AUSTRALIA DAY CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES

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2 2036 WILL MARK OUR STATE S BICENTENARY By the time our State turns 200 years old, I want South Australia to be a place of prosperity. Planning and delivering on my vision for a better future starts now. This policy is an important part of our plan to deliver a clear and responsible pathway to recovery and success. See where it fits in below 1.0 Growing our Economy 2.0 The Best Education System 3.0 BEING A HEALTHY STATE 4.0 Strengthening Communities 5.0 BUILDING OUR STATE 6.0 Ensuring Safety and Justice 7.0 Protecting our Environment 8.0 Embracing our Unique Culture 8.1 Supporting our communities and grassroots organisations, assisting them to build capacity and be sustainable 8.5 Celebrating and embracing the contributions our vibrant Aboriginal and multicultural cultures make to our communities 9.0 Running an Efficient and STABLE Government

3 Australia Day must continue to be celebrated in the right way.

4 The Problem There is continuing debate about when Australia Day should be celebrated including having citizenship ceremonies as part of the celebrations. Local government councils play a major role in arranging and hosting these celebrations but there has been a move within some councils to change when and how Australia marks its national day. Our Australia Day celebrations receive wide community support and it s important they are not used to divide our nation. Traditionally, Australia Day ceremonies begin with an acknowledgement of country. They are planned to embrace everything about Australia, from our First Australians to our newest citizens. Our Australia Day celebrations receive wide community support and it s important they are not used to divide our nation by raising questions about our national identity and attempts to re-write Australian history.

5 The State Liberals Plan Australia Day must remain a time which unites Australians. If elected in March 2018, a Marshall Liberal Government will legislate to ensure January 26 continues to be recognised as Australia Day and that local councils hold citizenship ceremonies as part of the celebrations. We will do this by amending the Local Government Act. All prospective citizens who have successfully applied should have the right to receive their citizenship during the celebration of Australia Day if they so wish. We want local councils and communities to continue to play a central role in celebrating Australia and raising awareness of the importance and benefits of citizenship. A Marshall Liberal Government will take this action recognising that in South Australia, the State Government has constitutional responsibility for the affairs of local councils. In ensuring citizenship ceremonies remain part of Australia Day celebrations, our legislation will accommodate those councils which traditionally have their Australia Day events just before or just after 26 January. This should not be put in doubt by any politically motivated opposition to celebrating Australia Day and holding citizenship ceremonies as part of these celebrations. Australia Day must remain a time which unites Australians.

6 We will ensure that Australia Day continues to be celebrated each year and that citizenship ceremonies remain part of the celebrations. Steven Marshall, State Liberal Leader

7 If you would like to provide feedback on our policy or learn more about our plan, please get in touch via: The Office of Steven Marshall MP Parliament House - North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000 Phone: steven@stevenmarshall.com.au Web:

8 marshall2036.com.au