There was no struggle of Australia wanting to go it alone or wars being fought. No dramatic lowering of one flag and the raising of another. No, it was the other way around. It was Great Britain that pushed Australia kicking and screaming into independence. The process began in 1921 and culminated in 1931 with the passing of the statute.
It could be said that because most Australians don’t think it is important we should ignore it. However, the facts are quite different, it is more about how authorities bungled and covered up the introduction that we have this widespread ignorance today.
Why has Australia ignored its independence for seventy-five years? Australian Independence, Colony to Reluctant Kingdom by W.J. Hudson and M.P. Sharp, published in 1988 by Melbourne University Press, suggested that it suited Australia’s leaders to still be dependent on Great Britain and they resisted independence for several reasons. They feared Japanese expansion at the time, and wanted to encourage Britain’s Navy to stay in Australia’s region. The irony is, that during the Second World War it was Australia that went to Great Britain’s aid. Another reason was the politicians believed the Australian people did not want to be seen as independent of Britain. Their solution was simple -- ignore it.
Why did the press and historians ignore our independence? This behaviour has created much confusion to our historical and legal processes, with more attention and argument about when we became independent rather than rejoicing in the fact.
This confusion has set back embracing our independence and our sovereignty. Palmer in Palmer’s Australian Politics Website suggested that immediately following Federation in 1901 Australia was not an independent nation. It was a self-governing colony within the nation of the British Empire. Great Britain still retained a veto over any legislation passed by the Australian Parliament.
William Morris Hughes Prime Minister of Australia February 1923 to October 1945. He attended the first Imperial Conference in 1921
Independence for the executive arm of the Commonwealth Government was confirmed by the Statute of Westminster in 1931, following Imperial Conferences in 1921, 1926 and 1930. Although Australia resisted the Statute, and had clauses inserted that said it did not apply to Australia until ratified by the Australian Parliament, the fact that Great Britain passed the legislation meant they were saying to Australia 'be gone, you are independent look after yourself', it didn’t matter that Australia resisted.
Independence for the judiciary was achieved by various acts in 1931, 1968, 1975, and 1986. Independence for the six states was achieved in 1986 by the Australia Act 1986.
There are other dates thrown into the mix to further confuse. The above confusion has given rise to such bewildering statements as Australia achieved nationhood and independence sometime between the end of the First World War and the end of the Second World War. Some barristers and lawyers have uttered these airy statements when the Australian people needed guidance.
In 1921 Great Britain wanted to relinquish control over some of her Dominions and started Imperial Conferences with Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Newfoundland and Irish Free State. These conferences continued until 1931 when Great Britain passed the Statute of Westminster relinquishing the power of veto over legislation passed by the dominions. According to an opinion expressed in Australian Independence, Colony to Reluctant Kingdom, this was the day that Australia became an independent nation.
It is obvious that the 11th December 1931 is the most important date in the process of Australia’s total independence. It’s time to bring Independence into the mix where it should be, right up alongside Federation and Anzac day.
We all saw the result of Australians not knowing our history during the Republican debate. We should know what happened in our past because it points the way to the future. Some Australians still think we are under British rule and there was confusion about our relationship and the role of the Queen and the British Government in Australia’s affairs. This confusion allowed Monarchists to promote outrageous claims, split the republicans in the Republican debate, and win an election when it was clear, by the Morgan Poll, the majority of Australians supported a republic. The Australian people fell for the Monarchist misinformation campaign because our education system failed to teach us the history of our own country.
HEAD OF STATE
Before during and after Federation the Governor-General represented the British Government as well as the Crown. At an Imperial Conference in 1926, this was changed to the G-G would represent only the Crown.
Viscount Stanley Melbourne Bruce Prime Minister of Australia February 1923 to October 1929 at the time of the Imperial Conferences in 1923 and 1926.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister of Australia would recommend who would be appointed G-G and the Crown had to accept that recommendation. Therefore, the assertion that we are still under British rule because the Queen is our Head of State is false. In practice, the Queen has only two powers – to appoint and dismiss the Governor General. These powers are only available to the crown on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, so it could be argued that she has no power at all. If that is true then why is she our head of State?
INDEPENDENCE DAY
After neglect and confusion over our independence, we should declare that Australia is the Independent Commonwealth of Australia. We should celebrate Independence Day on the 11th of December. One of our other frivolous holidays could go. Our Parliament should recognise the 11th of December as Independence Day. Our schools should teach us about Independence Day and our Politicians should promote Independence Day. We should tell the world about our independence and how proud we are to be independent Australians.
We need to ignite our passions. We need to wear it on our sleeve and declare it proudly to whoever needs to know.
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USA says on 2012-02-11 06:07:52 about uBCJfhxXdYHRflC
KWyyFD Totally agree with you, about a week ago wrote about the same in my blog..!!
Kourtz says on 2011-05-09 16:19:38 about
Heyy, It's alright
WELLDUH says on 2011-01-25 02:37:08 about It's kinda taught in school and most people know. Nothing secret.
