1Naturalization Act 1903

NATURALIZATION.

No. 11 of 1903.

An Act relating to Naturalization.

[Assented to 13th October, 1903.]

BE it enacted by the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, as follows :—

Short title.

1. This Act may he cited as the Naturalization Act 1903.

Commencement.

2. This Act shall commence on a day to be fixed by proclamation.*

Definition.

3. In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears—

“British subject” means a natural-born British subject or a naturalized person.

“Certificate of naturalization” means a certificate of naturalization granted under this Act, and being, at the time when it is relied upon in connexion with any provision of this Act, unrevoked.

“Justice of the Peace” means a Justice of the Peace of the Commonwealth, or of a State.

“Naturalized” means naturalized under this Act.

“Statutory declaration” means a statutory declaration within the meaning of any law of the Commonwealth, or of the State in which the declaration is made, relating to statutory declarations.

“The Minister” means the Minister for External Affairs.

Person naturalized in a State deemed to be naturalized.

4. A person who has before the passing of this Act obtained in a State or in a colony which has become a State a certificate of naturalization or letters of naturalization shall be deemed to be naturalized.

Persons who may apply for certificate of naturalization.

Cf. U.K., Natur. Act 1870, s. 7.

N.S.W., 1898, No. 21, S3. 5, 9.

Vic. No. 1063, ss. 5, 9 ; No. 1462, S. 6.

S.A. 1864, No. 5, S3. 7, 12.

W.A. 35 Vic, No. 2, S. 4.

5. A person resident in the Commonwealth, not being a British subject, and not being an aboriginal native of Asia, Africa, or the Islands of the Pacific, excepting New Zealand, who intends to settle in the Commonwealth, and who—

(a) has resided in Australia continuously for two years immediately preceding the application; or

(b) has obtained in the United Kingdom a certificate of naturalization or letters of naturalization,

may apply to the Governor-General for a certificate of naturalization.

* Proclaimed to commence 1st January, 1904. See Gazette, 14th November, 1903.

Evidence in support of application.