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The British High Commission in Canberra has issued a news release in
response to the efforts of the Australian government to persuade
long-term British residents in Australia to take out Australian
citizenship.

In particular, the High Commission has stated that it does not
normally provide consular assistance to long-term British residents of
Australia, even if they have not taken out Australian citizenship.
Under international convention, dual nationals are normally ineligible
for consular assistance in the country of their other nationality.

It is clarified that British citizens do not lose their status on
becoming Australian citizens.

The relatively small number of people who have other forms of British
nationality (it's clear in one's passport) should get some official or
professional advice in writing before proceeding with an Australian
citizenship application if their British status is important to them.

Jeremy

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http://www.uk.emb.gov.au/CURRENT_AFF...hip_280803.htm

British High Commission release: 28 August 2003

The Australian Government is encouraging long-term residents of the
country to apply for citizenship in the lead-up to the Australian
Citizenship Day on 17 September, and has made a specific appeal to
British long-term residents.

British High Commissioner Sir Alastair Goodlad said that many British
nationals had sought clarification of the impact upon their UK
citizenship of acquiring Australian citizenship.

"The UK Government has no objection to British citizens holding
another nationality. A person's British citizenship would not be
affected should he or she acquire Australian citizenship," Sir
Alastair said.


Notes to Editors:

The following information is provided as guidance only.

1. The Australian Government's citizenship website states: "Australia
does not require you to renounce your citizenship when you become an
Australian citizen. Whether you lose your former citizenship when you
become an Australian citizen (depends) … upon the citizenship laws of
the other country." (www.citizenship.gov.au)

2. The Home Office in the UK states: "In general there is no
restriction, in UK law, on a British national being a citizen of
another country as well. So, if you get another nationality, you will
not lose your British nationality." However, there are special rules
for British protected persons, and certain British subjects, and they
should check with the Home Office. (www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk)

3. In consular matters British citizens who are long-term residents of
Australia are already, under long-standing convention, treated de
facto as citizens of Australia. UK missions in Australia do not,
therefore, normally provide consular assistance to long-term British
residents. Dual nationals travelling outside their countries of
nationality would be expected to turn to the mission of the country of
the passport on which they traveled should they need consular
assistance.

4. Acquisition of Australian citizenship by a long-term resident
should not affect that person's entitlement to UK pension or other
government payments.



This is not intended to be legal advice in any jurisdiction