Kiefel CJ
Bell J
Gageler J
Keane J
Nettle J
Gordon J
Edelman J
34.
Senator the Hon Fiona Nash
Senator Nash nominated for election to the Senate on 1 June 2016. In completing the nomination form, Senator Nash read the text of s 44(i). At the time, she believed that she was a citizen of Australia and of no other country. Senator Nash was returned on 5 August 2016 as a senator for New South Wales at the general election for the Parliament held on 2 July 2016.
Senator Nash was born in Sydney in May 1965. Her father, Raemond Morton, was born in East Lothian, Scotland in 1927. Her mother, Joy Hird, was born in Sydney, New South Wales in January 1928. Her mother travelled to the United Kingdom to work as a doctor when she was aged in her twenties. She met Senator Nash's father in London and the two were married in April 1956 in Essex, England. Following the marriage, Senator Nash's older sisters were born in England. Sometime between 1960 and 1962, Senator Nash's family moved to Australia. Her parents divorced in 1973 when she was eight years old. Thereafter Senator Nash was raised by her mother and had little contact with her father until the later years of his life. As a child, Senator Nash was aware that her father was born in Scotland. She was also aware that her sisters were British citizens, having been born in England.
Senator Nash was educated in New South Wales and following completion of her studies she worked with her husband in a mixed farming business in Crowther, New South Wales. She was sworn in as a senator for New South Wales on 1 July 2005 and has served as a senator since that time.
On 14 August 2017, following Mr Joyce MP's statement to the House of Representatives concerning his citizenship status, Senator Nash sought advice from the United Kingdom Home Office concerning her status. On 14 August 2017, Senator Nash was advised by an official of the Home Office of his view that she was a British citizen. On 17 August 2017, Senator Nash received a copy of the opinion of Mr Laurie Fransman QC, that she was a British citizen. Before 14 August 2017 Senator Nash did not know that she was a British citizen. It was her belief that if she wished to become a British citizen she would have to apply to have the status conferred on her. Senator Nash has never visited the United Kingdom, nor has she sought or received any privileges from the United Kingdom by reason of her citizenship. On 18 August 2017, Senator Nash completed a declaration renouncing her British citizenship. On 21 August 2017, Senator Nash received confirmation from the Home Office that she is no longer a British citizen.
