Thread: Australia the continent

Thanks to chimera for your comments in the last thread. Now, what can you tell me about the continent of Australia. Is it just Australia or is it Australasia? Does the continent include New Zealand? Thanks.

Hello Elmeromero, New Zealanders would be very offended if you asked them if they were included in Australia. There is a friendly rivalry between the Kiwis and the Aussies. This past weekend they played Rugby Union for the Bledisloe Cup and Australia lost, so my husband is in mourning, but the Kiwis are delighted. The name of the country is the Commonwealth of Australia. It does not include New Zealand. When the Commonwealth was created, in the late 18th Century, New Zealand and Fiji were asked to join it, but they declined. Australia has, I believe, 6 states: Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania. It also has a few Territories, amongst them the Northern Territory and a part of Antartica and a few islands. It is a huge place. Australians have the Queen of England as their Head of State, with the Governor General as her representative, and a Prime Minister who heads the Executive branch of government.

What more can I say? If you have any specific question, put it in the forum and I'll be happy to answer it or find out for you.

Cheers

Nira