NORTHERN Australia and Resources Minister Matt Canavan has stood down from the federal ministry amid revelations he may hold dual citizenship and therefore be ineligible for the Senate.
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Senator Canavan held a media conference at 5.45pm today with Attorney General George Brandis, as the news surfaced about his resignation from the ministry.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce would act in the capacity of the two ministerial positions, until Senator Canavan’s status was resolved.
Senator Brandis said Senator Canavan approached the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and him to inform them that he had received advice from the Italian Embassy that, according to their records, he was registered as an Italian citizen.
He said the circumstances Senator Canavan came to be registered as an Italian citizen occurred in 2006, when his mother - who is of Italian heritage - registered both herself and members of her family, including Senator Canavan, with the Italian consulate in Brisbane as an Italian resident abroad, which is a form of citizenship.
“Senator Canavan - who was an adult at the time - did not authorise this to be done on his behalf,” he said.
“The first he became aware that his mother had done so was when she raised the matter with him on July 18.
“He then sought urgent advice from the Italian Embassy, which was only confirmed yesterday afternoon.
“In the meanwhile, the Government has taken advice from the Solicitor-General, and we are in the process of taking advice from experts in Italian citizenship law.
“It is the Government's preliminary view that, because the registration was obtained without Senator Canavan's knowledge or consent, that he is not in breach of Section 44 of the Constitution.
“Nevertheless, in view of the legal uncertainty concerning the matter, when the Senate convenes on Tuesday week, the Government will move to refer the matter for determination by the High Court.”
Colin Bettles
Has been the Canberra Bureau Chief for Fairfax Agricultural Media since 2010 - survived the hung parliament - former media manager at Western Australian Cricket Association now covering national agricultural and rural issues in federal politics.
Has been the Canberra Bureau Chief for Fairfax Agricultural Media since 2010 - survived the hung parliament - former media manager at Western Australian Cricket Association now covering national agricultural and rural issues in federal politics.
