Tasmanian independent Senator Jacqui Lambie has revealed her father was born in Scotland, but strongly denies any claims she may hold dual citizenship as a result.
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In the latest twist in the federal Parliament’s ongoing citizenship saga – which has claimed five senators, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce – Senator Lambie will now face scrutiny over her citizenship status.
The news comes just two days after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced he would move for federal MPs and senators to provide their citizenship documentation within a three-week period.
But she says she has “no concerns” about her citizenship or her parents’.
“I am proud of my Scottish ancestry and my father is, too,” Senator Lambie said.
“I found out more about his family background in recent weeks as I wrote my autobiography ahead of its publication next year.
“I’m happy to put on record that I’m satisfied that my parents are both Australian citizens and I have no concerns about me being a dual citizen because of where they were born or came from.”
Senator Lambie said her paternal grandfather had come to Australia to enlist in the army when her father was an infant.
“As far as I’m concerned all their affairs are in order as are mine,” she said.
“A citizenship audit of all parliamentarians will clear the air once and for all which is why I’m supporting such a move 100 per cent.”
Senator Lambie was not the only federal parliamentarian to have their citizenship status questioned on Wednesday, as Braddon Labor MP Justine Keay also faced fresh calls to test her eligibility to serve in the Parliament.
On Wednesday afternoon, Mr Turnbull met with federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten in an unsuccessful attempt to reach common ground on how best to resolve the citizenship crisis.
Mr Shorten rejected Mr Turnbull’s 21 day deadline proposal, believing MPs and senators should be given a shorter time-frame.