Derryn Hinch faces Section 44 uncertainty over US social security card

Crossbench Senator Derryn Hinch confirms he still holds a social security card from his time living in New York in the 1960s and 1970s, which could be a breach of Section 44 of the constitution.

The Victorian senator has confirmed that he still holds a US social security card from his time living in New York in the 1960s and 1970s, which could be a breach of the constitution.

Section 44 of the constitution not only bans anyone with allegiance to a foreign power from sitting in parliament, it also disqualifies anyone who is “entitled to the rights or privileges of a subject or a citizen of a foreign power”.

Senator Hinch said he would seek legal advice, and acknowledged he could join the ranks of seven other parliamentarians already facing the High Court over their eligibility.

“I plan to raise the issue with the solicitor-general and, if necessary, will refer myself to the High Court, acting as the Court of Disputed Returns,” he said in a statement.

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But the crossbencher said he did not believe he was in breach of the constitution.

“I have never held US citizenship. I have never held a Green Card,” Senator Hinch said.

“I do have a social security number because I worked for the Sydney Morning Herald in New York and automatically acquired one. It stays with you, citizen or not, until you die.

Source: Derryn Hinch faces Section 44 uncertainty over US social security card – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)