international relations of Australia or
Australian law enforcement operations. The Minister must consider whether to revoke such a
determination:
no later than 6 months after making it; and
at least every 6 months thereafter until 5 years have passed since the determination
was made.
99. The purpose of this provision is to recognise that there may be instances where providing
immediate notice to a person regarding the cessation of their Australian citizenship may
compromise ongoing operations of national security and prejudice the security, defence or
international relations of Australia. For example, intelligence operations or informants in the
field may be put at risk if a person were to be notified of the cessation of their Australian
citizenship.
100. However, the Minister must review this decision no later than 6 months after making it, and
at least every 6 months thereafter until 5 years has passed. This recognises the reasonable
expectation that the person is to be notified as soon as possible, until 5 years has passed. It is
expected that any ongoing operation of national security would be resolved within 5 years, or
alternatively that the person may make themselves known to the Minister during this period
(for example, by attempting to return to Australia) .
Minister's power to rescind notice and exempt person
101. New provision 35(8) provides that subsection 35(9) only applies if a person has ceased to be
an Australian citizen under section 35.
102. New subsection 35(9) provides that, if a person has ceased to be an Australian citizen under
section 35, the Minister may make a determination rescinding the notice of cessation under
subsection 35(5) and exempting the person from the operation of section 35 in relation to the
matters that were the basis for the notice or in relation to matters that would have been the
basis for giving a notice under paragraph 35(5)(a) if not for the operation of subsection 35(7).
This is a discretionary power, which comes into play only after a person's citizenship has
ceased, with the effect that the core 'operation of law' nature of new section 35 is maintained.
103. Subsection 35(10) clarifies that the Minister does not have a duty, and is not obliged, to
consider whether to exercise the power conferred by subsection 35(9). This includes in
circumstances where a request or application for the Minister to consider exercising that
discretion has been made.
104. Subsection 35(11) is an avoidance of doubt provision that clarifies that, when the Minister
considers whether or not to exercise the discretion conferred under subsection 35(9), the
Minister is not required to have regard to the matters listed in subsection 35(12).
105. Subsection 35(12) provides that, if the Minister does decide to consider whether to exercise
the power conferred by subsection 35(9), the Minister must have regard to the following:
23
the severity of the matters that were the basis for any notice any notice given under
subsection 35(5) or in relation to matters that would have been the basis for giving a
notice under paragraph 35(5)(a) if not for the operation of subsection 35(7);
the degree of threat posed by the person to the Australian community;
the age of the person;
if the person is aged under 18--the best interests of the child as a primary
consideration;
whether the person is being or is likely to be prosecuted in relation to the matters that
were the basis for the notice;
the person's connection to the other country of which the person is a national or
citizen and the availability of the rights of citizenship of that country to the person;
Australia's international relations;
any other matters of public interest.
106. This will require the Minister to have regard to all of the circumstances surrounding the
person's conduct and the other matters specified in subsection 35(12), in considering whether
to rescind any notice given under subsection (9) and exempt the person from the effect of the
section - but this only applies if the Minister decides to consider exercising the power
conferred by subsection 35(9).
107. A decision of the Minister under new subsection 35(9) will be subject to review.
108. The assessment of the public interest is by reference to the purpose of the statutory scheme.
The application of the public interest test will require a balancing of competing interests and
will be a question of fact and degree (Hogan v Hinch (2011) 243 CLR 506). Public interest
consideration in this statutory scheme may include matters such as public confidence in the
safety of the Australian community, actual public safety, the need for deterrence and the
impact on the person.
109. The Minister is well placed to make an assessment of public interest as an elected member of
the Parliament. The Minister represents the Australian community and has a particular insight
into Australian community standards and values and if it would be contrary to the public
interest for the person to remain an Australian citizen.
110. New subsection 35(13) requires the Minister to cause a statement to be laid before each House
of Parliament if he or she makes a determination under subsection 35(9). The statement must
be laid within 15 sitting days of making the determination, and must set out both the
determination and the reasons for the determination, including the Minister's reasons in
relation to the matters set out in subsection 35(12).
111. New subsection 35(14) provides an exception to subsection 35(13). Specifically, where the
Minister forms the view that it would not be in the public interest to publish the name of any
person connected with a determination under subsection 35(9) and a statement under
subsection 35(13), the Minister must not include information that would identify those
persons.
24
General provisions relating to Minister's powers
112. New subsection 35(15) provides that the powers of the Minister under this section may only
be exercised by the Minister personally.
113. The effect of this provision is that the Minister's powers under section 35, including the
power to give notice and the power to rescind notice and exempt person, must be exercised
by the Minister personally, and may not be exercised by a delegate of the Minister.
114. New subsection 35(16) provides that section 47 of the Act, which sets out the general notice
requirements, applies to a decision to make or not make a subsection 35(9) determination, but
does not apply to any other decision, including a decision not to consider exercising the
power in that subsection to make a determination.
115. New subsection 35(17) provides that the rules of natural justice apply in relation to a decision
by the Minister to make or not make a subsection 35(9) determination, but do not apply to
any other decision of the Minister under this section, including a decision whether to
consider exercising the power in that subsection to make a determination..
116. New subsection 35(18) provides that an instrument exercising any of the Minister's powers
under this section is not a legislative instrument. The reason that a decision under this section
is not a legislative instrument is that it is administrative in character. Subsection 35(12) is
declaratory of the law and is not intended as an exemption to the Legislative Instruments Act
2003, but is included to assist readers in the interpretation of the legislation.
117. New subsection 35(19) provides that, to avoid doubt, a person's citizenship is taken never to
have ceased under this section because of particular conduct if:
in proceedings under section 75 of the Constitution, or under this Act or another
Commonwealth Act, a court finds that the person did not engage in the conduct; or
in proceedings under section 75 of the Constitution, or under this Act or another
Commonwealth Act, a court finds that the person was not a national or citizen of a
country other than Australia at the time of the conduct; or
the Minister makes a determination subsection 35(9) in relation to the conduct to
exempt the person from the effect of the section; or
a declaration under section 35AA is disallowed by either House of the Parliament, and
the person's citizenship would not have ceased under this section if that declaration
had not been made.
118. The effect of this provision is that where a person is found by an Australian court not to have
engaged in the terrorist-related conduct, or would be rendered stateless, the person's
Australian citizenship is taken never to have ceased. That is, the person is taken to never have
lost their Australian citizenship. This also applies where the Minister rescinds the notice and
exempts the person from the operation of section 35. Section 35 may apply to any
subsequent conduct. If the Minister rescinds the notice and exempts the person from the
effect of section 35, sections 33AA and 35A may still apply to the persons conduct.
119. The combined operation of new section 35AA and new paragraph 35(13)(d) is such that a
declaration under section 35AA will commence upon registration on the Federal Register of
Legislative Instruments. However, in the event that the declaration is disallowed, any loss of
25
citizenship that occurred on the basis of that legislative instrument is taken never to have
occurred.
35AA - Declared terrorist organisation
Declaration of declared terrorist organisation
120. New section 35AA implements Recommendations 3, and 4 of the Committee report.
121. New subsection 35AA(1) provides that a declared terrorist organisation is any terrorist
organisation within the meaning of paragraph (b) of the definition of terrorist organisation in
subsection 102.1 of the Criminal Code, that the Minister, by legislative instrument, declares,
is a declared terrorist organisation for the purposes of this section.
122. Section 102.1 of the Criminal Code provides that 'terrorist organisation' means:
an organisation that is directly or indirectly engaged in, preparing, planning,
assisting in or fostering the doing of a terrorist act; or
an organisation that is specified by the regulations for this purpose.
123. Currently, 20 organisations are listed as terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code. These
are listed on the Australian National Security government website.
124. Before declaring that an organisation is a declared terrorist organisation, subsection 35AA(2)
requires the Minister to be satisfied on reasonable grounds that the organisation:
either:
o is directly or indirectly engaged in, preparing, planning, assisting in or
fostering the doing of a terrorist act; or
o advocates the doing of a terrorist act; and
is opposed to Australia or to Australia's interests, values, democratic beliefs, rights or
liberties so that if a person were to fight for or being the service of such an
organisation the person would be acting inconsistently with their allegiance to
Australia.
125. The effect of this provision is to enable the Minister to declare, by legislative instrument, a
subset of listed terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code support for which would
involve a repudiation of allegiance to Australia. This is because the Minister may only list
terrorist organisations that are opposed to Australia or are opposed to any of Australia's
interests, values, democratic beliefs, rights or liberties.
126. Australia's values, interests, democratic beliefs, rights or liberties are the uniting
characteristics for Australian citizenship. These characteristics are expressly included in the
pledge of commitment as citizen of Australia. Therefore, where a person fights with a
terrorist organisation that is opposed to Australia or to any of Australia's values, interests,
democratic beliefs, rights or liberties, the person has evidently repudiated their allegiance to
Australia.
26
127. New subsection 35AA(3) provides that a declaration made under new subsection 35AA(1)
does not amount to 'prescribed administrative action' for the purposes of Part IV of the
Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 (ASIO Act).
128. Part IV of the ASIO Act regulates ASIO communications that are relied upon by
Commonwealth agencies (and State and Territory agencies in certain situations) to take
prescribed administrative action and in specific circumstances includes the requirement to
provide notice, reasons and review rights with respect to prejudicial security assessments.
These provisions do not extend to ASIO communications that inform the making of a
regulation that specifies an organisation for the purposes of paragraph (b) of the definition of
'terrorist organisation' in section 102.1 of the Criminal Code. This provision ensures that the
same proscribed terrorist organisations are not otherwise afforded additional review rights in
connection with the exercise of a power under new subsection 35AA(1).
Review of declaration by Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security
129. New subsection 35AA(4) provides that the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence
and Security may:
review a declaration made under subsection 35AA(1) as soon as possible after the
declaration is made; and
report the Committee's comments and recommendations to each House of the
Parliament before the end of the period during which the House may disallow the
declaration.
