The new Austenasian Times website is currently under construction, so some features might not function or display as expected.
Austenasian Times

Online news for the people of the Empire

Lord Jonathan to Oversee Diplomatic Project

HSH Lord Jonathan, Duke of Sweetpea Valley – the former Emperor Jonathan I – has been appointed an Ambassador-at-Large by the Prime Minister, Lord Andrew Creed, with authorisation to oversee a new diplomatic project proposed in Cabinet. Historically, the Empire of Austenasia has focused much of its attention in terms of foreign affairs on the so-called MicroWiki community of small nations, centred on the Grand Unified Micronational (GUM) organisation. However, following a perceived decline in standards of professionalism and an increased tolerance of poor behaviour within the GUM, Austenasia withdrew its membership in September last year, having first joined almost fifteen years previously in October 2009. At this time, the idea was floated of founding a new organisation to replace the gap left in the Empire’s foreign affairs by its departure from the GUM. Concrete steps in this direction have now been taken with the creation of the new office of Ambassador-at-Large for a New Diplomatic Organisation. This position has been given to Lord Jonathan, whose personal connections with foreign heads of state following years of experience first as Prime Minister and then as Emperor have been considered invaluable for the diplomatic tasks ahead. The official remit of the new ambassadorial post is to “contact well-established and prominent small nations with whom Austenasia holds diplomatic relations to propose and arrange the establishment of a new international association”. A list of the nations to be invited to discuss such an association has not been confirmed, but it is understood that the focus will likely be on nations that operate primarily outside the MicroWiki sphere.

Austenasia to Assist Santa Claus

It was announced earlier this week by Prime Minister, Andrew Creed, that Austenasia would be assisting the entity known as Santa Claus during his visit during the late and early hours of December 24 and 25. The Prime Minister released the following statement to the nation via Discord. The Prime Minister then followed up with a second statement: “By the Order of the Prime Minister, with the full Consent of the Crown: Father Christmas has been charged by powers beyond our own understanding with the most important and sacred of obligations of bringing gifts to the unfortunate and undeserving. Many of these gifts which cannot be seen, touched, or felt, but are nonetheless delivered for the benefit of all he deigns to visit. He brings the goodwill of the heavens to all of humankind and as such, is considered by Austenasia to be a force for good. However, the discharge of these obligations requires an incalculably huge amount of actions in Father Christmas’s annual visit to individual homes during the dead of night, that for any other being would amount to a crime. The Prime Minister’s office has determined to grant him immunity from these would-be “crimes,” knowing that the people Austenasia abhor the very thought of Father Christmas being branded, treated, or even perceived remotely the same category as a common criminal. The Crown agrees, but also quickly determined that Father Christmas’s brief presence among us this year warrants stronger protections during its duration. The Crown has directed the Prime Minister to issue the following order: All Austenasians are hereby obligated to aid and comfort Father Christmas when he is encountered. The nature of his actions is not to be considered; Father Christmas is an otherworldly being engaged in benevolent obligations and is not to be disturbed, hindered, or detained in any fashion. Those citizens who are able are urged to place the traditional peace offering of milk and cookies to sustain him on his arduous journey around the world. Doing so will aid Father Christmas in brings goodwill to all of humankind and sustain this cycle for years to come. Signed: Lord Andrew CreedThe Prime Minister Shiro MephistophelesThe Crown Prince & Princeps Senatus” The Times looks forward to aiding Father Christmas in his travels and encourages all other to do the same, as outline by the Prime Minister above. He should be expected to arrive between the hours of 2200 24/12/2024 and 0500 25/12/2024. The Times would also like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Diasporic List Election Results

Earlier this morning, the results of the Diasporic List Election were published by His Imperial Majesty, Aggelos I. The results were as follows: The election took place yesterday, 9 December 2024 and allowed for all Non-residential subjects the opportunity to decide who they wanted to represent them in Parliament. The Times would like to congratulate all six candidates on their election to the House of Representatives and wish them all the best in their term.

