Why MPs must pledge an allegiance to the Queen

Queen Elizabeth II is Australia's head of state under the Constitution

Her representative in Australia, Governor-General David Hurley, exercises power over the government and has the power to sack Prime Minister Scott Morrison

Under Section 42 of the Constitution, federal members of Parliament from both the Senate and the House of Representatives must swear an oath or affirmation of allegiance to the Queen 

While many MPs favour a republic over a monarchy, they are still required to pledge loyalty to the Queen as a referendum is required to change the Constitution

Sources: Australian government, constitutional law professors Anne Twomey, George Williams 

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