130. The purpose of the provision is to ensure that the subset list of 'declared terrorist
organisation' under new section 35AA is subject to the same procedural safeguards as the
current listing process in section 102.1A of the Criminal Code. Under section 102.1A of the
Criminal Code, the Committee may also review a regulation that specifies an organisation for
the purposes of the definition of terrorist organisation in section 102.1 of the Criminal Code.
131. The combined operation of new section 35AA and paragraphs 33AA(19)(d) and 35(13)(d) is
such that a declaration under section 35AA will commence upon registration on the Federal
Register of Legislative Instruments. However, in the event that the declaration is disallowed,
any loss of citizenship that occurred on the basis of that legislative instrument, is taken never
to have occurred.
35AB - Sections 33AA and 35 do not apply to conduct of Australian law enforcement or
intelligence bodies or in the course of certain duties to the Commonwealth
132. New section 35AB implements Recommendation 6 of the Committee report.
133. New subsection 35AB(1) provides that sections 33AA and 35 do not apply to conduct
engaged in by:
a person in the proper performance of a function of an Australian law enforcement or
intelligence body; or
a person acting in the course of the person's duty to the Commonwealth in relation to
the defence, security or international relations of Australia.
134. New subsection 35AB(2) provides that in this section:
27
Australian law enforcement or intelligence body means a body, agency or organisation of
the Commonwealth, or of a State or Territory, that is responsible for, or deals with, law
enforcement, criminal intelligence, criminal investigation, fraud, security intelligence, foreign
intelligence or financial intelligence.
135. The purpose of new section 35AB is to establish an exemption for law enforcement,
intelligence agencies and the Australian Defence Force from new sections 33AA and 35 of
the amended Bill. There is some overlap in the operation of new paragraph 35AB(1)(a) and
35AB(1)(b), this overlap is intentional.
136. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies require appropriate legal protections for persons
where it is necessary to engage in covert activities and operations or other authorised
activities, such as defence operations, that involve otherwise unlawful conduct for the
legitimate purpose of carrying out functions in accordance with applicable legislation.
137. For example, some offences in Division 102 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Criminal Code)
relate to a person's engagement with a terrorist organisation (such as membership, direction,
recruitment, training, funding, providing support and association). While such offences are
necessary to protect Australia's security interests by isolating terrorist organisations from the
community, they may also capture the activities of persons who associate covertly with
targets for the purpose of legitimate intelligence or evidence collection activities.
138. Section 35AB also reflects that certain persons performing duty for the Commonwealth are
not employed by agencies with prescribed statutory functions, for example members of the
Australian Defence Force, but likewise should not be exposed to the operation of sections
33AA and 35 where that duty is related to the defence, security or international relations of
Australia. Persons performing such duties should not be exposed to the operation of
section 33AA and 35.
139. New section 35AB implements the Government's response to Recommendation 6 of the
Committee report, to ensure that sections 33AA and 35 do not lead to the renunciation of a
person's citizenship by operation of law in cases where the person undertakes activities in
accordance with the proper performance of the functions of their agency or in the course of
the person's duty to the Commonwealth in relation to the defence, security or international
relations of Australia.
5 After section 35
140. This amendment inserts new sections 35A and 35B into the amended Bill. This amendment
implements Recommendations 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18 and 20 of the Committee report.
35A Conviction for terrorism offences and certain other offences
Cessation of citizenship on determination by Minister
141. New subsection 35A(1) provides that the Minister may determine in writing that a person
ceases to be an Australian citizen if:
the person has been convicted of an offence against, or offences against, one or
more of the following:
o a provision of Subdivision A of Division 72 of the Criminal Code;
o a provision of section 80.1, 80.1AA or 91.1 of the Criminal Code;
28
o a provision of Part 5.3 of the Criminal Code (except section 102.8 or
Division 104 or 105);
o a provision of Part 5.5 of the Criminal Code;
o section 24AA or 24AB of the Crimes Act 1914
o section 6 or 7 of the repealed Crimes (Foreign Incursions and Recruitment)
Act 1978; and
the person has, in respect of the conviction or convictions, been sentenced to a
period of imprisonment of at least 6 years, or to periods of imprisonment that total
at least 6 years; and
the person is a national or citizen of a country other than Australia at the time
when the Minister makes the determination; and
the Minister is satisfied that the conduct of the person to which the conviction or
convictions relate demonstrates that the person has repudiated their allegiance to
Australia; and
having regard to the following factors, the Minister is satisfied that it is not in the
public interest for the person to remain an Australian citizen:
o the severity of the conduct that was the basis of the conviction or convictions
and the sentence or sentences;
o the degree of threat posed by the person to the Australian community;
o the age of the person;
o if the person is aged under 18 - the best interests of the child as a primary
consideration;
o the person's connection to the other country of which the person is a national
or citizen and the availability of the rights of citizenship of that country to the
person;
o Australia's international relations; and
o any other matters of public interest.
142. The Note to new subsection 35A(1) provides that a person may seek review of a
determination made under subsection 35A(1) in the High Court of Australia under section 75
of the Constitution, or in the Federal Court of Australia under section 39B of the Judiciary
Act 1903.
143. The effect of new subsection 35A(1) is that the Minister may determine that a dual citizen's
Australian citizenship ceases where that person has been convicted of a specified terrorist-
related offence. Before the Minister makes such a determination, the Minister must be
satisfied that:
the conduct of the person to which the conviction or convictions relate
demonstrates that the person has repudiated their allegiance to Australia; and
29
having regard to specified factors, it is not in the public interest for the person to
remain an Australian citizen.
144. The specified offences in 35A(1)(a) reflect the policy intention that an offence listed for the
purpose of cessation under new subsection 35A(1) must be a terrorism-related offence where
the maximum penalty is at least 10 years imprisonment. The offences are of a nature that on
the face of them a person who undertakes such offences has repudiated their allegiance to
Australia.
145. The specified offences also have limited application with respect to minors. Under the
Criminal Code, a child:
under 10 years of age is not criminally responsible for an offence; and
a child from 10 to 14 years of age can only be criminally responsible for an
offence if the child knows that his or her conduct is wrong.
146. A brief description of the relevant offence and the maximum penalty is provided below.
Act/Provision Offence Maximum Penalty
(imprisonment)1
Criminal Code Act 1995 International terrorist activities using Life
Section 72.3 explosive or lethal devices
Criminal Code Act 1995 Treason Life
Section 80.1
Criminal Code Act 1995 Treason - material assisting enemies Life
Section 80.1AA
Criminal Code Act 1995 Espionage 25 years
Section 91.1
Criminal Code Act 1995 Terrorist acts Life
Section 101.1
Criminal Code Act 1995 Providing or receiving training connected 15 or 25 years
Section 101.2 with terrorist acts
Criminal Code Act 1995 Possessing things connected with terrorist 10 or 15 years
Section 101.4 acts
Criminal Code Act 1995 Collecting or making documents likely to 15 years
Section 101.5 facilitate terrorist acts
Criminal Code Act 1995 Other acts done in preparation for, or Life
Section 101.6 planning, terrorist acts
Criminal Code Act 1995 Directing the activities of a terrorist 10 or 15 years
Section 102.2 organisation
Criminal Code Act 1995 Membership of a terrorist organisation 10 years
Section 102.3
1
Where more than one maximum penalty is specified, the penalty differs according to specific elements of the offence.
30
Act/Provision Offence Maximum Penalty
(imprisonment)1
Criminal Code Act 1995 Recruiting for a terrorist organisation 15 or 25 years
Section 102.4
Criminal Code Act 1995 Training involving a terrorist organisation 25 years
Section 102.5
Criminal Code Act 1995 Getting funds to, from or for a terrorist 15 or 25 years
Section 102.6 organisation
Criminal Code Act 1995 Providing support to a terrorist organisation 15 or 25 years
Section 102.7
Criminal Code Act 1995 Financing terrorism Life
Section 103.1
Criminal Code Act 1995 Financing a terrorist Life
Section 103.2
Criminal Code Act 1995 Incursions into foreign countries with Life
Section 119.1 intention to engage in hostile activities
Criminal Code Act 1995 Entering or remaining in a declared area 10 years
Section 119.2 overseas where terrorist organisations are
engage in hostile activities
Criminal Code Act 1995 Preparations for incursions into foreign Life
Section 119.4 countries for purposes of engaging in hostile
activities
Criminal Code Act 1995 Allowing use of buildings, vessels and Life
Section 119.5 aircraft to commit foreign incursions
offences
Criminal Code Act 1995 Recruiting persons to join organisations 25 years
Section 119.6 engaged in hostile activities against foreign
governments
Criminal Code Act 1995 Recruiting persons to serve in or with an 10 years
Section 119.7 armed force in a foreign country
Crimes Act 1914 Treachery by overthrow of the Constitution Life
Section 24AA or Government, levying war or assisting in
levying war, or instigating an armed invasion
Crimes Act 1914 Sabotage by destroying, damaging or 15 years
Section 24AB impairing Australian Defence Force
equipment
Crimes (Foreign Incursions into foreign States with intention 20 years
Incursions and of engaging in hostile activities
Recruitment) Act 1978
Section 6
Crimes (Foreign Preparations for incursions into foreign 10 years
Incursions and States for purpose of engaging in hostile
Recruitment) Act 1978 activities
Section 7
31
147. The purpose of new section 35A is to deal with the threat caused by those who have acted in
a manner contrary to their allegiance to Australia by removing them from formal membership
of the Australian community. Cessation of citizenship is a very serious outcome of very
serious conduct that demonstrates a person has repudiated their allegiance to Australia (refer
to paragraph 35A(1)(d)). Removing a person's formal membership of the Australian
community is appropriate to reduce the possibility of a person engaging in acts or further acts
that harm Australians or Australian interests.
148. Paragraph 35A(1)(c) provides that the Minister may only make a determination under
subsection 35A(1) if the person is a national or citizen of a country other than Australia when
the Minister makes the determination. The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that a
determination cannot be made under subsection 35A(1) if it would result in a person
becoming stateless.