Election Candidates Announced

Earlier this evening, Chancellor, HSH Lord Jonathan, announced the official candidates for the Diasporic List election. The candidates are as follows: – Lord Andrew Creed, Baron of Corinium Terentium– Lord Karl Friedrich, Duke of Bohemia– Lord Mick Griffin, Baron of Glainamar– H.E. The Right Hon. Sir Hugh McFarlane, KCA– H.E. Prof. Sir Sanjib Bhattacharya, KOB, KCA– Mr. Ortiz Augusto Javier Non-residential subjects will be contacted before the date of the election with further information on the candidates and instructions for how to vote. The election has been scheduled for 9 December 2024. The Times followed up with the Chancellor to inquire on candidates for the local Town elections. While no official list has been released yet, the Chancellor provided us with the following information:

‘All Austenasia Party’ Formed

In preparation for the upcoming local and Diasporic List election, a new political party has been formed – the All Austenasia Party. Earlier this month, Attorney General and Governing Commissioner of New South Scotland, H.E. The Rt. Hon. Sir Hugh McFarlane, KCA, formed the All Austenasia Party along with Lord Mick Griffin, Baron of Glainamar. The Party has herby released its platform and policies. They are as follows: Platform Austenasia is at a crossroads. No segment of our society is more at-risk than the Diaspora. The All Austenasia Party is your voice in Parliament. Together, we can work to make Austenasia a home for everyone, no matter where in the world they live. Together, we can work to ensure our community’s best days are still ahead. Policies Election Candidates The Times sat down with Party Leader, Sir Hugh McFarlane to touch base on his motives and get his opinion on the situation. The interview went as follows: Q: What are you hoping to bring to the table, in the House of Representatives, with the establishment of the All Austenasia Party? A: Above anything else we are keen to bring the Diaspora’s voices to the table. We make up such a large chunk of Austenasia’s population and deserve an equal share of the Parliament. Q: What prompted you to establish the party? A: Austenasian politics can often feel very persona-centric, with the focus being on individual politicians rather than bigger movements. I’d like to see the Diaspora represented by more than one person. I think that means having an easily recognisable organisation for people to rally around. Q: How do you feel the party will stand up to the already established Arete Party and Alliance Party? A: I don’t know if ‘stand up’ is the right word. The public is best served by cooperation between the parties. That being said, the All Austenasia Party will always put the Diaspora first and if that means confronting the big players, so be it. While the official list of election candidates has not yet been released, both McFarlane and Griffin have submitted their petitions to the Emperor to stand for election. The All Austenasia Party would like to encourage all eligible candidates in the upcoming election that if they are interested in best serving all peoples of Austenasia, and notably those of the Diaspora, to please contact McFarlane or Griffin. The Times would like to acknowledge the fact that this article is a conflict of interest as the Editor-in-Chief is associated with the newly established party.

Interview with the Attorney General

On 15 November 2024, it was announced to the public by His Imperial Majesty, Aggelos I, that the vacant Attorney General position had been filled by H.E. The Rt. Hon. Sir Hugh McFarlane, KCA. Since 2016, McFarlane has served as Governing Commissioner of the Austenasian Crown Dependency, New South Scotland. It was only 4 days earlier that McFarlane was granted full Austenasian non-residential citizenship. The Times sat down with the new Attorney General to gauge his opinions on the goings-on and of future things to come. The interview with McFarlane went as follows: Q: “First off, the Times would like to congratulate you on your recent naturalization as non-residential citizen of Austenasia! After 8 years as Governing Commissioner of New South Scotland, what made you finally decide to become a fully naturalized citizen and get more involved in the government of Austenasia?” A: “Thank you for the question and your warm congratulations. I always somewhat assumed I held Austenasia citizenship and was simply focused on serving New South Scotland. It was only when I checked whether I could vote in the recent election that it was confirmed I did not hold citizenship. Q: “Your appointment to Attorney General comes as a pleasant surprise to most. What are your expectations for your tenure in office?” A: “That’s very kind. Prime Minister Creed has been clear that significant legislative and constitutional reforms are on the horizon. One of my roles as Attorney-General is to provide the Government with legal counsel. While I am yet to discuss the precise scope of these proposals with Cabinet, I plan to ensure they uphold and enhance democracy and the rule of law within Austenasia. Q: “A concern for some within the Empire could be the lack of activity from its elected and appointed officials. Can Austenasia count on you to remain an active member of government who is reachable at appropriate times during any given day?” A: “I can of course pledge to be as active as any official in the Empire should be. What’s more, I am confident that the Government’s term will see increased activity more broadly.” Q: “Is there any aspect of the government that you believe is not up to snuff and needs some revitalization?” A: “We’ll see what the judicial arrangement review digs up in terms of long term issues, but the Government itself has my confidence at this time.” We would like to thank the Attorney General for giving us his time on the matter and we would like to wish him and the rest of Cabinet all the best going forward. Elections announced Earlier today, His Imperial Majesty announced via Discord of the upcoming elections for the Diasporic List and the Towns of Caldari, Chalcedon, and Nahona. The elections are scheduled for 9 December 2024. Sir Hugh McFarlane has informed the Times that he will be standing for election in the Diasporic List.

