The act also gives these same advantages to children born of former Australian citizens, children born of at least a parent who was an Australian citizen at the time of birth and children born of a parent who acquired citizenship by descent and who lived in Australia as a lawful citizen for a total of two years.

“I am confident that Australian citizenship will continue to play a critical role in maintaining Australia’s success as a culturally diverse strong and independent nation with clearly defined national values,” said Mr Hardgrave.