From July, New Zealand citizens who have lived in Australia for four years on the current temporary, special category visa provided to all New Zealanders will be able to directly apply for citizenship, without first having to become a permanent resident.

This change introduced by the Albanese Government, overturns the discriminatory rule the Howard Government introduced in 2001, that made Kiwi's living here permanently go through a long and expensive process to transition from permanent residency to citizenship. As it has been the case all along for Australians living in New Zealand, citizenship application will be much more straight forward.

My wife has said, although she sees her roots are in Aotearoa, and always will be, her "hou ora" (new life) is in Australia. For one, she will be applying for Australian citizenship at the first opportunity. After 17 years of residency the only additional benefit she will receive is the right to vote.

Dear Paul,

This is good and I don't think this move is controversial.

The question is, why must we have citizenship to begin with?

Paul,

If the only difference is that the Kiwis can vote why is this "justice"

What's the point of being an Australian these days, where every man and his dog can be handed out citizenship as though it is a complimentary ticket to a concert.

Hi Yuyutsu,

Citizenship gives one a senses of belonging and acceptance, there is a certain pride in inclusion. I know you have differing opinions on what I see as the collective well-being of people, but that's okay. Some confuse inclusion with patriotism, and its negative sidekick nationalism. Once a person has demonstrated their value to the nation, then acceptance as a citizen should be straight forward, we should not place additional obstacles in the way. Justice is what's fair and reasonable, the intangible benefits of citizenship are a good thing.

Dear Paul,

«Citizenship gives one a senses of belonging and acceptance»

I can't see how a piece of paper could give me a sense of belonging (supposing I am even interested in that), and as for acceptance, there are and will always be those who accept me and those who won't, that's human nature and is not really a problem.

If I cared to belong, then it would be in like-minded group(s) with similar interests and/or worldview - not with this meaningless cohort of everyone who happens to live in this large continent. I already have a sense of belonging in several such groups.

«Once a person has demonstrated their value to the nation, then acceptance...»

How do you personally feel when others accept you because you have a value to them? Is this true acceptance? Suppose tomorrow you can no longer work and instead become a burden - should that acceptance be withdrawn?

«the intangible benefits of citizenship are a good thing.»

And what about the tangible drawbacks, like compulsory voting, like jury duty, like the threat of conscription?

Making sacrifices for a group you voluntarily want to be part of, because you share its values and goals, is natural and beautiful, but having to make sacrifices just because otherwise you would be kicked out of the land, for a group whose values and goals you do not share, is not a beautiful thing at all!