Peter Dutton's Proposed Citizenship Referendum Faces Internal and Public Criticism

The Coalition leader suggests a constitutional change to allow ministers to strip dual nationals of citizenship, but the proposal is met with skepticism over feasibility, cost, and political motives.

Peter Dutton has floated the idea of a referendum to amend the Constitution, enabling ministers to revoke citizenship of dual nationals convicted of serious crimes like terrorism or paedophilia.
The referendum proposal responds to a 2022 High Court ruling that deemed it unconstitutional for ministers to strip citizenship, reserving such powers for judges.
Senior Coalition members, including Michaelia Cash, have downplayed the referendum as a last resort, highlighting internal divisions within the party over the proposal.
Critics, including former attorney-general George Brandis, argue the referendum is unlikely to succeed without bipartisan support and risks undermining judicial independence.
The proposal has drawn criticism as a costly distraction during a cost-of-living crisis, with opponents questioning its necessity given existing legal frameworks for revoking citizenship via judicial processes.