2015-10-08
Australian Greens spokesperson for legal affairs Senator Nick McKim has called on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to show leadership and dump the Government’s undemocratic changes to citizenship laws.
Senator McKim said he welcomed Mr Turnbull’s efforts to re-engage with the Islamic community, but said the citizenship laws risked undermining such moves.
“These proposals are an attack on some of the fundamental freedoms we enjoy as Australians,” Senator McKim said.
“They are inconsistent with the rule of law, and have the potential to disrupt the lives of between 4 and 6 million Australians who have dual nationalities.”
“Making this an administrative decision seriously increases the risk of abuses of power.”
Senator McKim said the Government should take notice of the fact that these changes could be defeated by a High Court challenge.
“We have had repeated experts tell the Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security that these laws are unconstitutional,” Senator McKim said.
“Attorney-General George Brandis should release the solicitor-general’s advice if he believes his legislation is so sound.”