-Australia is one of the oldest independent states of the region. It is also a 20th- century creation that still considers whether or not they would like to complete the formal political separation from the British Crown. With Australia becoming independent six years before New Zealand in 1901 they were both able to create their own political identities. Although Australia is a commonwealth and has been for some time it still considers the British Crown to be the head of its government. Even after a referendum in 1999 asking if Australia would like to cut its ties to the British Crown and elect its own president 55 percent of the population decided to stay with the queen as its head of their government.
-By using the political process the indigenous peoples of Australia have gained more control over resources and land in their country. New found political power is being found by the Aboriginal groups and is being used towards more effective lobbying. A good amount of Aboriginal reserves have been establishment by the Australian government just recently. These Aboriginals now have control over sacred national parklands like Uluru. In 1996 however efforts by Aboriginals to extend land rights have met strong opposition when the Australian court ruled that pastoral leases would not abolish Aboriginal land rights.
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