Senator Matt Canavan has stepped aside from the Ministry and resigned as Minister for Resources and Northern Australia after knowledge of his Italian Citizenship status was brought to light.
“According to the Italian Government I am a Citizen of Italy,” Mr Canavan said.
“In 2006 my mother lodged documents with the Italian Consulate in Brisbane to become an Italian citizen. In doing so it would appear that she made an application for me to come an Italian citizen as well.”
Mr Canavan states he had no knowledge of his Italian citizenship nor did he request to become one. It was not until last week that his citizenship status with Italy was brought to his attention.
“It is not my intention to resign from the senate, however, given my uncertainty with this matter I will stand aside until the matter is finally resolved and resign as the Minister for Resources and Northern Australia,” Mr Canavan said.
In the interim, Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce, will act in that capacity until Senator Canavan’s status is resolved.
