Memo to Republicans: Australia is not a colony

The fundamental difference between Australia as a ‘colony’ and every other colony of an imperial power is that Britain sent its own citizens (however unwilling) to establish it. Never mind the reasons, the important point in any talk about Australia becoming a republic is that New South Wales was established rather like parents bringing a child into the world, genetically if you like, complete with initial dependency, social customs, religion and governance in all things, including the law.