Australia and the Commonwealth

AUSTRALIA AND THE COMMONWEALTH

1. How are relations between Australia and Europe.

Traditionally relations between Australia and Europe have been strong. Many non-aboriginal Australians migrated to Australia from Europe over the last 234years and so most families have ties with European relatives. My family migrated to Australia from the UK, Scotland, and Ireland six generations ago, and because of the common heritage and language there is still a strong bond between such nations and Australia. After the second world war migration to Australia from Europe increased significantly and Australia has a very diverse multicultural society with links to all European Nations. 

Australia's military history is tied to European wars, particularly the first and second world wars, and the majority of our war dead are buried in France and Belgium (like one of my ancestors who died at Ypre). The sacrifice of our military and the families who lost loved ones is remembered in Anzac Day services all over the world every year and in particular these services are held across Europe where Australians have fought and died. 

One key event changed the historical link Australia had to Great Britain, and that was the Japanese invasion of South East Asia in 1941. Australia realised that its historical Allie of Britain would not assist in fighting the Japanese and so we recalled the majority of our forces from Europe and fought for our survival alongside the United States. Our alliance with the US was born of this shared struggle. Even so, 5000 Australians still participated in the D Day landings at Normandy and Australians (including my Great Uncle who survived the European war) fought in Europe throughout the war. This commitment of Australia to European freedom is something that we are very proud of and our European friends remember and value and it. It is the basis of our ongoing friendship.

In the last 30-40 years, Australia has grown to realise that we are not a European nation located in Asia but an Asian nation with European heritage. This has meant that we now know that our future is tied to the growth and success of Asian nations and we have put a major focus on developing relationships with them. After our participation in the Vietnam war, there were many refugees from Vietnam who came to Australia. Now our demographics are very different to 100 years ago where most Australians were of European descent. We have a large Asian population and are growing more Asian by the day. 

In summary, relationships with Europe are strong, and are growing stronger in Asia which is now our main focus. Every so often there are issues such as the submarine deal with France which make major headlines and it takes time to build relationships again.

2. Does being in the Commonwealth help in this relation?

Yes. Australia has a Governor General who is our head of state and is appointed by the Prime Minister for a fixed term. In reality, the Governor General is the King's representative (it still feels weird not to say "the Queen's representative") and so we have a European Monarch as a figurehead. The King has no real powers and if he tried to interfere in Australian politics I think Australia would become a republic very quickly. It is the Governor General's responsibility to deal with vice-regal matters relating to Australian politics. 

Having this shared head of state gives Australia a feeling of belonging to the Commonwealth which helps with keeping our links to Europe alive, particularly with the UK. We are still so similar to the UK that many UK military officers leave the British military and come to Australia to join the Australian military. They get to live at a nice beach and still be in the military! 

The shared bonds with commonwealth nations, the similar culture, and historical identity certainly contribute to our relationships with European nations.

3. Does the death of the Queen affect Australians and what do they think about the new King?

Yes, most Australians were very sad as they never knew any other Monarch. Some very old Australians remember the previous King but not many. Until 1967 Australians were considered by the British to be British subjects and there were some benefits to that such as using the lines at customs for British people, Australian who are old enough to remember this have a much closer connection to the British and the former Queen.

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