The Federal Government has officially updated the code of practice for councils’ citizenship ceremonies. 

The Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code has been updated to reflect a number of recent changes, including a requirement for councils to hold a citizenship ceremony on Australia Day, or the three days prior or three days after Australia Day.

Additionally, references to the Queen have been replaced with references to The King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III, alongside changes to arrangements with the Australian Electoral Commission.

The updated Code can be downloaded here.

The official Instrument of Authorisation has been updated to allow a person who is “holding, occupying or performing the duties” of the stated position/s to receive the pledge of commitment.
This means that a person acting in the position of an authorised presiding officer, for example, an acting Mayor or acting Deputy Mayor, is able to preside over Australian citizenship ceremonies. This change was made retrospective to ensure validity of citizenship for applicants who might have previously provided a pledge to a person acting in an authorised position.

The updated Instrument of Authorisation (LIN22/074) can be downloaded here.

A portrait of The King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III, has been provided by Government House and can be downloaded here.

The government says this portrait is only for use at Australian citizenship ceremonies and should not be used for any other events. 

“The portrait is suitable for framed portraits only and is not suitable for banners,” it said in a statement. 

Now that a portrait of The King has been provided, advice from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is that it is no longer appropriate to use a portrait of Queen Elizabeth at citizenship ceremonies.