About our UK/Australia News
Latest news on international relations between the UK and Australia, including breaking updates on trade, co-operation, treaties and more.
The history of Anglo-Australian relations, characterised by a close and enduring partnership, dates back to the late 18th century when British explorers and settlers first established a presence on the continent now known as Australia. In 1770, British explorer Captain James Cook claimed the eastern coast of Australia for the British Crown, marking the beginning of British colonisation. In the late 18th century, Australia served as a British penal colony, with convicts transported from Britain to the distant shores as a means of punishment and labor force expansion.
The 19th century witnessed the growth of Australian colonies, with the British Empire playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation's institutions and governance. The arrival of free settlers, the discovery of gold, and the development of infrastructure further solidified Australia's ties to Britain. In 1901, the six Australian colonies federated to form the Commonwealth of Australia, becoming a self-governing dominion within the British Empire. While Australia had its own parliament and government, it maintained a close constitutional and symbolic connection to the British Crown, with the British monarch serving as the country's head of state.
The alliance between Australia and Britain deepened during the 20th century, particularly through their shared experiences in both World Wars. Australian troops fought alongside British forces in various theatres of conflict, and these wartime experiences strengthened the bonds between the two nations. The latter half of the 20th century marked a significant shift in Anglo-Australian relations. In 1973, Australia's ties to the British monarchy were loosened with the passage of the Australia Act, which severed the remaining legal and constitutional links between the two nations, making Australia fully independent.
Today, Anglo-Australian relations are characterised by a strong and friendly partnership, rooted in shared values, historical ties, and cultural connections. Both nations continue to collaborate on various fronts, including trade, defence, and diplomatic efforts, while also pursuing their own unique national identities on the global stage.