As of my last update in October 2023, both Australia and New Zealand are independent nations, but they are members of the British Commonwealth of Nations (also known as the Commonwealth of Nations). Here’s a breakdown of their political status:
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Australia: Australia is a fully sovereign nation and operates as a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. While it recognizes the British monarch as the head of state, Australia has its own legal and political systems and is independent from British control.
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New Zealand: Similar to Australia, New Zealand is an independent country with its own government and laws. It also recognizes the British monarch as the ceremonial head of state, but it has complete autonomy in its governance and decision-making.
In summary, both Australia and New Zealand are independent countries that retain a constitutional connection to the British Crown through the Commonwealth, but they are not British colonies.