Yet another citizenship blooper

THE Turnbull Government has been thrown into crisis by the resignation of a senior minister who did not know his mother had signed him up as an Italian citizen.

Resources Minister Matt Canavan quit Cabinet last night after finding out that he was a dual citizen, meaning he is constitutionally ineligible to serve in Parliament.

But the Queenslander is determined to keep his place in the Senate, unlike Greens deputy leaders Scott Ludlam and Larissa Waters, who quit this month because they did not know they were dual citizens.

Senator Canavan told the Prime Minister’s office about his citizenship status late on Monday, days after Malcolm Turnbull blasted the “extraordinary negligence” of the Greens.

Senator Canavan — who was born on the Gold Coast — said his mother lodged documents in 2006 to become an Italian citizen and signed him up as well without his knowledge.

“Until last week, I had no suspicion that I could be an Italian citizen. I was not born in Italy and have never been to Italy,” he said.

Mr Turnbull said Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce would take over Senator Canavan’s ministerial portfolios until his “status is resolved”.

The Government will refer the matter to the High Court to determine whether he can remain in Parliament.