Almost all Australians believe they achieved their national independence upon Federation in 1901.  But in reality, all that happened then was that six British colonies located in Australia were merged to become a single, albeit enlarged British colony.

These days, even banana republics take their national independence for granted and proudly display their own post-colonial constitutions, parliaments and flags to demonstrate it not just to their citizens but also to the rest of the world. Here in Australia, however, our own numerous but hesitant steps since 1901 towards full independence have left us bereft of even a constitution or flag worthy of the name — yet these are simply the most modest of all post-colonial underwear.