AUSTRALIA. — Australian Citizenship Day was first celebrated in Australia on September 17, 2001. The date chosen was the day the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 was renamed, in 1973, to the Australian Citizenship Act 1948.
Australian Citizenship Day is an opportunity for Australians to take pride in their citizenship and consider what it means to be Australian.
Australians are encouraged to reflect on the history and changes that have shaped the nation, and on the individuals’ roles in shaping the country’s future.
This is a time to uphold Australia’s values of democracy and the concept of a fair go, as well as equality and respect for each other.
Common venues for Australian Citizenship Day include the Great Hall at Parliament House in Canberra, the Sydney Opera House, State Government Houses and the Adelaide Zoo.
The first Australian Citizenship Day was celebrated in 2001, coinciding with the Centenary of Federation.