It's hardly secret. It tells you how ignorant Americans are.
Cainyz says on 2010-05-03 22:29:04 about About Austrelian independent
a very intresting topic topic, actually im still not sure Austrelia got independent. Cos i read from another saying 1901, another 1931, cant d Austrelia make d date (year) official? Cos this type of question can fail a student in a exam. Thanks
pg tips says on 2010-02-10 12:41:30 about astralia
cool
Stu says on 2009-10-08 07:53:10 about Australian Independence
Australia didn't achieve legal independence until March 3rd 1986. This is because the Menzies era stalled any efforts to Australianize our institutions for 3 decades, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s. You can say that Australia was politically independent after WWII but not legally independent until 1986.
aki says on 2009-06-10 05:33:28 about Australian Independence
the Indians and Australians may have behaved similarly toward achieving their independences from the UK but the fact of the matter is Indians were more numerous than the Native Ausies and when a large number of poeple continously resist the British rule , they were left with fewer options but to grant Independence .
The Indians wanted complete independence from British Empire but Australia on the other hand needed protection and security from the British Empire more than Independence . Native Australians were discriminated and removed from their families termed as 'Stolen Generations' which is described as a dark chapter in their history . The population was mostly descendented from immigrant Europeans who had more cultural ties with the
UK. India on the other hand had its native population still intact to tackle the British
India does celebrate her independence to this very day as a rememebrance and to pay respect to the sweat and blood of thousands of heroes who sacrificed their lives for the cause.
Thank you.
sexyulina says on 2009-05-28 22:29:58 about questions
who is the president of australia please answer me? =D
amber says on 2009-05-11 12:28:59 about Australia independant?
all i need was a date and by who..
NO HELP!
huge guy says on 2009-04-22 10:20:38 about australia
everyone should like this topic it is stupid
Albert Fish says on 2009-04-01 04:13:47 about www.basicfraud.com
Have a look at www.basicfraud.com as I believe it adds substance to the material on this site.
Emma says on 2009-02-20 04:55:51 about ...
This was no help to me at all
Andrew says on 2009-02-02 16:43:48 about The United Kingdom
To be fair, is it not the fact the the european australian settlers mostly come from the United Kingdom. Therefore they feel culturally attached to the UK. As time goes on Australia will drift away from the UK. The UK is now more attached to its European neighbours by way of the European Union.
Rodney says on 2009-01-23 06:42:49 about Australian Independence
Please ignore the comparison between the Australia Act 1986 and the Indian Independence Act 1947. It is not valid.
Sorry.
Rodney says on 2009-01-23 06:41:48 about Australian Independence
Please ignore the comparison between the Australia Act 1986 and the Indian Independence Act 1947. It is not valid.
Sorry.
Rodney says on 2009-01-17 22:08:34 about Australian Independence
You are wrong. Australian Independence was finally achieved March 3rd 1986.
don't believe me compare that act to the India Independence Act of 1947.
AUSTRALIAN INDEPENDENCE COMPARE THE ACTS:
PLEASE compare Australia's position today with that of the Indian Government in 1947. The Indian Government declared Independence from Britain in 1947, EVEN THOUGH 'King George VI' was there Head of State until 1950.
Australia passed a similar act called the Australia Act 1986 which came into operation on March 3rd 1986, like the India at that time we still have a British monarch as our Head of State, yet unlike the India we still do not celebrate this day as our independence day from Britain.
For confirmation of what I am saying please compare the Indian Act with the Australian Act below:
Indian Independence Act 1947
(2) No law and no provision of any law made by the Legislature of either of the new Dominions shall be void or inoperative on the ground that it is repugnant to the law of England, or to the provisions of this or any existing or future Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom.
Australia Act 1986 (Cth)
(2) No law and no provision of any law made after the commencement of this Act by the Parliament of a State shall be void or inoperative on the ground that it is repugnant to the law of England, or to the provisions of any existing or future Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.
Indian Independence Act 1947
(4) No Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed... shall extend, or be deemed to extend, to either or the new Dominions as part of the law of that dominion unless it is extended thereto by a law of the Legislature of the Dominion.
Australia Act 1986 (Cth)
(1) No Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed... shall extend, or be deemed to extend, to the Commonwealth, to a State or to a Territory as part of the law of the Commonwealth, of the State or of the Territory.
Rodney says on 2009-01-17 22:08:03 about Australian Independence
You are wrong. Australian Independence was finally achieved March 3rd 1986.
don't belive me compare that act to the India Independence Act of 1947.
AUSTRALIAN INDEPENDENCE COMPARE THE ACTS:
PLEASE compare Australia's position today with that of the Indian Government in 1947. The Indian Government declared Independence from Britain in 1947, EVEN THOUGH 'King George VI' was there Head of State until 1950.
Australia passed a similar act called the Australia Act 1986 which came into operation on March 3rd 1986, like the India at that time we still have a British monarch as our Head of State, yet unlike the India we still do not celebrate this day as our independence day from Britain.
