Australia Immigration celebrates Constitution Day with 170 new citizens

July 08 2009 by Mark Johnstone

Australia Constitution Day welcomes immigrants

On 9th July, Australia celebrates Constitution Day and to mark the occasion, some 170 people from 40 different countries are to become Australian citizens in a series of ceremonies to mark Australian immigration.

Migrants who have made the move to Australia from the UK, South Africa and India are among the 35 people to be awarded citizenship in a ceremony to be held in Queen’s Hall, Melbourne. Other ceremonies will take place elsewhere in Australia all aimed at celebrating the role of Australian immigration on the country's history.

Andrew Metcalfe, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s secretary, said, “on the occasion that marks Australia’s creation as a nation, it is fitting to celebrate citizenship, the glue that holds our culturally diverse population together. Constitution Day ceremonies will give the newest citizens of our nation an opportunity to acknowledge that they understand and respect what it means to be an Australian citizen.”

Constitution Day is also intended to celebrate the fact that four million people have chosen to move to Australia from abroad since 1949 and the country is still the most popular destination for UK citizens looking to move abroad.

The sunny climate, relative abundance of jobs and cheaper cost of living have attracted many people to move to Australia. It is also a major destination for young destination for young backpackers who wish to live and work in Australia for a year on a Working Holiday Australian Visa.