Councils push back on compulsory Australia Day citizenship ceremonies

Citizenship ceremonies will now have to take place on January 26, in a federal government move to protect Australia Day – but some councils believe public sentiment has shifted.

A strict dress code will apply under new rules for citizenship ceremonies to take effect in 2020. (AAP) Source: AAP

The federal government has revised the citizenship code to make it compulsory for all councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.

Under changes to the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code to be introduced in 2020, councils will also have to hold a second citizenship ceremony on September 17 - Australian Citizenship Day - and new citizens will have to abide by a strict dress code that bans boardshorts and thongs.

The revised code will be sent to councils this week, Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Minister David Coleman announced.

"Australian citizenship is an immense privilege and fundamental to our national identity," Mr Coleman said.