Review of the terrorism-related citizenship loss provisions in the Australian Citizenship Act 2007

Liberty Victoria continues to oppose the  of the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia) Bill 2015,  in light of their subsequent operation. While limited public information is available about the application of the provisions, we understand that a number of individuals have had citizenship stripped under section 35 of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (Cth) (Citizenship Act).

We express particular concern over the establishment and operation of the  Citizenship Loss Board, which represents a threat to the rule of law and basic civil liberties. 

In view of extensive foregoing submissions on the provisions, the present submission briefly outlines key concerns. Liberty Victoria recommends that the terrorism-related citizenship loss provisions be repealed. We note that the Canadian Parliament repealed similar provisions from Canadian law in June 2017, in response to similar concerns about the implications of stripping citizenship.