13,700 Become Aussie Citizens On Australia Day

By Neville D'Cruz MELBOURNE, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- About 13,700 people from 144 countries, including Malaysia and Singapore, have become Australians on Australia Day, Thursday. Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said 365 special citizenship ceremonies were held around the country on Thursday. "Australia Day is a special time for all Australians, whether they are citizens by birth or by choice, to come together to celebrate our common bond," Bowen said in a statement. "Today is a particularly special occasion for our newest citizens who are pledging their commitment to our great nation and I congratulate them on behalf of all Australians." Bowen presided over a special ceremony for 30 people making the citizenship pledge at Sydney's Luna Park. Prime Minister Julia Gillard conferred citizenship on 27 people in Canberra. Gillard noted the first citizenship ceremony had taken place at the nearby Albert Hall in 1949, when Ben Chifley was prime minister. She described immigration as modern Australia's greatest story, "the story of inclusion and belonging." Since 1949, more than four million people have chosen to officially call Australia home by obtaining citizenship. -- BERNAMA