Sydney: Australia’s “accidental Kiwi” deputy prime minister renounced his New Zealand citizenship on Tuesday amid sheep jokes, Hollywood taunts and conspiracy theories about a left-wing plot to topple Canberra’s conservative government.
Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce (pictured) revealed his New Zealand connection on Monday, sparking calls for him to stand down as it is illegal for dual citizens to sit in the Australian parliament.
By Tuesday afternoon, Joyce told parliament that authorities in Wellington had agreed he could renounce the New Zealand citizenship unknowingly acquired from his Dunedin-born father.
“We received verbal communication from New Zealand before question time that has now been accepted and we’re looking forward to the written advice turning up pronto,” he said.
The deputy Australian leader was “shellshocked” to learn last week of automatically qualifying as a New Zealander even though he had never applied for citizenship.
New Zealand officials said queries from Australian journalists prompted last week’s discovery about Joyce’s status.— AFP
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