Labor's grubby politics stealing from our new citizens

Citizenship ceremonies hold a special place in the hearts of many Australians, marking the culmination of a significant journey for those who have chosen to make this country their home.

Becoming a citizen of Australia, or any country, is a deeply personal and transformative journey. It is a special milestone that deserves to be celebrated, while also serving as a reminder of the responsibilities that citizenship brings.

For that reason, we should all be deeply concerned about the politicisation of citizenship ceremonies by the Albanese Labor Government over the weekend. This issue is more than just concern around campaigning in an inappropriate environment — its implications run much deeper.

I was a young girl when my parents became citizens, and I will never forget their pride. That moment stayed with me, and it felt especially meaningful when I attended my first citizenship ceremony as a Senator and at ceremonies since, sharing in the excitement of dozens of new Australians and their families. The formalisation of a life changing decision to start a new life, in a new country.

Many individuals becoming citizens, just like my family did, are doing so after leaving countries where democratic processes and free, fair elections are not guaranteed.

In a democratic country like Australia, it is deeply troubling that elected officials, including those from migrant backgrounds and representing the very areas where the new citizens reside, were excluded from these ceremonies. It is unacceptable that elected representatives were deprived of the chance to welcome new constituents, while an unelected Labor candidate was given the opportunity to attend, sending a clear message that the occasion was now being used for political advantage.

Citizenship ceremonies have long been a proud Australian tradition, transcending politics, with local representatives from all political parties typically invited to be a part of the celebration.

Beyond the discussions over who was invited, the industrial-sized citizenship ceremonies and the surrounding controversy point to a deeper issue that erodes confidence in our democratic institutions - which don’t just evaporate while we are waiting for the Prime Minister to drive to Yarralumla to call an election.

This disregard for neutrality and fairness shows that Labor is so desperate to win the upcoming election that they are willing to hijack one of the most important moments in attendees’ lives for potential electoral gain.

For any democratic society to succeed, it is essential that citizens and residents have confidence in the institutions that govern them.

When these institutions are perceived as fair, transparent, and accountable, they foster inclusion and equality, strengthening social bonds and promoting peaceful coexistence, cornerstones of our vibrant multicultural society.

Unfortunately, the actions of the Albanese Labor Government stand in stark opposition to these core values. What we are witnessing is not just a pre-election blitz, but a campaign that sows distrust in the processes and procedures of citizenship being granted.

In a society where so much is becoming politicised, we must ensure that citizenship ceremonies remain neutral, focused on the true significance of the occasion. These ceremonies should be a celebration of a major life milestone for those in attendance and a reminder of the responsibilities that come with being an Australian citizen.

We all deserve better leadership than we got on the weekend, especially so, for all our new Australians.