Local councils will be compelled to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day under new rules being enforced by the federal government.
out of respect for indigenous people.
Councils will be stripped of their right to hold citizenship ceremonies if they refuse to comply.
"Australia Day is a chance for all Australians to celebrate our successful multicultural nation," Immigration Minister David Coleman said on Friday.
"We want as many people as possible to receive the privilege of citizenship on January 26."
In an interview with Australian talkback radio broadcaster Ray Hadley, Mr Coleman said if the council doesn't hold ceremonies on Australia day they'll be stripped of their right to host them at all.
