In John Clarkson's (Narangba, Qld) posting dated 20/08/2004 of his letter to the Prime Minister, amongst others, he states that he is opposed to the change in the law, enacted by the current government, to allow dual nationality. He seems to think that this was a new development.

It is not.

Dual nationality has always been allowed for people emigrating to Australia and becoming naturalised whose country of origin allowed it and Australian citizens who were entitled, by birth, to the nationality of their parents (or even grandparents in the case of some countries). These groups represent in excess of 2.5m Australians.

The only people who lost their Australian Citizenship if they 'acquired' foreign nationality were those Australians who were not already entitled to it.

Therefore the repeal of Section 17 of the Australian Citizenship Act (1948) just brought the law into line for all Australians. It does, however, mean that an ever increasing group of people are precluded from standing for Federal Parliament - is that good for our democracy?

I would like John to note that in 1948, when the Citizenship Act was passed, Australians travelling abroad still did so on a British passport - I suppose they should have stayed at home.