Not a Laughing Matter

Australia, member of the Commonwealth of Nations, has gradually shed symbolic homage and perfunctory reports to the British crown, notes Peter Hartcher of the Sydney Morning Herald. Likewise, the percentage of Australians yearning for a break from the monarchy has declined. Hartcher quotes an observation from Wayne Hudson of the University of Tasmania: “tension doesn't erupt much because the monarchy doesn't interfere in Australian affairs.” Attempts to censor humor from afar, though, could be viewed as interference. An agreement between the royal family and broadcasters forbids footage of the April royal wedding being used in "any drama, comedy, satirical or similar entertainment programme or content." Critics contend the state event paid by taxpayers in a democracy is fair target for satire. Hartcher labels the constitutional basis for Australia's monarchy “a fragile construct” and argues that the agreement “violated a canon of democratic freedom, and it put strain where none ought to be put.” – YaleGlobal