149. The term 'national or citizen' is used because some persons may be legally entitled to
'nationality' of a country but not 'citizenship'. For example, in the United States a person
can be a U.S national but is not necessarily a U.S citizen. A person born in an outlying
possession of the United States is a U.S national but not a U.S citizen. An outlying
possession of the United States is currently American Samoa and the Swains Islands. U.S
non-citizen nationals who are eligible may obtain U.S passports and owe permanent
allegiance to the United States.
150. The drafting of this provision differs slightly to other provisions in the Citizenship Act
relating to statelessness. The amendment has been set deliberately high as the operation of
section 35A can be differentiated from other reasons for cessation under the Citizenship Act
because it applies to conduct that occurs while the person is an Australian citizen. This will
not affect the operation of other statelessness provisions in the Citizenship Act.
151. New subparagraph 35A(1)(e)(vii) requires the Minister to consider public interest matters
before making a determination under subsection 35A(1). This amendment is aimed to ensure
that the public interest is taken into consideration when a determination is being considered
under new subsection 35A(1). The assessment of public interest is by reference to the
purpose of the statutory scheme. The application of the public interest test will require a
balancing of competing interests and be a question of fact and degree (Hogan v Hinch (2011)
243 CLR 506). Public interest consideration in this statutory scheme may include matters
such as public confidence in the safety of the Australian community, actual public safety, the
need for deterrence and the impact on the person.
152. The Minister is well placed to make an assessment of public interest as an elected member of
the Parliament. The Minister represents the Australian community and has a particular insight
into Australian community standards and values and if it would be contrary to the public
interest for the person to remain an Australian citizen.
153. New subsection 35A(2) provides that the person ceases to be an Australian citizen at the time
the determination is made by the Minister.
154. New subsection 35A(3) provides that subsection 35A(1) applies to a person who is an
Australian citizen regardless of how the person became an Australian citizen (including a
person who became an Australian citizen upon the person's birth).
155. The purpose of this amendment is to provide that cessation of citizenship referred to in
subsection 35A(1) can apply to all Australian citizens, including those persons who are born
in Australia and automatically acquired Australian citizenship. This is the case because all
32
citizens have an obligation of allegiance to Australia irrespective of how they obtained their
citizenship. If a person engages in specified terrorist-related conduct that is incompatible with
their allegiance to Australia, and they are convicted of this offence their citizenship should
cease irrespective of how they obtained citizenship.
156. New subsection 35A(4) provides that, for the purpose of new paragraph35A(1)(b):
the reference to being sentenced to a period of imprisonment does not include a
suspended sentence; and
if a single sentence of imprisonment is imposed in respect of both an offence against a
provision mentioned in paragraph 35A(1)(a) and in respect of one or more other
offences, then:
o if it is clear that only a particular part of the total period of imprisonment
relates to the offence against the provision mentioned in paragraph
35A(1)(a)--the person is taken to have been sentenced to imprisonment in
respect of that offence for that part of the total period of imprisonment; and
o if subparagraph (i) does not apply--the person is taken to have been sentenced
to imprisonment in respect of the offence against the provision mentioned in
paragraph 35A(1)(a) for the whole of the total period of imprisonment.
157. The purpose of new subsection 35A(4) is to clarify that where a person is convicted of a
terrorist-related offence for the purpose of subsection 35A(1) and has been sentenced to a
period of imprisonment of at least 6 years, that the sentence does not include a suspended
sentence.
158. The provision also clarifies that where the person receives a single sentence of imprisonment
of at least 6 years for a number of offences, and it is clear that only a particular part of the
total period of imprisonment relates to the terrorist-related offence captured by new
subsection 35A(1), then section 35A does not apply, and the person does not cease to be an
Australian citizen. However, if is not clear that only a particular part of the total period of
imprisonment relates to the terrorist-related offence, then the person is taken to have been
sentenced to imprisonment in respect of the terrorist-related offence for the whole of the total
period of imprisonment.
159. For example, a person may be convicted of providing support to terrorist organisation
pursuant to section 102.7 of the Criminal Code (which is included in new subsection 35A(1),
as well as threatening a Commonwealth official (which is not an offence included in new
subsection 35A(1)). The person receives a total sentence of imprisonment of 8 years for both
offences. That is, it is unclear if only a particular part of that sentence relates to providing
support to a terrorist organisation. It follows that new section 35A would apply to the person,
as the person has received a total sentence of imprisonment of 8 years imposed in respect of
an offence included in new subsection 35A(1).
160. However, if the person were to receive separate sentences for each offence, for example a
sentence of imprisonment of 3 years for providing support to a terrorist organisation, and a 7
year sentence of imprisonment for threatening a Commonwealth official, new section 35A
would not apply. This is because the person received a separate sentence of 3 years for
providing support to a terrorist organisation and the offence of threatening a Commonwealth
official is not included for the purpose of new subsection 35A(1). Therefore, in the case where
the person is sentenced to separate sentences of imprisonment for multiple offences, at least
33
one of the offences must be included as an offence in new subsection 35A(1) and the person
must be sentenced to at least 6 years imprisonment for that offence.
Minister to give notice
161. New subsection 35A(5) provides that if the Minister makes a determination under
subsection 35A(1) because of which a person ceases to be an Australian citizen, the Minister:
must give or make reasonable attempts to give written notice to that effect to the
person:
o as soon as practicable; or
o if the Minister make a determination under subsection 35A(7) - as soon as
practicable after the Minister revokes the determination (if the Minister
does so); and
may give notice to that effect to such other persons and at such time as the
Minister considers appropriate.
162. The Minister must make 'reasonable attempts' to give written notice to the person. This
recognises that the Minister may not always be able to provide written notice to the person in
situations where that person may not be able to be contacted. Reasonable attempts to give
written notice may include giving notice at a last known email address or postal address or
via personal message on social media.
163. The Minister may also give notice of the cessation of citizenship to such other persons and at
such time that the Minister considers appropriate. This ensures that the Minister is able to
notify relevant government agencies or appropriate persons of the person's cessation of
Australian citizenship. For example, the Minister may notify the Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade of the person's cessation of Australian citizenship so that the person's
Australian passport is cancelled. The Minister may also notify an Australian Electoral
Commissioner so the person can be removed from the electoral roll.
164. The giving of a notice is intended to constitute official recognition that a person's Australian
citizenship has ceased by operation of new section 35A. Any consequential action taken by
Government agencies will only take place after the Minister issues the notice to the person
(Recommendation 18 of the Committee report).
165. New subsection 35A(6) provides that a notice under paragraph 35A(5)(a) must set out:
o the matters required by section 35B (see explanatory commentary below);
and
o the person's rights of review.
166. The purpose of this amendment is to make it clear to the person the reasons for the cessation
of their Australian citizenship and the person's rights of review. New section 35B provides
for the matter to be set out in notices to persons who have ceased to be Australian citizens.
This is intended to ensure that a person is provided with the information they may need to
seek review.
167. A person will have the right to seek judicial review of the determination. The operation of
the new provisions in the amended Bill is extraordinary and lends itself to review by the High
34
Court and Federal Court. Section 75 of the Constitution gives the High Court original
jurisdiction to hear all matters:
arising under any treaty;
affecting consuls or other representatives of other countries;
in which the Commonwealth, or a person suing or being sued on behalf of the
Commonwealth, is a party;
between States, or between residents of different States, or between a State and a
resident of another State;
in which a writ of Mandamus or prohibition or an injunction is sought against an
officer of the Commonwealth.
168. Section 39B of the Judiciary Act 1903 also gives the Federal Court of Australia original
jurisdiction to, amongst other matters, hear matters in which a writ of mandamus or
prohibition or an injunction is sought against an officer or officers of the Commonwealth.
169. Under new subsection 35A(11), the rules of natural justice apply to the Minister's powers
under subsection 35A(1), but not to other powers of the Minister under this section.
170. New subsection 35A(6) provides that the Minister may determine in writing that a notice
under paragraph 35A(5)(a) should not be given to a person if the Minister is satisfied that
giving the notice could prejudice the security, defence or international relation of Australia.
The Minister must consider whether to revoke the determination:
o no later than 6 months after making it; and
o at least every 6 months thereafter until 5 years have passed since the
determination is made.
171. The Minister must review this decision no later than 6 months after making it, and at least
every 6 months thereafter until 5 years has passed. This recognises the reasonable expectation
that the person is to be notified as soon as possible, until 5 years has passed. It is expected
that any ongoing operation of national security is likely to be resolved within 5 years, or
alternatively that the person may make themselves known to the Minister during this period
(for example, by attempting to return to Australia).
Minister must revoke determination if conviction overturned
172. New subsection 35A(8) provides that the Minister must, in writing, revoke a determination
made under new subsection 35A(1) in relation to a person if :
a conviction because of which the determination was made is later overturned on
appeal, or quashed, by a court; and
that decision of that court has not been overturned on appeal; and
no appeal, or further appeal, can be made to a court in relation to that decision.
173. New subsection 35A(8) is intended to provide that the Minister is required to revoke the
determination providing that a person has lost their Australian citizenship if the conviction
35
because of which the determination was made is overturned on appeal or quashed and all
appeal rights of both parties have been exhausted. For example, a person may have their
initial conviction quashed on appeal but the Commonwealth or other body (e.g. Director of
Public Prosecutions) intends to appeal the court's decision to quash the initial conviction. In
such circumstances, the Minister would not be required to revoke the determination at this
point in the judicial process. If the conviction is overturned, the Crown could institute a re-
trial. If the person was convicted upon a retrial and the conditions of section 35A were met,
this would enliven the opportunity for a new determination. In this case, the Minister would
be obliged to revoke the first determination.
174. New subsection 35A(9) provides that if the Minister revokes the determination, the person's
citizenship is taken never to have ceased under this section because of that determination.
That is, the person is taken to never have lost their Australian citizenship.
General provisions relating to Minister's powers
175. New subsection 35A(10) provides that the powers of the Minister under section 35A may
only be exercised by the Minister personally.
176. The effect of this provision is that the Minister's powers under section 35A, including the
power to make a determination and revoke a determination, must be exercised by the Minister
personally, and may not be exercised by a delegate of the Minister.
177. New subsection 35A(11) provides that except for the powers of the Minister under
subsection 35A(1), the rules of natural justice do not apply in relation to the powers of the
Minister under new section 35A.
