Aussies to reflect on citizenship: govt

The Australia Day ceremony in Canberra will see 25 people from 15 countries take out Australian citizenship.

New Immigration Minister Peter Dutton wants the nation to reflect on what it means to be Australian, whether it is by birth or by pledge.

A group of 25 newcomers will join the Australian community at the main Australia Day citizenship ceremony on the shores of Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin on Monday, one of many around the country.

Mr Dutton says Australians should support these ceremonies.

"After disturbing events in the past year both in Australia and overseas, citizenship ceremonies provide a way for Australians from all walks of life to come together and stand united in our democratic beliefs and values," Mr Dutton says in a statement.

The 25 new Australians come from 15 countries including Britain, the US, Bolivia, Italy, Latvia, Nepal, China, Peru, Zimbabwe and New Zealand.

The Australia Day ceremonial event features the Australian Federation Guard, music from the Royal Military College Band, a performance by Eric Bogle and a flypast by RAAF jet aircraft.

Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove won't be there as he's travelling to Saudi Arabia to present Australia's condolences to the Saudi government and people on the death of King Abdullah.

The ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC television, with former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer as special guest commentator.


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