TVNZ confirms he was rejected for Australian citizenship

SYDNEY - Controversial Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe is still a Kiwi -- but it will not be long before the Sydney-based celebrity crosses to the dark side.

However, the Daily Telegraph newspaper, today reported the ceremony was called off on the eve of Australia Day because formalities could not be organised in time.

Crowe was to become an Aussie at the Australia Day concert on the lawns of Parliament House. But the ceremony -- set to be telecast live on Channel 10 as part of the concert coverage -- was canned.

- NZPA

The Australian Citizenship (Permanent Resident Status) Legislative Instrument signed by Kevin Andrews:

New Zealanders to be considered Permanent Residents for the purposes of the Citizenship Act 2007

1. A New Zealand citizen who:

(a) was in Australia on 26 February 2001 as the holder of a special category visa; or

(b) was outside Australia on 26 February 2001 but was in Australia as the holder of a special category visa for a period of, or periods that total, not less than 1 year in the 2 years immediately before that date; or

(c) has a certificate, issued under the Social Security Act 1991, that states that the citizen was, for the purposes of that Act, residing in Australia on a particular date, regardless of the date certified or when the certificate is issued

(a) Was Russell Crowe in Australia on 26 February 2001 as the holder of a special category visa?

No - Russell flew to the BAFTA Awards in London on the 25th February 2001;

or

(b) Was Russell Crowe in Australia as the holder of a special category visa for a period of, or periods that total, not less than 1 year in the 2 years immediately before that date?

Highly unlikely, as Russell was busy making and promoting Gladiator and A Beautiful Mind;

or

(c) Does Russell Crowe have a CentreLink certificate authorising that he is elligible for the Dole?

Are you kidding?