One of Australia’s most prominent Aboriginal elders and activists –Patrick Dodson, a Labor MP known as “the Father of Reconciliation” – has become the latest politician whose nationality has come under question following concerns he may be Irish via his father.

In yet another bizarre twist in the country’s dual citizenship crisis – which has so far forced six MPs out of parliament – Mr Dodson, a member of the Yawuru Aboriginal people in Western Australia, has faced queries about his eligibility because John “Snowy” Dodson, his father, was allegedly an Irish-Australian.

Mr Dodson, a member of Australia’s upper house and widely respected Aboriginal advocate, became an MP last year and began his maiden speech in his Aboriginal language, stating: “Yawurugun Janu buru Rubibi. I am from Broome [in north-west Australia] … I am a Banaga man.”

But, as with numerous other MPs, questions have swirled around his ancestry since the High Court confirmed that the constitution strictly forbids dual nations from becoming parliamentarians. If Mr Dodson’s father was born in Ireland, the MP may have automatically become an Irish citizen and would therefore be deemed ineligible to serve.

Responding to queries, Mr Dodson said in a statement that his father was born in Australia.