Book Review: The Queen’s Other Realms

The governmental structure of Australia, Canada and New Zealand, inherited from Westminster, continues to be the subject of much discussion in Australia.  In particular, during 2008 and 2009 there has been much dialogue as to the appropriateness or otherwise of constitutional change in the media:  for example, recently, a consultation panel was formed by the Commonwealth government as to an Australian ‘bill of rights’.  Emeritus Professor Peter Boyce AO has dealt with an exigent topic in his monograph The Queen’s Other Realms; constitutional change, like religion, is a topic many seek to avoid in discussion or academic writings.

Professor Boyce previously held the Chair in Political Science at the University of Queensland and the University of Western Australia, subsequently serving as Vice-Chancellor of Murdoch University.  It is a comparative study that commenced while the author was a visiting fellow at two Oxford Colleges: Merton and Christ Church.  Much primary research was undertaken by interviews with former Governors.  This book negotiates some similar concepts to those dealt with in The Honourable Dr B. McPherson’s outstanding work, The Reception of English Law Abroad (2007).

In this important research Professor Boyce deals with the underlying inquiry of whether the constitutional monarchical system can be developed, so as to avoid the need for radical change.  If Professor Boyce intended this research to be advocacy for either the monarchist or the republican, this has not eventuated.

In his work Professor Boyce argues that nationalism and presidential-style leadership has changed the role of the Governor-General in the former dominions.  The reader is alerted to the individual variations in practice in the three countries, as opposed to the written constitutional position.  The research identifies the development of the monarchy in the realms, with a focus on the representative’s, rather than the Queen.  In reading the book, the reader is reminded of the inter-relationship that exists between the three countries; that is if one was to change its constitutional status as to the Crown, the others may follow suit.  This book is effective in its ability to discuss politics, practicality and legality.  In the end Professor Boyce poses two primary choices:  a republic or reform — only time will tell as to his conclusions.

Dominic Katter