Changes by the Morrison government will force councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on January 26 and September 17, and a strict dress code will prevent attendees from wearing board shorts or thongs.
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Bega Valley Shire Council has four such ceremonies each year, with one always being held on Australia Day.
“So in terms of how [the federal government’s push to hold ceremonies on January 26] will affect us, we already do that,” Bega Valley Shire Mayor Kristy McBain said.
But she described the plans for a strict dress code as “overkill” as she said people already saw the ceremonies as important.
“I think most people already think a citizenship ceremony is a special day,” she said.
“They come with their families and friends.
“The clothes they will be in are going to be in photographs on their walls.
“So I think it’s probably overkill as people see it as important anyway.”
In a media release, Minister for Immigration David Coleman said councils will be able to continue to hold citizenship ceremonies on other days throughout the year, in addition to January 26 and September 17.
Albert McKnight
Journalist at Bega District News.
Journalist at Bega District News.
