A minister in the Australian government has been forced to resign after finding out he has dual Italian-Australian citizenship.

Resources Minister Matt Canavan left the Cabinet after his mother told him he had Italian citizenship last week.

It comes after co-deputy leaders of the Green Party Larissa Waters and Scott Ludlam stood down less than a week apart over the issue earlier in July.

They were forced to resign because of a clause in the Australian constitution that says any person who is "a citizen" of a "foreign power" is "incapable of being chosen or of sitting as a senator or a member of the House of Representatives".

'It was my fault': Australian senator's teary resignation

Mr Canavan, who was elected in 2013, said he was not born in Italy and had never visited the country.


But his mother, who has never been to Italy either and was also born in Australia, registered herself and her son for overseas citizenship at the Italian consulate in Brisbane in 2006.

As a result, Mr Canavan said: "According to the Italian Government, I am a citizen of Italy."

The 36-year-old Queensland senator said that because he did not sign any papers himself, he had no knowledge he had become an Italian citizen or even requested to become one.

Australia's attorney general said that because his citizenship was not obtained with his knowledge, he may not have to resign from Parliament.

George Brandis said he intends to refer the matter to Australia's High Court when Parliament returns from its recess.

Image: Senator Scott Ludlam was also forced to stand down as he is also a New Zealand citizen

Mr Canavan added: "In the short time available I have not been able to obtain definitive legal advice as to whether my registration as an Italian citizen, without my knowledge or consent, was valid under Italian law.

"I am seeking to obtain that advice presently."

He suggested he may return to the government if his status becomes clear.