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Crossbench MP Rebekha Sharkie drawn into citizenship crisis

Rebekha Sharkie was the first NXT MP elected to Parliament.

Rebekha Sharkie was the first NXT MP elected to Parliament. Photo: ABC

Crossbench MP Rebekha Sharkie has been drawn into the citizenship saga engulfing federal parliament.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull warned the South Australian MP on Thursday she may have to refer herself to the High Court.

There are questions over whether the United Kingdom Home Office processed her paperwork for renouncing her British citizenship in time.

Nick Xenophon Team MP lodged her paperwork on April 19 and received confirmation of receipt on June 2.

Ms Sharkie nominated for the seat of Mayo on June 7, two days before nominations closed.

But it was on June 29 the Home Office registered her renunciation.

“I believe that I took all steps that were required by the UK to renounce any entitlement to UK citizenship, that were within my power to do so,” she said.

“I had no control as to the speed at which the UK Home Office processed my application.”

She’s discussed the issue with Nick Xenophon and sought preliminary legal advice.

Ms Sharkie insists she will co-operate with the new parliamentary citizenship disclosure procedures.

“If that process determines my case should be referred to the High Court, I will of course respect that,” she said.

“I am confident that I have complied with section 44 (1) of the constitution.”

-AAP

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