'Apply now for Australian citizenship before it is too late' – Tony Burke

Shadow Minister for Immigration, Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, Tony Burke tells SBS Arabic24 that everyone who is eligible to apply for citizenship should do so before the Coalition government tries to tighten up the rules again

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By Heba Kassoua, May Rizk

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Speaking from the National Open Mosque day event in Lakemba, Tony Burke encourages all eligible permanent residents to apply for Australian citizenship now


“Anyone who is eligible now should apply now,” Mr Burke tells SBS Arabic24.


“Right now we have got a reprieve, right now the government has given up and they are processing again. They will come back, but anyone who is eligible now should apply now."

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“Anyone who is eligible now should apply now.”

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Mr Burke says he believes the government will try and pass the legislation on tougher English tests again, saying that he can’t guarantee a win in the Senate every time, but is happy the proposed changes have been rejected.


"I am so happy that the bill failed in the Senate," he says.


The controversial citizenship changes proposed by the Turnbull government were rejected in the Senate recently - a decision that was celebrated by many permanent residents.

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www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/arabic/en/audiotrack/apply-now-australian-citizenship-it-too-late-tony-burke