AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP
February 7th 2009 05:26
Reportedly, there were some very unsavoury aspects to the adult Stefan's character and imposing the technicality of his birth in order to evict him from Australia was given much support, even though Stefan Nystrom’s immediate family was in Australia and he was unable to speak the Swedish language.
Robert Jovicic was a nother victim. Born in France to Serbian parents, he had lived in Australia since he was two and, again, his deportation came about because he got into trouble with the law. His case was eventually resolved and he was granted permanent residency in Australia, but not before starving on the streets of Belgrade.
It seemed incredible to me that the government could expel people who were clearly Australian in every way apart from official status and I couldn't help but project myself into a similar scenario. I could not realistically imagine what the circumstances might be (apart from being falsely convicted of, say, terrorist activities) but I felt that certain rights which I had always taken for granted were no longer inviolable.
The ties to Britain were strong in those days. My parents didn’t even need a passport. Just a document of identity with their photos stapled to the back, stamped by the Department of Immigration.
As time went on the idea of having to make a pledge of allegiance seemed more and more silly but about 10 years ago, having taken almost no interest in politics, I was suddenly keen to vote against John Howard - that ruthless approach was becoming more apparent - but I had long slipped off the electoral role and now needed citizenship to get the voting privelege.
I finally took the plunge, not long ago , and was required to sit an exam. The girl who interviewed me said that 60% of applicants failed at their first attempt and needed to re-sit but anyone who has seen the test knows what a joke this is. Like knowing a few facts about Australia’s history proves your loyalty!
Many nationalities were represented at the ceremony. Indian, Pakistani, Middle Eastern, European, Latin American and Asian. We listened to speeches from the Mayor and couple of MPs. We received a certificate and a native sapling. And two sweet voiced girls sang. At the end, we all joined in the chorus of the national anthem - encouraged by council members onstage who were waving flags and bravely aiming for the high notes.
It was kind of touching and, for me, kind of bizarre. I came to Australia in 1964, as a child, yet here I was being thanked - along with all the other new citizens - for bringing my culture to this multi-cultural land. My birthplace is so distant a memory that it seems almost to belong to someone else. I am Australian. And I certainly didn't need a citizenship certificate to prove it to myself.
John Howard is now gone but the dreadful fear of outsiders remains. At least I don't have to worry any more about getting evicted. But my sapling isn't looking too good.
| 49 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
