Auspol Explained: When Australia Stopped Being British

Auspol Explained (aka David Cox) is a writer and Youtuber whose content has helped thousands of people understand Australian politics and our political history, making what is often considered a boring and confusing topic entertaining and easy to understand.

Returning to Subiaco Library by popular demand, David is back for another educational and entertaining talk – this time on the history of Australia’s constitutional and legal relationship with Britain.

When did Australia gain independence from Britain? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. There isn’t one single date where we switched from colony to independent country, rather a series of defining moments including self-government, Federation, the Statute of Westminster and Australia Acts, that chipped away at the bedrock of British national identity and sovereignty.

Join David as he unpacks the history and evolution of Australia’s constitutional and cultural links to the UK, and how we stopped being British and learned to love a modern Australian identity.

Please note: the contents of this presentation is educational and politically impartial. No political views will be shared or discussed at this event.

About the speaker – David Cox

David Cox is a writer and YouTuber who has been helping people understand the Australian political system since 2019 through his accessible non-partisan video/podcast series Auspol Explained. His work combines humour with a deep appreciation for both the details and history of parliament, helping to make a dry and complex subject more enjoyable to the general public. He also wrote and starred in Extraordinary Auspol, a comedy about the more unusual moments in Australia’s political history, at The Blue Room Theatre in 2023.

Additional information

Getting to the event:

Subiaco Library has limited parking bays available at the rear of the building including two accessible parking bays. For more information on getting around Subiaco visit the city’s website.

Access and inclusion:

Subiaco Library is wheelchair accessible . For additional information please contact Subiaco Library on 9237 9300.

Ticket information:

You are not required to bring a ticket with you. Names will be checked at the door. Please note that space is limited and registration is essential. Please only register if you will definitely be attending.

More information:

For more events and programs at Subiaco Library visit the City of Subiaco events calendar, follow the Subiaco Library on Facebook or join the Cultural Services e-newsletter database by emailing library@subiaco.wa.gov.au.