Why is Australia a part of the Commonwealth?

Australia is a part of the Commonwealth because of its history with Britain, its constitutional monarchy, and the values it shares with other member nations today. 

Although Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have lived on these lands for at least 60,000 years, Britain claimed and colonised the continent in the late 1700s. Over time, 6 British colonies were established and on 1 January 1901 they united to become the nation of Australia. This event, known as Federation, created Australia as a constitutional monarchy with the monarch as the Head of State. Australia remained part of the Commonwealth because of these historical and political ties.

The Commonwealth of nations is a group of independent countries and territories who choose to work together. It began when countries that were part of the British Empire began to rule themselves. Today, Australia is one of the independent and equal members - some with historical ties to Britain - who work collectively to achieve shared goals such as development, democracy and peace. 

Therefore, Australia continues to be a part of the Commonwealth due to its history and its commitment to working with other nations toward shared goals.