178. The rules of natural justice include the hearing rule and the bias rule. The purpose of
subsection 35A(11) is to ensure that the rules of natural justice apply to the Minister's
determination under new subsection 35A(1), but do not apply to the other powers exercised
by the Minister under section 35A.
179. In general terms, this will mean that if the Minister is considering making a determination to
cease a person's Australian citizenship the person must be provided with:
o details of the key elements of the case against the person; and
o an opportunity to respond/make submission to the Minister.
180. Review rights relevant to natural justice will apply to a decision under subsection 35A(1).
181. New subsection 35A(12) provides that section 47 does not apply in relation to the exercise of
powers of the Minister under section 35A. Section 47 of the Citizenship Act relates to the
notification of decisions made under the Citizenship Act. Section 47 is excluded from
operation under section 35A because section 35A provides for its own stand-alone notice
provisions which differ from section 47.
182. New subsection 35A(13) provides that an instrument exercising any of the Minister's powers
under this section is not a legislative instrument. The reason that an instrument under this
section is not a legislative instrument is that it is administrative in character.
Subsection 35A(13) is declaratory of the law and is not intended as an exemption to the
Legislative Instruments Act 2003, but is included to assist readers in the interpretation of the
legislation.
36
35B Matters to be set out in notices to persons who have ceased to be Australian citizens
183. New section 35B implements Recommendation 13 of the Committee report.
184. New subsection 35B(1) provides that a notice that is given to a person under new
paragraphs 33AA(10)(a) or 35(5)(a) must:
state that the Minister has become aware of conduct because of which the person has,
under section 33AA or 35, ceased to be an Australian citizen; and
contain a basic description of that conduct.
185. New subsection 35B(2) provides that a notice given to a person under paragraph 35A(5)(a)
must:
state the Minister has determined under section 35A that the person has ceased to be
an Australian citizen because of one or more convictions; and
identify the conviction or convictions, and contain a basic description of conduct to
which the conviction or convictions relate.
186. The purpose of new subsections 35B(1) and (2) is to clarify what the Minister must include in
the notice that is provided to the person notifying them of the cessation of their Australian
citizenship.
187. New subsection 35B(3) provides that a notice given to a person under paragraph
33AA(10)(a), 35(5)(a) or 35A(5)(a) must not contain information, or content of a document,
if:
the information or content includes any operationally sensitive information (within the
meaning of the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Act 2010); or
the disclosure of the information or content would or might prejudice:
o the security, defence or international relations of Australia; or
o the performance by a law enforcement or security agency (within the meaning
of the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Act 2010) of its
functions; or
the disclosure of the information, or content, would or might endanger a person's
safety; or
the disclosure of the information or content would be likely to be contrary to the
public interest for any other reason.
188. 'Operationally sensitive information' is defined in the Independent National Security
Legislation Monitor Act 2010 to mean:
information about information sources or operational activities or methods available to
a law enforcement or security agency; or
37
information about particular operations that have been, are being or are proposed to be
undertaken by a law enforcement or security agency, or about proceedings relating to
those operations; or
information provided by a foreign government, or by an agency of a foreign
government, where that government does not consent to the public disclosure of the
information.
189. 'Law enforcement or security agency' is defined in the Independent National Security
Legislation Monitor Act 2010 to mean any of the following agencies:
the Australian Federal Police;
the Australian Crime Commission;
Customs;
the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation;
the Australian Secret Intelligence Service;
the Australian Defence Force;
the part of the Department of Defence known as the Defence Imagery and Geospatial
Organisation;
the part of the Department of Defence known as the Defence Intelligence
Organisation; the part of the Department of Defence known as the Defence Signals
Directorate;
the Office of National Assessments established by the Office of National Assessments
Act 1977;
the police force of a State or Territory;
any other agency prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this definition.
190. New subsection 35B(3) ensures that the Minister is not required to disclose any information
that may compromise ongoing operations of national security or prejudice the security,
defence or international relations of Australia when providing notice to the person regarding
the cessation of their Australian citizenship.
191. The assessment of the public interest is by reference to the purpose of the statutory scheme.
The application of the public interest test will require a balancing of competing interests and
will be a question of fact and degree (Hogan v Hinch (2011) 243 CLR 506). Public interest
consideration in this statutory scheme may include matters such as public confidence in the
safety of the Australian community, actual public safety, the need for deterrence and the
impact on the person.
192. The Minister is well placed to make an assessment of public interest as an elected member of
the Parliament. The Minister represents the Australian community and has a particular insight
into Australian community standards and values and if it would be contrary to the public
interest for the person to remain an Australian citizen.
38
6 Paragraph 36(1)(a)
193. This amendment omits ", 34A or 35", and substitutes " or 34A" in paragraph 36(1)(a) of the
Citizenship Act.
194. This amendment deletes a reference to amended section 35 from paragraph 36(1)(a) of the
Citizenship Act. This amendment implements Recommendation 21 of the Committee report.
195. Section 36 of the Citizenship Act provides for the revocation of Australian citizenship for
children of responsible parents who cease to be citizens.
196. Subsection 36(1) currently provides that if a person ceases to be an Australian citizen at a
particular time (the cessation time) under section 33, 34, 34A or 35 and at the cessation time,
the person is a responsible parent of a child aged under 18, then the Minister may, by writing,
revoke the child's Australian citizenship. If the Minister does so - the child ceases to be an
Australian citizen at the time of the revocation.
197. Subsection 36(2) provides that if, at the cessation time, another responsible parent of the child
is an Australian citizen, subsection 36(1) does not apply to the child:
while there is a responsible parent who is an Australian citizen; and
if there ceases to be such a responsible parent - at any time after that death.
198. Subsection 36(3) provides that the Minister must not revoke a child's Australian citizenship
under subsection 36(1) if the Minister is satisfied that the child would then become a person
who is not a national or citizen of any country.
199. The purpose of this amendment is to exclude amended section 35 from the operation of
section 36 of the Citizenship Act. This means that, where a person ceases to be an Australian
citizen at a particular time under amended section 35 and the person is a responsible parent of
a child under the age of 18 at the cessation time, the Minister can no longer revoke the child's
Australian citizenship under that provision.
7 At the end of Division 3 of Part 2
200. This amendment adds new section 36A at the end of Division 3 of Part 2 of the
Citizenship Act.
201. New section 36A is concerned with limitations on resumption of citizenship if citizenship
ceases under section 33AA, 35 and 35A.
202. New section 36A provides that if under section 33AA, 35 or 35A a person ceases to be an
Australian citizen, then Divisions 1 and 2 of Part 2 of the Citizenship Act do not apply in
relation to the person on and after the time of that cessation. This is subject to the Minister's
powers to exempt the operation of sections 33AA, 35 and 35A.
203. New section 36A also includes a note which makes clear that the effect of this section is that
the person can never become an Australian citizen again, subject to subsections 33AA(14)
and 33AA(24), 35(9) and 35(19) and 35A(8) and 35A(9). It is not appropriate for a person to
regain the privileges and responsibilities of Australian citizenship if their citizenship has been
ceased for something as grave as terrorist related conduct and the person has repudiated their
allegiance to Australia.
39
8 Application provisions
Application of section 33AA
204. This amendment provides that section 33AA of the Citizenship Act (as amended by this
Schedule) applies in relation to:
persons who became Australian citizens before, on or after the commencement of this
item; and
conduct engaged in on or after the commencement of this item (whether the conduct
commenced before, on or after the commencement of this item).
205. This provision is not retrospective as it does not have the provisions of the amended Bill
apply prior to the day after the Royal Assent. However, it does capture conduct that
commenced before, on or after the commencement of the amended Bill.
206. The effect of this provision is that the new revocation power in section 33AA applies to all
Australian citizens regardless of when they became an Australian citizen.
207. The provision also clarifies that a person will only cease to be an Australian citizen if the
person has engaged in conduct on or after the commencement of the legislation in subsection
33AA(1). However, the commencement of the conduct that is relied upon for the purpose of
subsection 33AA(1) can occur before, on or after the commencement of the legislation in
subsection 33AA(1). That is, a person may have begun undertaking the conduct prior to the
commencement of section 33AA, but a person's Australian citizenship will only cease if the
person is engaging in the conduct on or at the time that section 33AA comes into effect.
Application of section 35
208. This amendment provides that section 35 of the Citizenship Act (as amended by this
Schedule) applies in relation to:
persons who became Australian citizens before, on or after the commencement of this
item; and
fighting for, or being in the service of, a declared terrorist organisation that occurs on
or after the commencement of this item (whether the fighting or service commenced
before, on or after the commencement of this item).
209. This amendment also provides that if the fighting or service commenced before the
commencement of this item, the person ceases to be an Australian citizen at the time this item
commences.
210. This provision is not retrospective, as it does not have the provisions of the amended Bill
apply prior to the day after the Royal Assent.
211. The effect of this provision is that the new revocation power in section 35A applies to all
Australian citizens regardless of when they became an Australian citizen. It is also the effect
that a person who is currently fighting for, or being in the service of, a terrorist organisation
and is still fighting for, or being in the service of, a terrorist organisation at the time the
legislation in subsection 35(1) commences will automatically lose their Australian citizenship
by operation of section 35(2).
40
212. For example, if a person is fighting in the armed forces of an enemy country before
commencement of Schedule 1 to the Bill and continues to fight in the armed forces of an
enemy country on commencement of Schedule 1 to the Bill, section 35 will apply to that
person.
Application of section 35A
213. This amendment also provides that section 35A of the Citizenship Act (as amended by this
Schedule):
applies in relation to persons who became Australian citizens before, on or after the
commencement of this item; and
does not apply in relation to a conviction of a person before the commencement of this
item, unless:
o the conviction occurred no more than 10 years before the
commencement of this item; and
o the person was sentenced to a period of imprisonment of at least
10 years in respect of that conviction.
214. This amendment implements Recommendation 10 of the Committee report. The effect of this
provision is that the new revocation power in section 35A applies to all Australian citizens
regardless of when they became an Australian citizen.
