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Peter Dutton Considers Referendum on Ministerial Power to Strip Dual Citizens' Australian Citizenship

The proposal seeks to address High Court rulings limiting ministerial authority, with critics raising concerns over cost, judicial oversight, and constitutional implications.

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Overview

  • Peter Dutton is weighing a referendum proposal to grant ministers the power to revoke Australian citizenship from dual nationals convicted of serious crimes, such as terrorism.
  • The referendum would aim to bypass 2022 and 2023 High Court rulings that deemed ministerial citizenship-stripping powers unconstitutional, as they encroach on judicial functions.
  • Critics argue the proposal centralizes excessive power in the executive branch and risks undermining judicial oversight in criminal matters.
  • The cost of holding a referendum during a cost-of-living crisis has drawn criticism, with comparisons to the $450 million spent on the failed 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum.
  • Dutton has not finalized whether the referendum will feature in the Coalition's May election campaign, with Labor accusing him of using the proposal to distract from economic issues.