A message from the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs,

the Hon Gary Hardgrave MP

There’s never been a better time to become an Australian citizen

Cha'neil ann na's fear na'n nis air son bhi na'd fear aiteachadh  Austarlianach.

Since 1788, the Scots have made a valuable contribution to this country and are very much a key part of Australia’s development as a nation.

If you are a member of the Australian-Scottish community who has not felt the need to become an Australian citizen even though you feel very much at home in Australia, I would like to extend a personal invitation to formalise your strong bond with Australia.

If you accept my invitation and become an Australian citizen you will not be required to give up your British passport. As a dual citizen, you will join a group of almost 5 million dual citizens in Australia who are as proud of the heritage and traditions and indeed sporting teams of their homeland as they are of being Australian citizens.

Australian citizenship symbolises our unity as a nation and the sense of belonging to the country. It represents our common future and the values we share, such as a belief in our democratic system, equality under the law and a commitment to a ‘fair go’.

Once you've made the decision to become a citizen, the process is very simple.

There is no fee for applicants who have served in the Australian Defence Forces for at least three months or for former British child migrants who came to Australia under the Child Migration Scheme. There is a fee of $20 for people who receive certain social security or Veteran's Affairs pensions. Otherwise, the fee is $120.

There’s never been a better time. Apply today! www.citizenship.gov.au or contact

the Citizenship Information Line on 131 880.