The federal government has introduced to parliament changes to citizenship laws that will block the return of dual citizens suspected of terrorism.
The legislation, titled Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia) Bill 2015, also allows the government to deport court-convicted terrorists.
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Immigration Minister Peter Dutton told parliament on Wednesday that Australian citizenship involved a commitment to Australia that "should not be taken lightly".
"This bill deals with the threat caused by those who have engaged in terrorist-related conduct that is contrary to their allegiance to Australia," he said.
"It formally removes a person from the Australian community when they themselves have breached their allegiance to Australia."
The loss of citizenship will occur as soon as it was shown that someone had engaged in terrorism.
Those who engage in conduct to help international terrorist activities, use explosive or lethal devices, provide or receive training connected with preparing for, engaging in or assisting in a terrorist act, would lose their citizenship.
The minister will notify a foreign fighter who has ceased to be an Australian citizen.
He can also rescind that notice if it's in the public interest.
Proscribed terrorist organisations will also be declared by the minister.
While the draft laws are not retrospective, parliament's intelligence and security committee has been asked to consider whether they should be.
Read the bill in full below.
