By Chris Oldfield

ONLY the wind broke the silence of an Australia Day crowd as guest speaker James Darling AM highlighted legislation of January 26, 1949, which meant all Australians, without exception, were free to celebrate the day.

On that date the Nationality and Citizenship Act became law and resulted in every Australian becoming an Australian citizen, regardless of their race, gender, age, culture or background.

“Before that day, there was no such thing as an Australian passport or an Australian citizen,” he said.  

“Before the 26th of January 1949, those born in Australia, indigenous Australians included, were deemed British subjects under the governance and laws approved by the British monarchy.
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