Michael Sukkar MP

Statements by Members: National Security

Protecting the safety of our community is the most important aim of this government. I therefore want to draw attention to the growing community concern at the threat to our way of life posed by those who reject our values and who support and become involved with violent and extremist groups. At present, we know there are over 250 Australians engaged in fighting with or supporting terrorist groups overseas—raping and murdering innocent civilians. These terrorists, trained by groups such as ISIS, also want to do Australians harm on our own shores. So early last year I commenced a local petition in my electorate of Deakin calling for any dual citizen caught participating in terrorist related activities to automatically lose their Australian citizenship. Within a short amount of time, hundreds of my constituents supported this position, with many noting the privilege that Australian citizenship bestows and the values that must accompany it. I am therefore proud that the government has listened to their concerns and is acting decisively. The government’s proposals to remove the citizenship of dual nationals engaged in supporting terrorist groups such as ISIS must proceed as soon as possible.

I also note the strong support from my community for the removal of citizenship for Australians who fight or support terrorist groups who are not dual nationals but have the ability to avail themselves of citizenship elsewhere. I thank the Prime Minister and encourage him in his commitment to protecting our nation from those who seek to do us harm.

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