215. The provision also clarifies that new section 35A does not apply in relation to a conviction of
a person before commencement of this item, unless the conviction occurred within 10 years
before the commencement of this item, and the person was sentenced to a period of
imprisonment of at least 10 years in respect of that conviction.
216. This provision has a partial retrospective application as it applies to past convictions that
occurred within the previous 10 years before commencement of the item. However, the
provision does not operate so that affected persons are taken to have lost their Australian
citizenship at a time before commencement. The partial retrospective application is
appropriate as a person should be subject to revocation of citizenship on the basis of past
conduct where that conduct involves a high degree of criminality.
217. This provision enables the Minister to make a current decision to deprive somebody of their
Australian citizenship, based on a previous conviction. This would include a current
assessment of whether the person's past conviction reveals that they have breached their
allegiance to Australia and whether it is contrary to the public interest for the person to
remain an Australian citizen.
218. This provision recognises that past terrorist-related conduct, to which persons have been
convicted under Australian law, is conduct that all members of the Australian community
would view as repugnant and a deliberate step outside of the values that define Australian
society.
41
Amendment (2) - Page 10 (after line 8), at the end of the Bill, add:
Schedule 2 - Other amendments
Australian Citizenship Act 2007
1 After section 51A
219. This amendment inserts new sections 51B and 51C after section 51A of the Citizenship Act
2007. This amendment implements Recommendations 22 and 24 of the Committee report.
51B- Reports to Parliament
220. This amendment implements Recommendation 22 of the Committee report.
221. New sub section 51B(1) provides that, as soon as practicable after each reporting period, the
Minister must table a report in each House of Parliament that sets out:
the number of notices given by the Minister under paragraph 33AA(10)(a), 35(5)(a) or
35A(5)(a) during the reporting period; and
the number of notices the Minister unsuccessfully attempted to give under paragraph
33AA(10)(a), 35(5)(a) or 35A(5)(a) during the reporting period; and
for each notice given or attempted to be given under paragraph 33AA(10)(a) or
35(5)(a) - a brief statement of the matters that are the basis for the notice; and
for each notice given or attempted to be given under paragraph 35A(5)(a)- a brief
statement of the matters that are the basis for the determination under subsection
35A(1) to which the notice relates.
222. New subsection 51B(2) provides that the report must not contain information, or content of a
document if:
the information or content includes any operationally sensitive information (within the
meaning of the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Act 2010); or
the disclosure of the information or content would or might prejudice:
o the security, defence or international relations of Australia; or
o the performance by a law enforcement or security agency (within the meaning
of the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Act 2010) of its
functions; or
the disclosure of the information or content would or might endanger a person's
safety; or
the disclosure of the information or content would be likely to be contrary to the
public interest for any other reason.
223. 'Operationally sensitive information' is defined in the Independent National Security
Legislation Monitor Act 2010 to mean:
42
information about information sources or operational activities or methods available to
a law enforcement or security agency; or
information about particular operations that have been, are being or are proposed to be
undertaken by a law enforcement or security agency, or about proceedings relating to
those operations; or
information provided by a foreign government, or by an agency of a foreign
government, where that government does not consent to the public disclosure of the
information.
224. 'Law enforcement or security agency' is defined in the Independent National Security
Legislation Monitor Act 2010 to mean any of the following agencies:
the Australian Federal Police;
the Australian Crime Commission;
Customs;
the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation;
the Australian Secret Intelligence Service;
the Australian Defence Force;
the part of the Department of Defence known as the Defence Imagery and Geospatial
Organisation;
the part of the Department of Defence known as the Defence Intelligence
Organisation; the part of the Department of Defence known as the Defence Signals
Directorate;
the Office of National Assessments established by the Office of National Assessments
Act 1977;
the police force of a State or Territory;
any other agency prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this definition.
225. The assessment of the public interest is by reference to the purpose of the statutory scheme.
The application of the public interest test will require a balancing of competing interests and
will be a question of fact and degree (Hogan v Hinch (2011) 243 CLR 506). Public interest
consideration in this statutory scheme may include matters such as public confidence in the
safety of the Australian community, actual public safety, the need for deterrence and the
impact on the person.
226. The Minister is well placed to make an assessment of public interest as an elected member of
the Parliament. The Minister represents the Australian community and has a particular insight
into Australian community standards and values and if it would be contrary to the public
interest for the person to remain an Australian citizen.
227. New subsection 51B(3) provides that, for the purposes of section 51B, reporting period
means:
43
the period of 6 months beginning on the day this section commences; and
each subsequent 6 month period.
228. The purpose of this provision is to require the Minister to publically report, every six months,
the number of times a notice for loss or revocation of citizenship has been issued under new
sections 33AA, 35 or 35A and to provide a brief statement of reasons.
229. The cessation of Australian citizenship due to terrorist-related conduct will likely involve
matters of national security. However, areas of government involving national security are
unable to be subject to the same level of public scrutiny as other areas of government.
230. This provision therefore ensures rigorous oversight so that the powers vested to the Minister
regarding the cessation of Australian citizenship are wielded fairly, effectively and as
intended.
51C - Briefing of Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security
231. This amendment implements Recommendation 24 of the Committee report.
232. New subsection 51C(1) provides that this section applies if any of the following events occur:
the Minister gives or unsuccessfully attempts to give a notice under paragraph
33AA(10)(a) or 35(5)(a);
the Minister gives or unsuccessfully attempts to give a notice under paragraph
35A(5)(a);
the Minister makes a determination under subsection 33AA(12), 35(7) or 35A(7).
233. New subsection 51B(2) provides that the Minister must, as soon as practicable after the
occurrence of the event, inform the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and
Security in writing.
234. New subsection 51C(3) provides that, before the end of the later of:
the end of 20 sittings days of the House of Representatives after the giving of the
notice or the making of the determination; and
the end of 20 sittings days of the Senate after the giving of the notice or the making of
the determination;
the Minister must, if requested to do so by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence
and Security, arrange for the Committee to be briefed on the event.
235. New subsection 51C(4) provides that the briefing may be done orally or in writing.
236. New subsection 51C(5) provides that the briefing must include details of the following:
for an event mentioned in paragraph 51C(1)(a):
o the matters that are the basis for the notice; and
44
o whether the Minister has rescinded the notice and exempted the person to
whom the notice related from the effect of the section in relation to the
matters that were the basis for the notice;
for an event mentioned in paragraph 51C(1)(b):
o the matters that are the basis for the determination under subsection 35A(1)
to which the notice relates;
o whether the Minister has revoked under subsection 35A(8) the determination
to which the notice relates; and
for an event mentioned in paragraph 51C(1)(c) - the matters that are the basis for the
determination.
237. The purpose of new section 51C is to require the Minister to advise the Parliamentary Joint
Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) upon issuing a notice for the loss of
citizenship under new section 33AA, 35 or 35A. New section 51C also requires, if requested,
that the Minister to provide a subsequent briefing to PJCIS within 20 days of the initial notice
being issued, and advice given to PJCIS should detail whether the notice has been provided to
the person, the conduct that engaged the relevant provisions of the amended Bill and whether
an exemption has been given by the Minister.
238. The measures in the amended Bill are necessary in light of the current threat posed by persons
who are Australian citizens but act to cause Australia harm. The purpose of the provision is to
ensure that the effectiveness of the measures is continually reviewed by the PJCIS. The
review would explore whether the provisions have been effective in their goal to help protect
the Australian community; whether the laws have been applied as intended; any practical
difficulties encountered in their application; and any unintended consequences that may have
become apparent. This is similar to current reviews conducted for other counter-terrorism
measures.
Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Act 2010
2 Section 4 (before paragraph (a) of the definition of counter-terrorism and national security
legislation)
239. The amendments to the INSLM Act implements Recommendation 25 of the Committee
report.
240. This amendment inserts new subsection 4(aa) into section 4 of the Independent National
Security Legislation Monitor Act 2010 ('the INSLM Act'), with the effect that new sections
33AA, 35 and 35A of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 and any other provisions of that
Act as far as it relates to those sections are added to the definition of counter-terrorism and
national security legislation for the purposes of the INSLM Act.
241. Recommendation 25 of the Committee report provides that the INSLM Act be amended to
require the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (the Monitor) to finalise a
review of the revocation of citizenship provisions in the Bill by 1 December 2018.
242. The INSLM's role is to review the operation, effectiveness and implications of Australia's
counter-terrorism and national security legislation on an ongoing basis. This includes
considering whether the laws contain appropriate safeguards for protecting the rights of
45
individuals, remain proportionate to any threat of terrorism or threat to national security or
both, and remain necessary.
243. Item 2 amends the INSLM Act to list the new provisions providing for the loss of citizenship
due to undertaking specified terrorist-related conduct in the INSLM Act as matters that the
Monitor can review. The Prime Minister will make a referral to the Monitor under section 7
of the INSLM Act for the Monitor to undertake a review of the relevant new citizenship
provisions in the amended Bill to be completed by 1 December 2018.
Intelligence Services Act 2001
3 Section 3
244. This amendment inserts the definition of Immigration and Border Protection Department into
the definition section of the Intelligence Services Act 2001 ('IS Act') (section 3). The term
Immigration and Border Protection Department is included to mean 'the Department
administered by the Minister administering the Australian Citizenship Act 2007'.
4 Before paragraph 29(1)(c)
245. This item inserts new paragraph 29(1)(ca) into section 29 of the IS Act. Section 29 of the IS
Act provides for the functions of the Committee on Intelligence and Security.
246. New paragraph 29(1)(ca) provides that the functions of the Committee are:
To review, by 1 December 2019, the operation, effectiveness and implications of
sections 33AA, 35, 35AA and 35A of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 and any
other provision of that Act as far as it relates to those sections.
5 Paragraph 29(3)(g)
247. Paragraph 29(3)(g) of the IS Act is amended to omit "ONA or AFP" and substitute "ONA,
AFP or the Immigration of Border Protection Department.
6 At the end of section 30
248. This item adds 'the Secretary of the Immigration and Border Protection Department' as
paragraph 30(e) of the IS Act.
