Has Australia declared independence?
Australia WAS formally granted independence, but not in one go. Australia was formed as a federation in 1901 with powers of self governance, but at the time remained part of the British Empire. Later, in 1931 the Statute of Westminster meant the transfer of nearly all powers concerning the governance of Australia to Australia itself from Britain. Finally in 1986 Australia Act cut all ties to Britain. Therefore today Australia is completely independent and sovereign. And, no, having Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State does not make Australia any less independent, as the Australian Monarchy is legally separate from the British Monarchy and the Queen is also officially titled ‘Queen of Australia’.
Australia is a independent nation with a Constitutional Monarchy and a Parliamentary Democracy. Australia is a Commonwealth Realm which means they retain Queen Elizabeth II as their Head of State, although in theory Her Majesty witholds special ‘Executive’ powers in reserve she is uniquely written in to the Australian Constitution. Any Political links between Great Britain and Australia were devolved in the 1930’s by the ‘Statute of Westminster’ and then by the ‘Act of Australia’ in the 1980’s. Australia still retains the Union Jack on their flag to show their heritage. Great Britain and Australia are very much still linked together through our shared Culture, Institutions and Monarchy. also the sacrifices made by Commonwealth troops in the World Wars.
Australia gained their independence on 1 January 1901as part of the federation of UK colonies. Although they are a federal parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm, with the British Monarchy as their chief of state, they are an independent and sovereign nation. There was no declaration of independence, their independence was granted.
