The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and Bathurst Regional Council have joined forces to encourage local residents to become Australian citizens.

Residents will not have to make the trip to Sydney, as department officers will travel to Bathurst later this year to conduct citizenship tests, which were introduced in 2007.

A departmental spokesman said DIAC wanted to encourage more migrants to become Australian citizens, especially people who had lived in Australia a long time but never taken the final step.

“Citizenship is not just a chance to belong, but an opportunity to fully participate in the Australian community,” the spokesman said.

“As an Australian citizen, you enjoy its democratic freedoms, such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of choice across all areas of life, such as politics, religion and education. You also enjoy Australia’s protection under national and international laws.

“The benefits of citizenship include the right to vote, the right to stand for political office, the chance of a career in the Australian Defence Force and the opportunity to be employed by federal and state government departments and agencies.

“Citizenship also carries important responsibilities that help make Australia fair, just and safe, such as the obligation to obey the laws of the country and respect for the rights of other people.”

Traditionally local councils conduct citizenship ceremonies and there is one scheduled in Bathurst this week (August 11). Bathurst Mayor, Paul Toole, today called on local residents to take advantage of the department’s offer and to apply this month to take their citizenship test in Bathurst.

“If you apply before the end of August, you will be able to take your test in Bathurst later this year and then have the rare chance to participate in a citizenship ceremony on Australia Day,” the mayor said.

Residents of the Bathurst local government area can obtain an application form from the mayor’s office by contacting Heather Ornek on 02 6333 6205 or they can get the form from the DIAC website at www.citizenship.gov.au/applying/

Media Enquiries: National Communications Branch 02 8862 6261