Crown References Amendment 2023

# Crown References Amendment Bill 2023 ## What it does This bill updates language across 27 Australian laws to reflect the change from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III. Rather than rewriting entire acts, it swaps outdated references to "Her Majesty" with flexible terms like "the Sovereign" or "Senior Counsel" (instead of "Queen's Counsel") that work regardless of the monarch's gender or title. ## Why it matters It's a practical housekeeping exercise that keeps laws current without needing lengthy rewrites every time the throne changes. This prevents confusion when public servants, judges, and citizens read legislation—they'll see terms that match the actual reigning monarch. ## Key details - **Affected laws**: 27 acts ranging from tax law to defence, marriage, and fair work legislation - **What changes**: References to "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second" become "(insert name of the Sovereign)" with flexible pronouns ("His" or "Her"), and "Queen's Counsel" becomes "Senior Counsel" - **When it starts**: The day after the bill received royal assent (essentially immediate) This is a technical, non-controversial update that makes the law's language match reality.

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament