WA MPs in dual citizenship spotlight

There could be grounds to disqualify West Australian state MPs if they applied for or used a foreign passport after they were elected.

WA parliamentarians applying for or using a foreign passport could be considered to be demonstrating an allegiance to a foreign power under the state's constitution, and that may be grounds for disqualification, legal experts say.

But the state government said that would only be an issue if they applied for or became a dual citizen after they were elected, according to advice from the Solicitor General.

"I'm unaware of anyone who has done that," Premier Mark McGowan told reporters on Thursday.

"I don't want to create a situation where we're questioning everyone over their loyalty to Western Australia because they happen to have a grandmother who was born in another country."

Mr McGowan reluctantly said the state government could make some enquiries.

"I don't want to create a feeding frenzy of angst."

He said the state could pass legislation to change the constitution if needed.

"But I'm not going to be spooked or railroaded."

Acting Opposition Leader Liza Harvey said only one Liberal MP, Tony Kristicevic, held a foreign passport, which was granted before the current term of parliament, and had never been used for overseas travel.


Share

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world