7 Clause 1A of Schedule 1 (definition of agency)
249. This item omits 'or AFP' and substitutes ', AFP or the Immigration and Border Protection
Department' into the definition of agency in Schedule 1 to the ISA.
8 Clause 1A of Schedule 1 (at the end of the definition of agency head)
250. This item adds 'the Secretary of the Immigration and Border Protection Department to the
definition of agency head in Schedule 1 to the ISA.
251. The purpose of the amendments to the IS Act is to extend the functions of the Parliamentary
Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (the Committee) to include monitoring and
reviewing the performance by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection of its
functions under the provisions of the amended Bill. The extended functions are consistent
with the Committee's current responsibilities under the IS Act.
46
252. The Committee is required to review the operation, effectiveness and implications of the
provisions under the amended Bill by 1 December 2019.
253. The amendments to the IS Act also require the Secretary of the Department of Immigration
and Border Protection to brief the Committee for the purpose of this new function.
254. The amendments to the IS Act in items 3 to 8 above, implement Recommendations 23 and 26
of the Committee report. Recommendations 23 and 26 generally provide that the IS Act be
amended to extend the functions of the Committee to include monitoring and reviewing the
performance by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection of its functions under
the provisions of the amended Bill. The extended functions should be consistent with the
Committee's current remit under the IS Act. The IS Act should also be amended to enable
relevant agency heads to brief the Committee for the purpose of this new function.
9 Application of amendments
255. This item provides the application provisions for amendments to the INSLM Act and IS Act.
256. This item provides that the amendments of the Independent National Security Legislation
Monitor Act 2010 and the Intelligences Services Act 2001 made by this Schedule apply in
relation to sections 33AA, 35 and 35A of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 as in force on
and after the commencement of this Act.
257. The effect of this provision is that the amendments to the INSLM Act and IS Act apply to
new sections 33AA, 35 and 35A at the time they come into force.
47
Attachment A
Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights
Prepared in accordance with Part 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011
Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia) Bill 2015
1. The Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia) Bill 2015 (the Bill) is
compatible with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared in the international
instruments listed in section 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.
2. The Bill has received significant amendments to implement the recommendations made by
the Parliament Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) in the Advisory Report
on the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia) Bill 2015 (released on 4
September 2015). The recommendations made by the PJCIS have been implemented by the
Government to the fullest extent possible and are reflected in the new draft Bill.
3. The purpose clause in the Bill has not changed. It declares that Parliament recognises that
Australian citizenship is a common bond, involving reciprocal rights and obligations, and
that citizens may, through certain conduct incompatible with the shared values of the
Australian community, demonstrate that they have severed that bond and repudiated their
allegiance to Australia.
Overview of the Bill
4. The Bill amends the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (the Act) to:
Provide in new section 33AA that a person aged 14 or older who is a national or
citizen of a country other than Australia, renounces their Australian citizenship
when they engage in specified conduct with the specified intention, while out of
Australia or, if the specified conduct occurred in Australia with the specified
intention, the individual has now left Australia and not been tried for any offence
related to the conduct.
Provide in amended section 35 that a person aged 14 or older ceases to be an
Australian citizen if the person is a national or citizen of a country other than
Australia and
o the person serves in the armed forces of a country at war with Australia;
or
o fights for, or is in the service of a declared terrorist organisation;
and the person's service or fighting occurs outside Australia.
48
Subsection 35(4) provides that a person is not 'in the service of' a declared
terrorist organisation where a person's acts are unintentional; the person is acting
under duress or force; or the person is providing neutral and independent
humanitarian assistance.
Provide in new section 35AA that the Minister may, by legislative instrument,
declare a terrorist organisation within the meaning of subsection 102.1 of the
Criminal Code to be a declared terrorist organisation for the purposes of this
section. The Minister must be satisfied of explicit criteria in subsection 35AA(2)
before making the declaration.
Provide in new section 35AB that sections 33AA and 35 do not apply to conduct
engaged in by a person in the proper performance of a function of an Australian
law enforcement or intelligence body; or, by a person acting in the course of the
person's duty to the Commonwealth in relation to the defence, security or
international relations of Australia.
Provide in new section 35A that the Minister has the discretion to determine that
a person's Australian citizenship ceases following conviction(s) for a specified
offence with a sentence of at least six years imprisonment, or multiple sentences
totalling at least six years' imprisonment. The Minister must also be satisfied of
criteria in paragraphs 35A(1)(c),(d) and (e) before making the determination.
Provide in new section 35B the matters that must be set out in notices to
individuals who have ceased to be citizens under section 33AA, 35 or 35A.
Provide in each of new sections 33AA and 35 that the Minister has a discretion to
consider whether to make a determination to rescind a notice and exempt a
person from the effect of new section 33AA or new section 35.
Provide in new sections 33AA and 35 a requirement for the Minister to table a
statement containing details of any determination made in Parliament within 15
sitting days after the Minister has made a determination.
Provide in new section 36A that if a person ceases to be a citizen under section
33AA, 35 or 35A they can never become an Australian citizen again.
Provide in new section 51B that the Minister must table a Report to Parliament
every six months that sets out statistical information about notices given under
paragraphs 33AA(10)(a), 35(5)(a) or 35A(5)(a) in the reporting period.
Provide in new section 51C that the Minister must inform the Parliamentary Joint
Committee on Intelligence and Security in writing of any notice under
subsections 33AA(10), 35(5) or 35A(5) or of a determination made under
subsection 33AA(12), 35(7) or 35A(7).
49
5. The following provisions of the Bill have been assessed as engaging human rights under
the seven core international human rights treaties to which Australia is a party:
The new citizenship cessation powers in proposed sections 33AA, 35, and 35A;
Proposed section 36A, which provides limitations on the way in which a person
may resume citizenship if their citizenship ceases under these new provisions;
The application provisions at item 8.
6. As noted above, the Bill was the subject of an inquiry by the PJCIS, which reported on 4
September 2015. The PJCIS made 27 recommendations in relation to the previous version
of the Bill, including that it be passed subject to its recommendations being implemented.
Many of these amendments introduce additional accountability measures and further
strengthen safeguards in relation to the provisions of the Bill.
Cessation of citizenship
7. The Bill proposes to amend the Act to provide for cessation of citizenship in a number of
circumstances.
8. These cessation provisions would apply regardless of how the person became an
Australian citizen; that is, whether by operation of law (including people born Australian
citizens) or by application. However, the amended provisions will not apply to cease a
person's citizenship if the person would become stateless, i.e. a person who is not a
national or citizen of any country.
9. The amendments to Section 35A in light of the recommendations of the PJCIS are
significant.
10. New section 35A provides that the Minister may determine in writing that a person
ceases to be an Australian citizen where the person has a conviction or convictions
against the specified list and has been sentenced to a period of imprisonment of at least 6
years or periods of imprisonment that total at least 6 years, and the person is a national or
citizen of a country other than Australia at the time when the Minister makes the
determination, and the Minister is satisfied that:
the conduct of the person to which the conviction or convictions relate
demonstrates repudiation of their allegiance to Australia; and
it is not in the public interest for the person to remain an Australian citizen.
11. The offences of which a person must be convicted to enliven the power in proposed
section 35A are contained in the following:
50
Criminal Code
Division 72 Subdivision A - International terrorist activities using explosive or
lethal devices;
Section 80.1 - Treason;
Section 80.1AA - Treason - materially assisting enemies etc.;
Section 91.1 - Espionage and similar activities;
Part 5.3 - Terrorism (except section 102.8 - associating with terrorist
organisations; Division 104 - control orders; and Division 105 - preventative
detention orders);
Part 5.5 - Foreign incursions and recruitment;
Crimes Act 1914
Section 24AA - Treachery;
Section 24AB - Sabotage;
Repealed Crimes (Foreign Incursions and Recruitment) Act 1978
Section 6 - Incursions into foreign States with intention of engaging in hostile
activities;
Section 7 - Preparations for incursions into foreign States for purpose of engaging
in hostile activities.
12. This list of offences has been developed following recommendations of the PJCIS that
these offences prima facie indicate that a person has acted contrary to his or her
allegiance to Australia. The seriousness with which the Government views the cessation
of something as fundamental as citizenship is reflected in the requirement that the person
has been convicted of an identified offence, received significant sentence/s of
imprisonment and has demonstrated an intent to repudiate their allegiance to Australia,
and the requirement that the continuation of their citizenship not be in the public interest.
13. The Bill makes it clear that new section 35A has a retrospective operation, but only in
limited circumstances. The Application provisions (item 8) relevantly provide that
section 35A applies in relation to a conviction of a person before the commencement of
that item if the conviction occurred no more than ten years before the commencement
and the person was sentenced to imprisonment for at least ten years in respect of that
conviction. This application reflects the concerns raised by stakeholders, as
acknowledged by the PJCIS, that retrospectivity should only be applied with great
caution and following careful deliberation, with regard to the nation as a whole, but also
that past terrorist-related conduct of which persons have been convicted under Australian
law, is conduct that all members of the Australian community would view as repugnant
51
and a deliberate step outside of the values that define our society. This cessation of
citizenship remains the decision of the Minister, and would include a current assessment
of whether the person's past conviction reveals that they have breached their allegiance
to Australia, and whether it is contrary to the public interest for them to remain an
Australian citizen.
14. A person in the migration zone whose citizenship ceases acquires an ex-citizen visa by
operation of law (see section 35 of the Migration Act 1958; 'the Migration Act'). The ex-
citizen visa is a permanent visa allowing the holder to remain in, but not re-enter,
Australia. While the grant of this visa is an automatic process, in the circumstances under
contemplation it is likely that the Minister would at least consider immediately
cancelling this visa on character or national interest grounds, assuming the relevant
criteria were met. If, however, the person is outside the migration zone when their
citizenship ceases, they would not then hold an ex-citizen visa or any other visa. As such
they would be unable to lawfully travel to Australia, but may be eligible to apply for a
visa such as a resident return visa (with the caveat that in the circumstances it is likely
they would fail the character test at section 501 of the Migration Act).
