The removal of monarchical symbols from Australian public life is picking up speed. In April the New South Wales (NSW) legislative assembly agreed an amendment to the state consitution that would replace the pledge of loyalty to queen Windsor taken by ministers and MPs with a pledge to Australia and the people of NSW. The bill must now be approved by the legislative council.
In February the NSW parliament agreed a law to replace the Windsor coat of arms with state symbols in official buidings and documents. New South Wales has also decided that state lands that were previously held in the name of queen Windsor and known as “Crown” lands will now be called State lands, held for and on behalf of the people of the state.
TheWestern Australia parliament is also debating a bill that will free MPs from the indignity of pledging allegiance to queen Windsor.