In moves not seen since Joh Bjelke-Petersen was Premier, Queensland’s conservative Liberal National Party Government elected in 2012 has its skates on when it comes to embracing the British monarchy. First, it passed its own Royal Succession law refusing to agree to a law in the national Parliament covering all the States. Then it reintroduced the title Queen’s Counsel for senior barristers in mid 2013. Even more disappointing was that 70 of 73 SCs made the change. Now it offers, at no extra cost, birth certificates with decorations commemorating Prince George’s birth to babies born in Queensland in 2013. This required royal approval. Van Badham made some good points about what and who is behind it all in The Guardian online, “A Prince George birth certificate for Aussie babies? It’s political artistry” (click on link below).
Woman for an Australian Republic, Adelaide Ironside, republican poet and artist 1831-1867
Self portrait 1855, Newcastle Art Gallery NSW
