Peter Dutton has proposed the idea of a referendum to give the federal government more power to deport dual citizens convicted of serious crimes. Despite previously stating that the Indigenous voice referendum was a waste of money, Dutton is now considering an election pledge for a referendum on government’s ability to cancel citizenship for people convicted of crimes like terrorism. Shadow attorney general, Michaelia Cash, downplayed the idea, stating that the Coalition has no plans for such a referendum but is keeping all options on the table. Federal treasurer, Jim Chalmers, called Dutton’s proposal “bizarre” and accused him of trying to distract from his plan to slash spending and the public service. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dismissed the idea as another “thought bubble” from Dutton that didn’t last till lunchtime. Dutton previously proposed and then abandoned another referendum to symbolically recognize Indigenous Australians in the constitution. He argued that a referendum is needed due to a high court ruling in 2022 that found it unconstitutional for a government minister to strip citizenship. Dutton claimed that such a push would target individuals who hate our country and want to cause terrorist attacks, emphasizing that losing citizenship should be expected if someone betrays their allegiance to the country. The government has no plans to hold a referendum at this stage, but Dutton’s suggestion received support from Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie, who suggested Australia could have a constitutional convention. Michaelia Cash later said that the Coalition is prepared to consider all options to protect the country and keep Australians safe. Dutton’s previous referendum suggestion regarding constitutionally enshrining the Indigenous voice was later reneged on, with him stating that the Australian public is probably over the referendum process. Jim Chalmers accused Dutton of trying to fix his mistakes made as part of the former government and suggested that his idea was a distraction from the economy and his proposed cuts.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/18/peter-dutton-referendum-deporting-australia-dual-citizenship-criminals