Privilege — Hon Harry Duynhoven—Dutch Citizenship

The Hon Harry Duynhoven has raised with me a question relating to the application of section 55(1)(c) of the Electoral Act. The matter concerns Mr Duynhoven’s Dutch citizenship, a citizenship which he has held from his birth but which he lost in 1995 and regained, following a change in Dutch law, last month.

As questions relating to the right of members to sit in the House have always been treated as questions of privilege, I have determined that a question of privilege is involved in respect of this matter. It consequently stands referred to the Privileges Committee for consideration. I hope that the committee will give this matter its highest priority.

I will be guided in my actions under the Electoral Act by the committee’s report and the House’s conclusions on it.