Sorry its been a while since the last update. Thank you for your ongoing interest and support!

Although we haven't reached the numbers to make an impact and grab the attention of the Government, there has been a landmark case that has been won in the Brisbane Federal Court which may have an impact on our individual situation. 

Basically, the Federal Court judge Rangiah in his judgement ruled “at independence, the applicant fell within s 65(4)(a) of the PNG Constitution as a person who had the right to permanent residence in Australia and that therefore did not make him a PNG citizen".

“I make the declaration that the applicant is an ‘Australian citizen’,” Justice Rangiah said, and ordered the Department of Home Affairs to pay Mr Lee’s costs."

You can read the article via this link:  https://www.sbs.com.au/news/man-born-in-pre-independence-png-recognised-as-australian-after-federal-court-battle-with-immigration-minister

So where does that leave us? This is only one category of people who have been affected, however, it's a start.  For those people who fall under s65(4)(a) if you have had to apply for new citizenship because your original certificate was revoked, and you paid for it and discovered that it granted you "new" Australian citizenship and not from birth, you may be entitled to compensation. There is a class action being considered. This is not part of the petition so to keep up to date please check on fb page Australian Citizens born in Papua New Guinea.

We do need to continue this petition until things become clearer about whether or not our cause is valid.

Thank you. Stay well and healthy until the next update.

Cheers, Vitoula