A person who is an Australian citizen also retains citizenship of another country. They are years old, are enrolled to vote, and wish to stand for election to the Federal Parliament. According to the Australian Constitution, what is a mandatory requirement for this person to be eligible to stand for election?
- They must formally renounce their foreign citizenship before they can be nominated for election.Answer
- BThey are eligible to stand for election if they have been an Australian permanent resident for at least five years.
- CThey must obtain a special certificate of permission from the Governor-General to keep their dual citizenship while serving.
Answer
They must formally renounce their foreign citizenship before they can be nominated for election.
Under the Australian Constitution, a person is disqualified from being chosen for the Federal Parliament if they hold citizenship or owe allegiance to a foreign power. Therefore, an Australian citizen who is also a citizen of another country must formally renounce their foreign citizenship before they are eligible to nominate for election.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Constitutional disqualifications for standing for public office
Hints
1
Consider if a person can hold allegiance to more than one country while representing Australia in Parliament.
2
The Australian Constitution has a specific rule (Section 44) that disqualifies people with 'dual citizenship' from being elected.
3
To stand for election, a candidate must have only Australian citizenship. What must they do with their other citizenship?
Practice More
Review other disqualifications under Section 44, such as undischarged bankruptcy or holding an 'office of profit under the Crown'.
Estimated Time:1m 30s