CANBERRA - Five new Australian parliamentarians have been ousted for holding dual citizenship when they were elected.
Last year, 10 MPs and senators were removed from office for violating a constitutional rule that prohibits federal political candidates from being dual nationals.
On Wednesday, Senator Katy Gallagher was ruled ineligible by a court in what was widely viewed as a fresh test case.
Four other politicians who were under scrutiny resigned after the verdict.
Ms Gallagher and lower house MPs Justine Keay, Josh Wilson and Susan Lamb are members of the opposition Labor party. The fifth MP, Rebekha Sharkie, is part of minor party Centre Alliance.
The dual citizenship saga has destabilised Australian politics since last July, at times threatening Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's majority in the House of Representatives.
Mr Turnbull could increase his majority if he wins any of the vacant lower house seats.(FA)