15. Discretionary powers to consider and make a determination to rescind a notice and
exempt a person from the effect of either new sections 33AA or 35 have also been
included. The Minister does not have a duty to consider whether to exercise the
discretions to make a determination to rescind a notice and exempt a person from the
effect of either new sections 33AA or 35, and the rules of natural justice do not apply to
that consideration. However, if the Minister decides to consider exercising either
discretion, the rules of natural justice will apply to the decision to make or not make a
determination and the Minister must also have regard to the factors prescribed in new
subsections 33AA(17) or new subsection 35A(12), depending on which determination
the Minister is considering making.
16. Further, the Minister is accountable to the Parliament in respect of determinations made
under new sections 33AA or 35, with the addition of requirements for tabling statements
setting out the determinations and giving reasons for the determinations, including
reference to the reasons in relation to prescribed matters, in the Parliament within 15
sitting days of a determination being made. Safeguards preventing publication of certain
details in the public interest have also been incorporated.
17. Cessation of citizenship on determination by the Minister is a very serious outcome of
criminal convictions that demonstrates a person has repudiated their allegiance to
Australia. Cessation of citizenship will allow the Government to deal with the threat
caused by those who have acted in a manner contrary to their allegiance to Australia by
removing them from formal membership of the Australian community.
52
Human rights implications
18. Article 12 of the ICCPR provides:
i. Everyone lawfully within the territory of a State shall, within that territory, have the
right to liberty of movement and freedom to choose his residence.
ii. Everyone shall be free to leave any country, including his own.
iii. The above-mentioned rights shall not be subject to any restrictions except those which
are provided by law, are necessary to protect national security, public order (ordre
public), public health or morals or the rights and freedoms of others, and are consistent
with the other rights recognized in the present Covenant.
iv. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of the right to enter his own country.
Right to freedom of movement and choice of residence - Article 12(1) ICCPR
19. The exercise of the power to cease a person's citizenship while that person is in Australia
will not of its own force alter a person's liberty of movement and freedom to choose their
residence. However, cessation may lead to circumstances (depending on any subsequent
action in relation to a potential ex-citizen visa) which alter whether or not the person is
lawfully within Australia's territory. As noted above, while section 35 of the Migration Act
provides for the automatic grant of an ex-citizen visa to a person who is in the migration
zone when his or her citizenship ceases, it may be considered that a person should not be
allowed to continue to hold such a visa in circumstances where their character or conduct is
such that their citizenship has ceased.
20. As such, in terms of its human rights impact, a move to cease a person's citizenship cannot
be absolutely separated from the visa cancellation, and liability for removal from Australia,
which cessation would make possible. Cessation should, therefore, be viewed as a measure
which may lead to the removal of the ability to remain lawfully within Australia. This is
discussed in more detail under Article 13.
21. Should measures short of removal from Australia be considered appropriate, it is clear from
Article 12(3) that the rights in 12(1) and 12(2) may be limited on bases that are
provided by law,
necessary to protect national security, public order, or the rights and freedoms of
others, and
are otherwise consistent with the Covenant.
22. Any measures restricting freedom of movement and the ability to choose a residence will be
based in the Migration Act (should immigration detention result) or security legislation and
will therefore have a lawful domestic basis. In circumstances where a person has been
convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for a specified crime/s such that their continued
53
citizenship is, in the Minister's view, not in the public interest, such measures will be
necessary to protect national security, public order, and the rights and freedoms of the
Australian community at large. This is consistent with the Covenant, being explicitly
contemplated by Article 12(3) and being proportionate, in the Government's judgement, to
the existing and emerging threats to national security which Australia faces.
Right to leave a country - Article 12(2) ICCPR
23. The ability to leave Australia will not be directly affected by the cessation provisions, but
there are several ways in which the right may be indirectly affected. Clearly this is relevant
only to people whose citizenship ceases while they are in Australia. In some cases the
cessation may lead to visa cancellation and removal; in these circumstances Article 12(2)
would not be relevant.
24. If the person is allowed to remain in Australia it may be the case that their ability to leave
the country is restricted under other legislation. The most obvious current example is
preventing travel where the person is likely to join an extremist movement overseas. The
UN Human Rights Committee has noted that "since international travel usually requires
appropriate documents, in particular a passport, the right to leave a country must include the
right to obtain the necessary travel documents." The inability to hold an Australian passport
as a result of cessation of citizenship could potentially prevent travel outside Australia, but if
necessary in the circumstances either a travel document from the person's other country of
nationality, a temporary document issued by Australia, or some other facility could
potentially be used.
Right to enter one's own country - Article 12(4) ICCPR
25. While a person whose citizenship has ceased would no longer be a citizen under Australian
law, under international law Australia may still be considered their "own country" for the
purposes of Article 12(4). The phrase "his own country" has been interpreted broadly by the
UN Human Rights Committee, and the drafting history of the provision supports the
interpretation that "own country" goes beyond mere nationality. However, it is the
Government's view that, where a person has objectively demonstrated through their conduct
that they have repudiated their allegiance to Australia, which under the cessation provisions
will necessarily be in circumstances where they hold another citizenship, any ties they may
have to Australia for the purposes of Article 12(4) have been voluntarily severed, and
regardless of prior connections the person should not be entitled to gain any advantage from
a relationship they are responsible for breaking.
26. However, should circumstances arise where a person whose citizenship has ceased can
properly consider Australia to be "his [or her] own country", and they are outside Australia
when the Minister determines that they cease to be an Australian citizen, depriving them of
the right to enter Australia would not be arbitrary, as it would be based on a genuine threat
to Australia's security posed by a person who has objectively demonstrated repudiation of
their allegiance to Australia, in which extraordinary circumstances the very serious move of
54
ceasing citizenship (thereby preventing return to Australia) is, in the Government's view,
proportionate to the legitimate goal of ensuring the security of the Australian community.
27. A person whose citizenship ceases while they are outside Australia may apply for a visa for
entry to Australia, though as noted above, in the circumstances it is likely they would fail the
character test.
Expulsion of aliens - Article 13 ICCPR
28. Article 13 of the ICCPR provides that:
An alien lawfully in the territory of a State Party to the present Covenant may be
expelled therefrom only in pursuance of a decision reached in accordance with law
and shall, except where compelling reasons of national security otherwise require, be
allowed to submit the reasons against his expulsion and to have his case reviewed
by, and be represented for the purpose before, the competent authority or a person or
persons especially designated by the competent authority.
29. While technically the power to cease a person's citizenship would not result directly in the
expulsion of a person from Australia, as outlined above, expulsion (most likely removal
from Australia under section 198 of the Migration Act) is the most likely outcome of the
process which begins with cessation where a person is in Australia at the time.
30. Any removal would come only after the person's lawful status in Australia (i.e. any visa
they held after the cessation of their citizenship) was cancelled. In that sense they would not
be able to claim the benefit of Article 13 (as they would not be lawfully in Australia's
territory), but that is a distinction which avoids the reality that these are two steps in a
closely linked process.
31. However, decisions leading to removal from Australia following cessation of citizenship
would all be conducted in line with the relevant provisions in the Migration Act, so removal
itself would be in pursuance of a decision reached in accordance with law. Further, those
decisions would most likely be subject to review by a tribunal or court.
Equality before the courts and tribunals - Article 14 ICCPR
32. The measures engage Article 14 of the ICCPR, which provides:
1. All persons shall be equal before the courts and tribunals. In the determination of any
criminal charge against him, or of his rights and obligations in a suit at law, everyone
shall be entitled to a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent and impartial
tribunal established by law. The press and the public may be excluded from all or part of
a trial for reasons of morals, public order (ordre public) or national security in a
democratic society, or when the interest of the private lives of the parties so requires, or
to the extent strictly necessary in the opinion of the court in special circumstances where
55
publicity would prejudice the interests of justice; but any judgement rendered in a
criminal case or in a suit at law shall be made public except where the interest of juvenile
persons otherwise requires or the proceedings concern matrimonial disputes or the
guardianship of children.
2. Everyone charged with a criminal offence shall have the right to be presumed innocent
until proved guilty according to law.
3. In the determination of any criminal charge against him, everyone shall be entitled to the
following minimum guarantees, in full equality:
(a) To be informed promptly and in detail in a language which he understands of
the nature and cause of the charge against him;
(b) To have adequate time and facilities for the preparation of his defence and to
communicate with counsel of his own choosing;
(c) To be tried without undue delay;
(d) To be tried in his presence, and to defend himself in person or through legal
assistance of his own choosing; to be informed, if he does not have legal
assistance, of this right; and to have legal assistance assigned to him, in any
case where the interests of justice so require, and without payment by him in
any such case if he does not have sufficient means to pay for it;
(e) To examine, or have examined, the witnesses against him and to obtain the
attendance and examination of witnesses on his behalf under the same
conditions as witnesses against him;
(f) To have the free assistance of an interpreter if he cannot understand or speak
the language used in court;
(g) Not to be compelled to testify against himself or to confess guilt.
4. In the case of juvenile persons, the procedure shall be such as will take account of their
age and the desirability of promoting their rehabilitation.
5. Everyone convicted of a crime shall have the right to his conviction and sentence being
reviewed by a higher tribunal according to law.
6. When a person has by a final decision been convicted of a criminal offence and when
subsequently his conviction has been reversed or he has been pardoned on the ground that
a new or newly discovered fact shows conclusively that there has been a miscarriage of
justice, the person who has suffered punishment as a result of such conviction shall be
compensated according to law, unless it is proved that the non-disclosure of the unknown
fact in time is wholly or partly attributable to him.
7. No one shall be liable to be tried or punished again for an offence for which he has
already been finally convicted or acquitted in accordance with the law and penal
procedure of each country.
33. The Government considers that the right to a fair trial and fair hearing are not limited by the
proposal. The proposal does not limit the application of judicial review of decisions that
might be made as a result of the cessation or renunciation of citizenship. In a judicial review
action, the Court would consider whether or not the power given by the Citizenship Act has
been exercised according to law. A person also has a right to seek declaratory relief as to
whether the conditions giving rise to the cessation have been met.
