Australian Citizenship Day, 17 September
We celebrate Australian Citizenship Day each year on 17 September.
The day is an opportunity for all Australians to reflect:
- on the meaning and importance of Australian citizenship
- responsibilities and privileges we have as citizens
Whether we are citizens through birth or by active choice, it is a chance for all Australians:
- to take pride in our citizenship
- celebrate our democratic values
- think about what unites us as Australians
Every year on this day, Australia welcomes thousands of new citizens to our team as part of Australian Citizenship Day.
History of Australian Citizenship Day
The Australian Government established the day in 2001 in response to a recommendation by the Australian Citizenship Council in their 2000 report
Australian Citizenship for a New Century.
The recommendation came from a proposal of the 1999 National Schools Constitutional Convention that a citizenship day be established to allow all Australians to celebrate their Australian citizenship.
17 September was chosen as Australian Citizenship Day as it is the anniversary of the renaming, in 1973, of the
Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 to the
Australian Citizenship Act 1948.
Australian Citizenship Day was first celebrated in 2001.
Celebrating Australian Citizenship Day
Since 2001, the Department and local councils promote this day by holding:
- special citizenship ceremonies
- affirmation ceremonies
- other events around the country
Schools, organisations and community groups are also encouraged to organise special events and activities.
Australia is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world. Since 1949, we have welcomed over five million new citizens to our shores.
Our Australian citizenship is the common bond which unites us all.
Through our Australian citizenship, we hold the values of Australian citizenship dear—respect for the freedom and dignity of others, equality before the law regardless of race, religion, gender or ethnic background, and a fair go for all.