For confirmation of what I am saying please compare the Indian Act with the Australian Act below:
Indian Independence Act 1947
(2) No law and no provision of any law made by the Legislature of either of the new Dominions shall be void or inoperative on the ground that it is repugnant to the law of England, or to the provisions of this or any existing or future Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom.
Australia Act 1986 (Cth)
(2) No law and no provision of any law made after the commencement of this Act by the Parliament of a State shall be void or inoperative on the ground that it is repugnant to the law of England, or to the provisions of any existing or future Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.
Indian Independence Act 1947
(4) No Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed... shall extend, or be deemed to extend, to either or the new Dominions as part of the law of that dominion unless it is extended thereto by a law of the Legislature of the Dominion.
Australia Act 1986 (Cth)
(1) No Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed... shall extend, or be deemed to extend, to the Commonwealth, to a State or to a Territory as part of the law of the Commonwealth, of the State or of the Territory.
ray ray says on 2008-11-24 13:29:30 about your awsome
you look so handsome and rich
Cha says on 2008-09-27 05:11:52 about Australia's Independence
i was very impress with your writing about Australia, as a student of International Relations it was a big help in my research!!!!!thank you so much....
Lejon says on 2008-06-05 00:28:08 about Australias Secret Independence
Who are we ? Since 3rd March 1986 we have been citizens of the Australian Nation ie: Australian Nationals or simply Australians .
If you have come from another country - for instance Britain or any other country and have not taken out citizenship you are technically an alien . ( and can be deported )
Multicultural does not mean multinational .
All Australian citizens are Australian Nationals regardless of where they came from .
Jezz says on 2008-05-28 05:15:31 about Australian Independence
The question now stands, who are we?
Do we have a general identity since we are a multicultural country?
adzzzo says on 2008-05-15 08:52:15 about
oh well my great grandparents moved to australia as english setlers after it became an independent country
nick says on 2008-03-25 09:39:41 about independance of australia
i think it's boring because they're stupid
Andrew says on 2007-12-31 01:56:58 about Australian independance, true but not true
This is a issue that will continue to be brushed under the carpet in the minds of most Australians. I however are enternally sad of the ignorance many of my fellow Australians show towards our countries identity and history. As in all countries there will be those that just aren't interested and prefer to use their talents on other topics, this is good they can then make the country stronger by other means but who bothers me the most are those who claim to be Nationalists but in fact prefer Australia to act on the world stage as a servant of another. This phobia has been in the minds of those who matter ever since our founding and it is time someone rose to the challenge and faised the mindthought out.
Andrew says on 2007-12-31 01:55:55 about Australian independance, true but not true
This is a issue that will continue to be brushed under the carpet in the minds of most Australians. I however are enternally sad of the ignorance many of my fellow Australians show towards our countries identity and history. As in all countries there will be those that just aren't interested and prefer to use their talents on other topics, this is good they can then make the country stronger by other means but who bothers me the most are those who claim to be Nationalists but in fact prefer Australia to act on the world stage as a servant of another. This phobia has been in the minds of those who matter ever since our founding and it is time someone rose to the challenge and faised the mindthought out.
Lejon says on 2007-08-06 09:59:21 about Australias Secret Independence
Australia is a completely independent country - the Statute of Westminster 1931 was just one of many steps taken toward Independence but it was not the final step .
After the Statute of Westminster 1931 Australia was still referred to as a British Dominion . The Statute refers to Australia as a Dominion not a Sovereign Nation .
The Westminster Parliament still retained ' ultimate ' Sovereignty over Australia . In effect all it had done was agree to consult before passing legislation that would effect Australia .
And that agreement only applied to a particular level of government - the Federal level . At the State level of Australian government that agreement did not apply .
It is commonly thought that the States therefore remained ' colonies ' . But as the States had ceased to be colonies at Federation in 1901 ( see S.8 of the Constitution ) and had become simply component parts of the Commonwealth ( which was itself considered to be the Colony ).
What this means is that the British Government had not relingquished its Sovereignty over Australia in 1931 but had simply agreed to an increase in the autonomy of a certain level of government within its Dominion .
On the other hand the Australia Acts of the 3rd of March 1986 terminated any jurisdiction over either the Commonwealth or the states of Australia by the British Government . And for the first time ever referred to Australia as having the ' status ' of a Sovereign Independent Nation .
The fact that Australia operates as a Constitutional Monarchy has nothing to do with its political status - it is still a Sovereign Independent Nation . Becoming a Republic is simply a change of operating procedure . The argument is one about which is a better technical process not about political status ........... plus a change of symbolism .
Linda says on 2007-02-10 04:01:32 about Australia independant? Not a well known topic I think
So how many Australians will be aware that it has actually gained its independance? Not many judging from the response to the attempt to become a republic. It is about time all Australians became aware of the fact. The country is well able to stand on its own two feet.
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