THE TELEGRAPH: The Australian state of Victoria is to dump the Queen from legal proceedings only days before Prince William arrives on a goodwill visit.
From Jan 1, all criminal court cases will be brought in the name of the director of public prosecutions instead of the monarch as traditionally.
Announcing the change, Rob Hulls, the state's attorney-general and acting Labour premier, said: "Having cases presented in the name of the Queen of England is an outdated colonial tradition that has really passed its use-by date.
"Substituting the director of public prosecutions for the Queen or Regina reflects the legal and political independence from the United Kingdom and its monarch that has been achieved by Australia."
He denied the change was a snub to Prince William, who arrives in the state on Jan 21 during a visit that has been described as an opportunity to better acquaint himself with Australia.
Mr Hulls, an avowed republican, said: "This is all about making our laws and legal procedures relevant. It's no more or less than that." >>> Paul Chapman | Thursday, December 17, 2009
