1) In the Australian Constitution, New Zealand is mentioned as a potential state in the Federation. For reasons only known to themselves \u2013\u00a0 perhaps the striking similarities combined with the subtly disturbing differences between the two countries\u2019 accents, or Australia\u2019s relatively low sheep-to-human ratio, or possibly the urgent need to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom and deal with New Zealand\u2019s orc infestation \u2013\u00a0New Zealand refused the honour of becoming one of the states of Australia, which has resulted in confusion between the two nations\u2019 flags ever since.<\/p>\n
2) Western Australia, on the other hand, is only grudgingly acknowledged as a potential state in the Federation, and then only on the proviso that \u201cHer Majesty is satisfied that the people of Western Australia have agreed thereto.\u201d Ah, Western Australia, you are such a tease.<\/p>\n
3) There are more mentions of alcoholic beverages in the Australian Constitution than there are of human rights. True fact.<\/p>\n
4) Anyone \u201cattained of treason\u201d is incapable of being chosen or sitting as a senator or member of the House of Representatives. Imagine. Also, what other things can you be attained of? The Constitution doesn\u2019t say.<\/p>\n
5) Australia celebrates the Queen\u2019s Birthday on two separate occasions: most of the country in June, and Western Australia in September. Despite Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II having been born on only occasion, to the best of our knowledge, in Commonwealth countries around the world the Queen\u2019s Birthday is celebrated on six different dates. And none of these are her actual birthday! As a staunch monarchist, I am careful to observe all of these occasions. Also because I like holidays.<\/p>\n
6) The Federal Commonwealth of Australia is constitutionally \u201cindissoluble\u201d. The likelihood of Australia being ground up into powder and dissolved into a liquid \u2013\u00a0possibly for medicinal purposes \u2013 seems a remote one. But it is reassuring to know that Australia\u2019s founders considered, and guarded against, such an eventuality.<\/p>\n
7) The Constitution requires Australia\u2019s capital city and seat of Government, Canberra, to be located in the State of New South Wales and \u201cdistant not less than one hundred miles from Sydney.\u201d The inevitable consequence of population growth and urban sprawl in both Sydney and Canberra is that one or the other city will be forced to move before too long in order to maintain the constitutionally-required distance.<\/p>\n
8) The farmer on whose land the new city of Canberra, home to Australia\u2019s federal politicians, was established is reported to have said, \u201cMy land \u2013 once home to cattle and sheep \u2013 will soon be home to another group of dumb beasts entirely.\u201d Not true. There was no such farmer, who \u2013\u00a0consequently \u2013\u00a0never said any such thing.<\/p>\n
File under:<\/i> that\u2019s not a constitution, this is a constitution | we really do wish peter jackson was australian<\/p>\n
![deviant art<\/a>)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Eight true facts about the founding of Australia and the Australian Constitution 1) In the Australian Constitution, New Zealand is mentioned as a potential state in the Federation. 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