The Constitution Amendment (Pledge of Loyalty) Act 2006 No 6,[1] was an Act to amend the Constitution Act 1902 to require Members of the New South Wales Parliament and its Ministers to take a pledge of loyalty to Australia and to the people of New South Wales instead of swearing allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II her heirs and successors, and to revise the oaths taken by Executive Councillors. The Act was assented to by the Queen on 3 April 2006.
Constitutional Amendment (Pledge of Loyalty) Act 2006 | |
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Parliament of New South Wales | |
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Enacted by | Iemma Government |
Royal assent | 3 April 2006 |
Commenced | 3 April 2006 |
Amended by | |
Repealed on 3 December 2006 upon commencement of all of its provisions. | |
Status: Repealed |
In 2006 the NSW parliament, the oldest and most senior of the Australian States, passed an Act to remove requirements for members of their Legislative Council, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council to pledge allegiance to the Queen her heirs and successors. The oath was replaced with an oath of loyalty to Australia and to the people of New South Wales.
On 5 June 2012, the Constitution Amendment (Restoration of Oaths of Allegiance) Act 2012 No 33 was assented to and made a further amendment to the Constitution Act 1902, by restoring the option of taking the oath of allegiance to the Queen, her heirs and successors, in addition to the option of taking the pledge of loyalty.[2] The change applies to members of Legislative Council, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council.