Matt Canavan sends Coalition into a spin
Nationals young gun Matt Canavan stepped down from Malcolm Turnbull’s Cabinet last night after discovering that he could be an Italian citizen.
Mr Canavan's mother evidently tried to make him an Italian citizen 11 years ago, although Mr Canavn was unaware of his mother's actions.
His mother, Maria, told Mr Canavan last week that in 2006 she filed documents with the Italian consulate for herself and her three children to become Italian residents.
Mr Canavan, who was 25 years old at the time, never actually signed any documents.
“Until last week, I had no suspicion that I could be an Italian citizen. I was not born in Italy and have never been to Italy," said Mr Canavan.
“Following the reporting of Senator (Scott) Ludlam and Senator (Larissa) Waters (who resigned from the Senate after learning they were dual citizens), my mother raised with me the possibility that I was an Italian citizen last week.
“The Italian authorities have confirmed that the application for Italian citizenship was not signed by me ... I have not received any correspondence from Italian authorities about my citizenship status and they have not been able to provide any such records.
“In the short time, available I have not been able to obtain definitive legal advice as to whether my registration as an Italian citizen, without my knowledge or consent, was valid under Italian law.
“I am seeking to obtain that advice presently. On the basis of the advice the Government has obtained, it is not my intention to resign from the Senate.
“However, given the uncertainty raised by this matter, I will stand aside until the matter is finally resolved.”
Senator Canavan is relinquishing his Resources and Northern Australia portfolios, but will remain in the Senate until the matter is settled by the High Court.
His mother may have lodged for Italian citizenship after it was learned that in 2007 Mr Canavan's father, Bryan Michael Canavan and Phillip Michael Gardiner, stole nearly $1.6 million between them while holding senior anti-fraud positions at Nestlé.
Is it time that there was a 'citizenship sweep' of the Senate? With Australia being so multicultural, is there a way we can bypass this dual citizenship law? Or do you think it's appropriate?
(amendment: Matt Canavan was a Nationals senator)
Now they ear questioning those whose parents and even grandparents born overseas how ridiculouse and parochial . Poor old Shorten his father was born in England , and he has lost control of the lefties nutters .