Until we have citizenship why can't the federal & state govt just charge us a fee to enrol to vote as an nz citizen living in Australia?

Actor Russell Crowe has lied to the public this week.  He has said he can't get citizenship.  This is incorrect.  He has chosen not to apply in the past.  He has been here in Australia for 46 years so has had ample opportunity.  His parents could have applied when he was a child or he could have applied when he was married to Danielle Spencer.

There are other visas he could apply for - investor visa, special talent, or could apply for sponsorship or one of the regional visas.

It seems that Crowe just wants citizenship for free.

This said it is highly unfair that NZ citizens can work here indefinitely yet we cannot participate in democracy.  The NSW election is this week and NZ citizens could potentially live here for several years without the right to vote.  I have been here for eight years on and off and can't yet vote.  As the majority of NZ citizens are here on a permanent basis we should have the right to vote, at least at a council and state level after being here x number of years.  It wouldn't be too hard to check immigration records.

I'm planning to get citizenship myself when I have the fee.  While I don't think that Kiwi citizens should get citizenship in Australia for nothing, I do think the reforms introduced by the former Howard government need to be relaxed so that after say five years we can just pay a fee and get citizenship or even a fee to have the right to vote without citizenship.

The unfortunate thing is that those who do have the right don't care that others don't have a basic and fundamental right.  We are being excluded from democracy.

I would happily pay a fee to be able to vote in each election until I am a citizen, something like $500-$1000.  That would show commitment and loyalty to Australia.

NSW policies affect everyone who lives in the state, not just those with citizenship.