I have tried to answer your question, M, so I'll post this from Wiki...

"Towards an Australian republic?

As already seen, the only remaining constitutional connection with the United Kingdom is through the monarch, who is the monarch not only of the UK, but also of Australia and of each of its States. The main function of the monarch is to appoint and dismiss the Governor-General and the State Governors, and this function is exercised on the advice of the Prime Minister or the relevant State Premier. (The monarch is also sometimes asked to perform some function, such as giving the Royal Assent to an Act of Parliament, for ceremonial purposes during a Royal visit.)
On recent moves to replace the current constitution with a republic, and the defeat of the referendum for this purpose in 1999, see Australian republicanism."

Although there's been less fireworks around here the last couple of years, it should still be quite a sight this Bonfire Night...

Poem 173 of 230: VALLEY VIEWS - AUTUMN 2001

The winds can whistle and the walls can creak,
    But from my beloved old rocking-chair,
Through a rhombus-patterned lounge-room window,
    The Tyne-valley views induce one to stare:

Over a canopy of estate trees -
    Tall birch, locust, rowan and sycamore -
To the housing, parks, stores and works below,
    Which fringe the river of the valley floor...

Then up the other side to more parkland,
    More clusters of trees and residencies,
Streets that yield at night sparkles of light,
    Plus the Angel of the North, topping these.

(C) David Franks 2003
From WalkaboutsVerse - next blog has details...

(P.S: before burning bonfires, please make a final check for hibernating hedgehogs; and, if you like, hear the traditional seasonal English song "Cob-a-Coaling" on my myspace profile.)