Greek citizenship costs Labor candidate right to run for election

“My team and I put every effort into resolving the citizenship question but it is clear we will not get there in time,” Peter Tsambalas said in his withdrawal announcement. Photo: Australian Labor Party

While preselected unopposed by his local branch to compete for this year’s federal election in the seat of Hughes south of Sydney, Peter Tsambalas has been forced to withdraw due to this dual citizenship status.

Mr Tsambalas, who was born in Australia to Greek migrant parents, announced he had to quit the race over eligibility concerns on Thursday.

“My team and I put every effort into resolving the citizenship question but it is clear we will not get there in time,” he wrote in his message on social media.

The process to officially renounce his Greek citizenship started in December 2021, but by the first week of April he was yet to receive the confirmation by Greek authorities.

According to section 44 of Australia’s constitution people who are “under any acknowledgment of allegiance, obedience, or adherence to a foreign power” – thus, dual citizens included – are disqualified from sitting in parliament.

Both sides of politics have acknowledged section 44 to be an obstacle to candidates of multicultural heritage. However no exceptions apply and a change to the eligibility criteria would require a referendum.

Meanwhile, Mr Tsambala’s departure, just three days as it turned out before the official declaration of the election date on 21 May – leaves the south Sydney seat he would contest, up for grabs in the party.

“We spent several months working hard on the campaign and I believe I would have taken the fight up well in Hughes. However, I now look forward to giving whatever assistance I can to the successful Labor candidate in this important election.”

Craig Kelly, who resigned from the Liberal party over his views on COVID-19 and vaccination, currently holds the seat with a 9.3% margin.

Mr Kelly will be running as a candidtae for the United Australia Party.

Also running for the seat of Hughes are independent candidates Georgia Steele and Linda Seymour.

Politicians who had to renounce their Greek citizenship before entering politics include Federal MP Maria Vamvakinou and former Senator Nick Xenophon. Others including Liberal MPs Alex Hawke and Julia Banks (former Liberal MP) have denied having ever acquired Greek citizenship despite their parents being Greek.