Wa mps in dual citizenship spotlight 20180719 p5wifj.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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This was published 8 years ago

WA MPs in dual citizenship spotlight

AAP

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AAP

WA parliamentarians applying for or using a foreign passport could be considered to be demonstrating an allegiance to a foreign power under the state's constitution, and that may be grounds for disqualification, legal experts say.

But the state government said that would only be an issue if they applied for or became a dual citizen after they were elected, according to advice from the Solicitor General.

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"I'm unaware of anyone who has done that," Premier Mark McGowan told reporters on Thursday.

"I don't want to create a situation where we're questioning everyone over their loyalty to Western Australia because they happen to have a grandmother who was born in another country."

Mr McGowan reluctantly said the state government could make some enquiries.

"I don't want to create a feeding frenzy of angst."

He said the state could pass legislation to change the constitution if needed.

"But I'm not going to be spooked or railroaded."

Acting Opposition Leader Liza Harvey said only one Liberal MP, Tony Kristicevic, held a foreign passport, which was granted before the current term of parliament, and had never been used for overseas travel.

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