Demise of the Crown: What does it mean for the ACT?

12 September 2022 | Canberra, Australia | Feature

Queen Elizabeth II, smiling, standing in a cut-out of the outline of the Australian Capital Territory [Source: Office of the Legislative Assembly (Reuse policy)]

The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is a personal loss to her family and is shared by many people worldwide. It also marks the demise of the Crown, a unique legal process in countries where the late Queen was head of state.

What is the demise of the Crown?

The demise of the Crown is a legal term for the transfer of power from a monarch to their heir. It comes from an old Norman French word (desmettre) that means ‘the transfer of property’.

Though this transfer often happens when a monarch dies, the term doesn’t refer to their death. This is because the Crown – the embodiment of power – never dies. When one monarch dies, their heir automatically becomes the new monarch.

How does this affect the Australian Capital Territory?

In short, not a lot. Although the ACT is, under the Self-Government Act, established as a body politic under the Crown, it  is unique among Australia’s states and territories as it has no representative of the Crown – such as a governor or administrator.

At the federal level, events such as gun salutes, the accession proclamation, and national memorial service will all occur in Canberra.

The sitting week starting 20 September will continue as scheduled, though the 22 September sitting will be postponed to observe the national memorial service.

Some references in the Assembly’s standing orders will also need to be updated.

Will the ACT still mark the Queen's passing?

The Territory will still mark the life and service of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Flags will fly at half-mast until the national memorial service on 22 September. The ACT will also observe the national public holiday that same day.

The Assembly is likely to consider a condolence motion for Her Majesty at its next sitting week.

There is a condolence book in the foyer of the Assembly Building for people wishing to leave a tribute for Queen Elizabeth II. You can do this between 8.30am-5pm, weekdays.


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