Ipswich is proving to be a top pick for our neighbours across the ditch, with 81 from 97 new citizens at a recent citizenship ceremony being from New Zealand.
A year on from the announcement of a new direct pathway to Australian citizenship for eligible New Zealand citizens, new figures show local Kiwis are lining up to become Aussies.
Since July 1, 2023, when the new arrangements began, there have been more than 1200 citizenship applications from New Zealand nationals living in the Ipswich City Council area, comprising more than 57 per cent of all applications from the area.
Last week, Member for Blair Shayne Neumann attended the ceremony to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Australian citizenship, which was also attended by Minister for Home Affairs Clare O’Neil and Speaker of the House and Federal Member for Oxley Milton Dick.
Minister O’Neil said many New Zealand citizens chose to live and contribute to Australia, so it was reasonable they have the opportunity to become Australian citizens.
“Australia and New Zealand have a deep friendship, which has been forged through our history, shared values and common outlook,” she said.
“As we mark the 75th anniversary of Australian citizenship this year, and commemorated Anzac Day recently, I look forward to strengthening our relationship.
“This is a fair change for New Zealanders living in Australia and brings their rights more in line with Australians living in New Zealand.
This is consistent with the Albanese Government’s ambition to build a fairer, better managed and more inclusive migration system.”
