The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today launched a commemorative $1 coin celebrating Australian citizenship and marking the 60th anniversary of the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1949.
The coin, the first of an annual release, portrays the Commonwealth Coat of Arms and the words 'Australian Citizenship'.
"Just sixty years ago, most people living in Australia were regarded as British subjects."
"That all changed on Australia Day, January 26, 1949, when people born here automatically became Australian citizens under the Nationality and Citizenship Act."
"A growing number of people who choose to make Australia home are embracing the status of Australian citizenship."
"The Rudd Government believes Australian citizenship symbolises our unity as a nation."
"It represents a commitment to Australia and its people, the values we share and our common future," said the Assistant Treasurer.
Since the first citizenship ceremony took place on 3 February, 1949, at Albert Hall in Canberra, more than four million migrants have made the pledge of commitment to Australia.
The coin is an important addition to the nation's collectable coin issues and offers people the chance to celebrate the significance of their Australian citizenship - whether a citizen by birth or by choice.
The legal tender, base metal coin has an unrestricted mintage and depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with the 2009 year-date on the obverse.
It comes on a coloured presentation card of iconic Australian symbols. The card incorporates a Certificate of Authenticity and features a fold-out stand for display.
Images of the Australian Citizenship $1 Coin can be found and downloaded from http://www.perthmint.com.au/