Australian Citizenship Day

Why students may be interested

Celebrate What Unites Us: Australian Citizenship Day!

Mark your calendars for September 17th – Australian Citizenship Day! This annual observance is a wonderful opportunity for all Australians, whether by birth or by choice, to reflect on the profound meaning and importance of Australian citizenship.

Reflecting on Our Shared Values

Australian Citizenship Day is a chance for each of us to:

Every year on this special day, Australia embraces thousands of new citizens in ceremonies held in local communities across the nation, welcoming them into our diverse fabric.

The History Behind the Day

Australian Citizenship Day was first celebrated in 2001. The Australian Government established the day in response to a recommendation from the Australian Citizenship Council’s 2000 report, Australian Citizenship for a New Century. This recommendation itself originated from a proposal by the 1999 National Schools Constitutional Convention, which advocated for a day dedicated to celebrating Australian citizenship for all.

September 17th was chosen because it marks the anniversary of the renaming of the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 to the Australian Citizenship Act 1948 in 1973.

How We Celebrate

Since 2001, the Department of Home Affairs and local councils actively promote this day by holding:

• Special citizenship ceremonies: Welcoming new Australians.
• Affirmation ceremonies: For existing citizens to reaffirm their commitment.
• Other community events across the country.

Schools, organisations, and community groups are also highly encouraged to organise their own special events and activities to celebrate.

Our Common Bond: Australian Citizenship

Australia stands as one of the most culturally diverse nations globally. Since 1949, we have proudly welcomed more than 6 million new citizens to our shores.

Our Australian citizenship serves as the common bond that unites us all. Through it, we commit to respecting and upholding the core values of Australian society, which include:

• Respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual.
• Freedom of religion (including the freedom not to follow a particular religion), freedom of speech, and freedom of association.
• Commitment to the rule of law, meaning all people are subject to and must obey the law.
• Parliamentary democracy, where laws are determined by parliaments elected by the people, and these laws are paramount.
• Equality of opportunity for all people, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, race, or national or ethnic origin.
• A ‘fair go’ for all, embracing:
  • Mutual respect
  • Tolerance
  • Compassion for those in need
  • Equality of opportunity for all
• The English language as the national language and an important unifying element of Australian society.

Join us on September 17th to celebrate our shared citizenship and the values that make Australia unique!