Joyce releases docs to prove he has cut Kiwi ties, as govt turns heat on Labor MPs
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has released documentation proving he's renounced his New Zealand citizenship.
The move has been labelled by some as a bid to 'flush out' Labor MPs that have been accused of hiding their citizenship status.
The Coalition will likely use the document today to challenge Labor MPs Justine Keay, Susan Lamb, Brendan O'Connor, Maria Vamvakinou and Tony Zappia on the grounds they've not done enough to end doubts over their status.
They have been accused of failing to release documents proving they are not dual citizens, however Labor remains adamant they have performed their due diligence.
The three-page documentation obtained by News Corp shows Joyce's Kiwi renunciation had been formalised.
The documentation however will not prevent Joyce's case being heard by the High Court, which will have to decide if Mr Joyce can remain in Parliament.
The outcome of Mr Joyce's case could deal a massive blow to the coalition's one-seat majority.
The High Court will also consider the future of Nationals senator Matt Canavan, former Greens Scott Ludlam and Larissa Waters, and One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts.
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Earlier Joyce had informed parliament he'd received advice last week from the New Zealand High Commission that he could be a citizen of that country through his father, who emigrated to Australia in 1947.
New Zealand’s Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne confirmed on Monday Mr Joyce is a citizen of New Zealand due to his father being born there under the Citizenship Act of 1948.
On Tuesday Foreign Minister Julie Bishop attempted to turn the focus of Mr Joyce's drama back on Labor, accusing them of asking New Zealand Labour to probe into Joyce's family background.
“Bill Shorten has sought to use a foreign political party to raise serious allegations in a foreign parliament designed to undermine confidence in the Australian Government,” Ms Bishop told reporters in Canberra.
“Bill Shorten has serious questions to answer.
“We’re used to the dodgy backroom deals from Bill Shorten when he was leader of the union movement — he’s now brought that not only into Australian politics but now into the international politics.”