The Abbott Government wants to strip dual nationals of their Australian citizenship if they’re found to be involved in extremist movements.
Legislation is expected to be tabled by Prime Minister Tony Abbott within a matter of days, but his Opposition counterpart Bill Shorten said the government had refused his party’s request for a briefing.
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“Australians don't have time for shilly-shallying,” he said.
“We have asked for a briefing. We have made clear our position. We will work constructively because Labor takes national security and the safety of Australians most seriously.”
Mr Shorten said the Opposition was prepared for discussion on the matter, saying revoking dual citizenship for people who fight against Australia was a “sensible step”.
“But we need to go beyond the principle discussion and see the detail,” he said.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott told media the legislation could be tabled in as little as a week’s time, at which point Labor would be given a briefing.
Addressing media on Thursday, Mr Abbott said the government’s principle of stripping citizenship from “terrorists who are dual nationals” was adequately clear.
“My question to the Labor Party is, where do you stand on that principle?” he said.
“We know where we stand. We think that anyone who raises a gun or a knife to an Australian because of who we are has utterly forfeited any right to be considered one of us.
“I think that's a very clear principle. The Government supports it and we will put it into practice with this legislation.”
His comments follow reports that up to six cabinet ministers questioned the idea of giving a minister, rather than a court, the power to revoke citizenship.
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