Barnaby Joyce says the constitution should be changed to ensure all Australian-born people who don't actively seek other citizenship can legally run for parliament.
The former deputy prime minister is fighting a by-election in his NSW seat of New England after the High Court disqualified him from parliament over his New Zealand citizenship by descent.
Mr Joyce said there was a clear view in his electorate that a referendum was needed to change section 44 of the constitution.
Asked how the change would work, he told Sky News on Thursday: "If you are born in Australia you are an Australian, unless you took active measures to become a citizen of somewhere else.
"It's a very hard argument to argue against."
He took a swipe at acting opposition leader Tanya Plibersek and Labor's Penny Wong, Doug Cameron and Deb O'Neill saying they haven't "coughed up" any details to prove their legitimacy.
"We know that Tanya Plibersek's parents were both born overseas. Now she might be completely legit but she hasn't provided any details," he said.
"We know Penny Wong was born in Malaysia ... probably completely legit but they never provided any details."
He said the government should hold at the same time a referendum on indigenous recognition in the constitution.
"Get it all done in one fell swoop."
