The ADF has changed it entry requirements so that only Australian Citizens can serve in the ADF.
It used to be that people who were Permanent Residents of Australia could also serve but that has now changed. Non-Australians can be appointed or enlisted into the ADF but must be eligible and apply for Australian Citizenship at the first opportunity. Those not granted citizenship will be discharged.
Obviously considering the nature of employment it is important for the ADF to positively identify people prior to enlistment or appointment. This policy change is in line with ensuring this can be done correctly. The change also meets the requirements of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007.
An Australian Citizen is defined as:
a person born in Australia before 20 August 1986 becomes an Australian citizen by birth (unless one parent was entitled to diplomatic privileges and immunities or was a consular officer of a foreign country); or
a person born in Australia on or after 20 August 1986 becomes an Australian citizen by birth if at least one parent is an Australian citizen or a permanent resident at the time of the person’s birth; or
a person born in Australia to parents who are not permanent residents or Australian citizens acquires Australian citizenship automatically on his or her 10th birthday provided the child is ordinarily resident in Australia. Children born in Australia to foreign diplomats do not acquire Australian citizenship; or
a person born overseas to an Australian citizen parent, and who has been registered as an Australian citizen under the Act; or
a person legally adopted in Australia by an Australian citizen, and who was present in Australia as a permanent resident at the time of adoption; or
a person having applied for, and been granted, Australian citizenship under the Act.
