Maltese in
Australia have welcomed reforms to
the citizenship law which allow second generation
Maltese born
abroad to become citizens of the island.
A number of Maltese
residing in
Australia
expressed their satisfaction at the decision as Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister for Home Affairs and Justice Dr. Tonio Borg paid visits to
Melbourne and
Canberra.
While visiting
Melbourne,
Tonio Borg met Minister of the State of
Victoria, Steve Bracks
and thanked federal and state authorities for the passing of a new Australian
law which permits Maltese to reinstate their Australian citizenship after
having renounced to it.
The Deputy Prime
Minister was also welcomed by the Executive of the Maltese Community Council of
Victoria (MCCV) and around 150 members of the Maltese Community, at a reception
at the Maltese Centre in
Parkville.
Dr Victor Borg,
President of the MCCV spoke of Maltese migrants and their achievements in
Australia. He
also spoke on the work of the MCCV and other Maltese Associations.
Mayor of
Melbourne, Mr John So praised Maltese for their contribution in
Australia.
Among those
present was the Maltese team taking part in the Fina Swimming Competitions in
Melbourne at the moment.
After spending two days in
Melbourne,
the Deputy Prime Minister headed to
Canberra
on Wednesday where he met Federal Minister responsible for immigration, Kevin
Andrews.
Dr. Tonio Borg also met a
number of Maltese families residing in
Canberra,
as well as President of the Malta High Commission, Alfred Flask.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s visit continues
in
Sydney,
New South Wales.
See also:
New reforms to citizenship law underway -
Feb 14, 2007 - 8:31:13 AM
