Liberals' star candidate wants citizenship papers kept secret

Georgina Downer did not give the AEC permission to publish her citizenship forms – but nor did the Centre Alliance incumbent, Rebekha Sharkie .

Prime Minster Malcolm Turnbull and Georgina Downer. Source: AAP

The Liberals’ high-profile candidate in the South Australian seat of Mayo was among a small cohort of candidates for the upcoming July by-elections who filled out their citizenship paperwork but refused to have it published online.

The candidates were asked to declare any potential foreign citizenships and provide biographical information about their parents and grandparents, in a bid to prevent further disqualifications under Section 44 of the Constitution.

The Australian Electoral Commission published dozens of candidates’ paperwork on Monday afternoon. 

Candidates were allowed to decide whether or not to let the AEC publish the forms.

But while most ticked the box to allow the publication, Ms Downer was among a small group who did not give her permission.

Centre Alliance’s Rebekha Sharkie, who is defending the seat after the High Court kicked her out of parliament for holding a dual citizenship, also declined to publish the citizenship “checklist” but did volunteer a letter from the US consulate.

Centre Alliance member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie. Source: AAP

The other two were candidates for minor parties – the Christian Democrats and the Citizens Electoral Council. Several more did not return their paperwork at all.

SBS News has contacted Ms Downer’s campaign for a response.