Australian Citizenship Day: Why We Celebrate on 17 September
Every year on 17 September, Australia marks Australian Citizenship Day. It is a chance for new and longstanding citizens alike to reflect on what citizenship means. Here is where the day comes from.
When it is celebrated
Australian Citizenship Day falls on 17 September each year. It was celebrated for the first time in 2001.
Why 17 September
The date marks an anniversary. In 1973 the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 was renamed the Australian Citizenship Act 1948, and 17 September marks the anniversary of that change.
How the day came about
The Australian Government established the day in 2001 in response to a recommendation by the Australian Citizenship Council in its 2000 report Australian Citizenship for a New Century. That recommendation came from a proposal of the 1999 National Schools Constitutional Convention that a citizenship day be established so that all Australians could celebrate their citizenship.
How it is celebrated
Every year on this day, Australia welcomes thousands of new citizens in local communities. Home Affairs and local councils hold special citizenship ceremonies, affirmation ceremonies and other events, and schools, organisations and community groups are encouraged to organise their own activities. Home Affairs describes the day as a chance for all Australians, whether citizens by birth or by choice, to reflect on the meaning of citizenship and its responsibilities and privileges.
The values the day celebrates
Home Affairs lists the values Australian citizens commit to, including respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual, freedom of religion, speech and association, commitment to the rule of law, parliamentary democracy, equality of opportunity regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, race or origin, a fair go for all, and English as the national language. Part 4 of Our Common Bond covers these values for the test.
More than 6 million new citizens
According to Home Affairs, Australia has welcomed more than 6 million new citizens since 1949. Every one of them joined through the same final step: making the pledge of commitment to Australia.
What it means for applicants
If you are working towards citizenship, the day is a good reminder of the goal. The path runs through the application, the citizenship test or interview, approval and finally a ceremony where you make the pledge. You only become a citizen once you have made the pledge.
Sources & notes
Based on the Home Affairs citizenship pages, checked on 29 September 2026. Rules, fees and processes can change, so always check your own letters and the current information on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
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