This post is to provide clarity on the enactment of the Australia Act 1986(Cth), many people lay claim the Queen provided her assent (Personally signed) the Australia Act.
This is a misinterpretation of historical facts, the Queen did not provide her personal assent to the Australia Act 1986(Cth), nor did Bob Hawke assent to the Australia Act 1986.
The act followed constitutional requirements set out in section 58 of the Constitution Act 1900 (Royal Assent) and assent was provided by the Governor General as Her Majesty's representitive.
The Queen only signed the Proclamation for the Australia Act.
Below is the Gazette publication from 1985 of the assent by the Governor General of the Australia Bill, assent took place on 4th December 1985 and published in the Gazette on 14 January 1986.
Front and rear pages of the Australia Act con firming the Governor General provided assent consistent with section 58 of the Constitution Act 1900.