56
34. It is also the case that, as reflected in the notes to sections 33AA, 35, and 35A an affected
person may seek judicial review of the basis on which a notice was given under subsections
33AA(10) and 35(5) , and review of a determination made under subsection 35A(1). The
Bill also confirms that a person's citizenship is taken never to have ceased under sections
33AA and 35 if a court finds that the person did not engage in the conduct, or a court finds
that the person was not a dual national or dual citizen at the relevant time, or if the Minister
rescinds the notice and exempts the person from the effect of the particular section. In
respect of sections 33AA and 35, a person's citizenship is also taken never to have ceased if
a declaration under section 35AA is disallowed and the person's citizenship would not have
ceased if the declaration had not been made. In relation to section 35A, a person's
citizenship is taken never to have ceased if the Minister revokes a determination made where
the conviction that led to the determination is overturned or quashed.
Retrospectivity - Article 15 ICCPR
35. Article 15(1) of the ICCPR provides that:
1. No one shall be held guilty of any criminal offence on account of any act or omission
which did not constitute a criminal offence, under national or international law, at the time
when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was
applicable at the time when the criminal offence was committed. If, subsequent to the
commission of the offence, provision is made by law for the imposition of the lighter
penalty, the offender shall benefit thereby.
36. The application of section 35A to persons who have been convicted of a specified offence
within ten years prior to commencement of section 35A, and who were sentenced to a period
of imprisonment of at least 10 years in respect of that conviction, engages Article 15.
Section 35A does not create a criminal offence. Rather it relevantly allows for the
imposition of a civil consequence in respect of a conviction and penalty that occurred prior
to commencement. Cessation of citizenship on this basis is not automatic and remains at the
discretion of the Minister, having regard to the remainder of section 35A, in particular
noting the Minister's required satisfaction that the conduct that led to the conviction
demonstrates the person's repudiation of their allegiance to Australia, and that it not be in
the public interest for the person to remain an Australian citizen.
37. The retrospectivity is confined to specified terrorism offences and acts, and does not
constitute a 'bill of attainder' that would interfere with the exercise of judicial power.
Further, the purpose of the provision is to ensure the safety and security of Australia, and to
ensure that the community of Australian citizens comprises persons who have an allegiance
to Australia. The retrospective application accords with the recommendations of the PJCIS.
57
Right to the family unit - Article 17 and 23 ICCPR
38. Article 17 of the ICCPR provides that:
1. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference with his privacy, family,
home or correspondence, nor to unlawful attacks on his honour and reputation.
2. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.
39. Article 23(1) of the ICCPR provides that the family is the natural and fundamental group
unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.
40. These rights are engaged by the possibility of a person ceasing their citizenship while
outside Australia, where family members remain in Australia. Although a person who
ceases their citizenship while outside Australia will be able to apply for certain visas to enter
Australia, it is unlikely that the person would meet visa criteria in relation to security or
character. This would result in the person not being able to lawfully enter Australia, and
interference with the family as a result of this separation. However, it is the Government's
position that such interference would not be unlawful, and also would not be arbitrary. The
cessation of citizenship of persons outside Australia is caused by the person's conduct and,
consequently, based on a genuine threat to Australia's security posed by a person who has
objectively demonstrated an intent to repudiate their allegiance to Australia, in which the
very serious move of ceasing citizenship (thereby preventing return to Australia) is, in the
Government's view, proportionate to the legitimate goal of ensuring the security of the
Australian community. It is also the case that the separation of the family would have first
occurred by the person having left Australia.
41. These rights may also be engaged when a person who is in Australia has his or her
citizenship ceased under proposed section 35A. In these circumstances, subsequent
decisions which might flow from cessation of citizenship would all be lawfully based in the
Migration Act. Having regard to the seriousness of the offences that are the subject of the
conviction and the need to protect the Australian community, the Government considers that
any limitation of rights reflected in these articles is reasonable and proportionate.
Equality before the law - Article 26 ICCPR
42. Article 26 of the ICCPR states that:
All persons are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to the equal
protection of the law. In this respect, the law shall prohibit any discrimination and guarantee
to all persons equal and effective protection against discrimination on any ground such as
race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin,
property, birth or other status.
43. This a stand-alone right which will be breached if a person does not enjoy equality before
the law or equal protection of the law with others, on the basis of discrimination on a
prohibited ground. The proposed cessation provisions do not discriminate on a prohibited
58
ground but rather operate on the basis of certain conduct or a conviction or convictions of a
particular kind. To the extent that the cessation powers in the Bill differentiate on the basis
that they apply only to those people who hold foreign citizenship or nationality in addition
to their Australian citizenship, the Government considers that it is reasonable and
proportionate and consistent with Australia's obligations under the statelessness
conventions.
44. As observed by the Human Rights Committee in General Comment no. 18, not every
differentiation of treatment will constitute discrimination, if the criteria for such
differentiation are reasonable and objective and if the aim is to achieve a purpose which is
legitimate under the Covenant.
45. Differentiation on the basis of dual nationality is the consequence of international
obligations relating to statelessness, and as such represents a measure of extra protection for
those without dual nationality, rather than a means of positively selecting those who may be
subject to the new cessation power.
46. The differentiation at the heart of the cessation provisions is that the person has been
convicted of a crime of a particular character, or has engaged in particular conduct, which
demonstrates repudiation of allegiance to Australia. These provisions operate only in the
most serious of circumstances, and the consequence of their operation - the cessation of a
person's citizenship - is proportionate to the seriousness of the conduct.
The best interests of the child - Article 3 CRC
47. Article 3 of the CRC provides that:
In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare
institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests
of the child shall be a primary consideration.
48. This right would be engaged by the new cessation powers in proposed sections 33AA and
35 for minors aged 14 or older. For section 35A, there is no specified age that applies to its
application.
49. The proposed cessation powers would only enliven in relation to a child directly when the
child meets the crime or conduct thresholds.
50. There are, though, documented cases of children fighting with extremist organisations
overseas and being otherwise involved in terrorist activities, so the application of the
cessation provisions to children is justified.
51. For section 35A, the cessation power is discretionary and allows the Minister to take into
account all the circumstances of each individual case. The Minister must expressly have
regard to the best interests of the child as a primary consideration when reaching satisfaction
59
on whether it is in the public interest for the child to remain an Australian citizen. For
sections 33AA and 35, in considering whether to rescind a notice given under those
provisions, the Minister must likewise have regard to the best interests of the child as a
primary consideration. The Minister also has the power to revoke a determination made
under section 35A if a conviction (in relation to a child or otherwise) is later overturned or
quashed, or - in relation to sections 33AA and 35 - to rescind the notice of loss of
citizenship.
52. This right is also engaged where a parent's citizenship ceases. In circumstances where the
parent is in Australia at the time of cessation, decisions which might flow from that
cessation would all be lawfully based in the Migration Act. The best interests of the child
would be a primary consideration in all of those decisions, though may be outweighed by
countervailing considerations such as the integrity of the citizenship programme and
national security risks.
Rights of children to nationality, identity, family etc. - Articles 23 and 24 ICCPR and Article 7
CRC
53. Paragraph 1 of Article 23 of the ICCPR provides that "[t]he family is the natural and
fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State."
54. Article 24 of the ICCPR provides that:
1. Every child shall have, without any discrimination as to race, colour, sex, language,
religion, national or social origin, property or birth, the right to such measures of
protection as are required by his status as a minor, on the part of his family, society and
the State.
2. Every child shall be registered immediately after birth and shall have a name.
3. Every child has the right to acquire a nationality.
55. Article 7 of the CRC provides that:
1. The child shall be registered immediately after birth and shall have the right from birth
to a name, the right to acquire a nationality and, as far as possible, the right to know and
be cared for by his or her parents.
2. States Parties shall ensure the implementation of these rights in accordance with their
national law and their obligations under the relevant international instruments in this
field, in particular where the child would otherwise be stateless.
56. The right in Articles 7 and 24 to acquire a nationality is not the same as a right to retain a
nationality. The rights in Articles 7 and 24 do not provide a right to acquire Australian
nationality - merely to acquire a nationality.
57. Cessation of a child's citizenship (for children aged 14 or older for sections 33AA and 35,
and children less than 18 years for section 35A) must of necessity occur after a child has
60
acquired citizenship, and the new cessation provisions do not operate if a person would be
rendered stateless by the cessation, meaning a child would have the nationality of at least
one other country. Consequently the right to acquire a nationality set out in Article 7(1) is
not limited.
58. While the new cessation provisions engage Article 24(1), as noted above, the cessation of a
child's citizenship would only occur when the child had met the crime or conduct thresholds
for the provision to operate.
59. In relation to section 35A, this power is discretionary such that it allows the Minister to take
into account all the circumstances of each individual case. In considering the possible
cessation of citizenship in respect of a child - the Minister is required to consider the child's
best interests as a primary consideration.
Proposed section 36A - limitations on the way in which a person may resume citizenship if
their citizenship ceased under proposed section 35A, 35B or section 36
60. Proposed section 36A prevents a person whose citizenship ceased under sections 33AA, 35
or 35A from resuming Australian citizenship again.
Human rights implications
61. This change may be argued to engage several human rights outlined above. However,
provided that the citizenship framework does not discriminate on impermissible grounds,
which it does not and will not following this amendment, the conditions on which Australian
citizenship may be granted or resumed are a matter for Australia as a sovereign nation. This
new provision does not breach Article 2(1) of the ICCPR relating to non-discrimination or
Article 26 providing for equality before the law, as it differentiates legitimately based on
objective criteria, and proportionately to the goal of maintaining the integrity of Australian
citizenship.
62. Article 3 of the CRC provides that "in all actions concerning children, whether undertaken
by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or
legislative bodies (emphasis added), the best interests of the child shall be a primary
consideration." While the amended section will not entail the making of any decisions,
being an operation of law provision, Members and Senators may consider as a primary
consideration the impact that this this measure may have on children, and balance this
against the primary consideration of ensuring the integrity of the citizenship programme.
Conclusion
63. The Bill is compatible with human rights because to the extent that it may limit some human
rights, those limitations are reasonable, necessary and proportionate in light of the Bill's
objective and purpose.
The Hon Peter Dutton MP, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection
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