Nationalisation of the Times

Last evening, it was announced by His Imperial Majesty, Aggelos I, that after nearly 12 years of operation, the Austenasian Times has been officially nationalised by the Government of Austenasia. The Emperor made the announcement with the release of the following statement: “Our Imperial Majesty hereby proclaims the Austenasian Times to be the national newspaper of the Empire of Austenasia, responsible for serving the Austenasian people through the provision of accurate and informative journalism. With the permission of its owner and creator, HSH Lord Jonathan, the Austenasian Times is hereby nationalised, to be the common property of the nation as a whole, and shall from henceforth be overseen by the Ministry for Culture. The Austenasian Times shall be directed by the Editor-in-Chief, which we hereby confirm to since 5 August 2024 have been Lord Mick Griffin, Baron of Glainamar. The Editor-in-Chief shall be appointed at the discretion of the Minister for Culture. The government will support and promote the Austenasian Times but have no direct control over its internal workings or structure and no right to intervene editorially. The Austenasian Times will be committed to due impartiality in regards to controversial subjects and political, social and commercial issues. Any views expressed by the Austenasian Times, whether explicit or implicit, will not necessarily reflect or define those of the Austenasian government” The Times welcomes this announcement, and is most proud. It is very fitting at this time as we will celebrate our 12th Anniversary on the 11th of this month. We would like to thank all parties involved who had a hand in making this happen. Going forward, the Times will strive to bring you the best, impartial, Austenasian news, as it happens. Lord Koff resigns, Cabinet Shuffled Shortly after the announcement made by His Imperial Majesty last evening, Prime Minister, Lord Andrew Creed, announced that the Minister for Culture, Lord Sander Koff, had resigned from his Cabinet position. He remains Representative of Oppidum Tubae. As a result, Cabinet was shuffled. The Prime Minister made the announcement with the following statement: “At 18:02 GMT, Lord Sander Koff announced his immediate resignation as Minister ofCulture. Shortly afterward, His Majesty, Emperor Aggelos I, issued an Imperial Edictplacing the newly nationalised Austenasian Times under the jurisdiction of theMinistry of Culture. Given the edict’s implications, filling this ministerial post hasnow become a matter of utmost national importance.I had already been considering a Cabinet reshuffle, so the timing of these events has,in some ways, worked out well.I hereby nominate the following members to my Cabinet, pending the Emperor’sapproval: • Lord Andrew Creed – Minister of Culture• Lord John Gordon – Home Secretary• HSH Lord Jonathan – Treasurer• Lord William Wilson – Chief Ambassador and Secretary-General• HIH Crown Prince Shiro – Minister of Defence I would also like to clarify that my appointment to the position of Minister of Cultureis not intended to involve direct control over the editorial independence of theAustenasian Times. Rather, the focus will be on overseeing the eventual hosting ofthe publication on the official austenasia.com website.This reshuffle aims to ensure the smooth running of government considering recentchanges and to further strengthen the Cabinet’s ability to serve the national interest.” The Times would like to wish Lord Koff the best at this time, and the best of luck to this new Cabinet.

Austenasia remembers Ned Gunderson

It was announced yesterday to the people of Austenasia that Edward “Ned” Gunderson, a former Austenasian who served as the Empire’s seventh Deputy Prime Minister, had passed away on 6 October 2024. It came as a shock to all when HSH Lord Jonathan announced to the Austenasian public via Discord, on Monday, that Ned Gunderson a former Austenasian official had passed away earlier this month at the age of 23. The news had been made public by his family, with close friends then alerting micronational social media. Lord Jonathan, who served as Emperor during Gunderson’s time in office, made the following announcement via Discord: “I regret to announce that the former Lord Edward Gunderson, once Count of New Grémmia, passed away earlier this month on October 6th. Lord Gunderson joined Austenasia in April 2019 alongside the Town of Dragovina, as its Representative. He served as Deputy Prime Minister, Home Secretary, and Speaker of the House from February to May 2020, during the brief premiership of Prince Dionisiy. During the high point of the 2020 political crisis, Lord Gunderson announced the secession of Dragovina from the Empire due to his dissatisfaction with the extent of proposed constitutional reforms, ultimately triggering the resignation of Prince Dionisiy a few days later. Although Edward therefore leaves behind a controversial legacy in Austenasian history, there can be no doubt that he brought a level of enthusiasm, engagement, and imagination to his positions in government which has rarely been matched.” Lord John Gordon – Gunderson’s successor as Deputy PM – also paid tribute, recalling that “he certainly made Austenasia a lively place”, and stating that “he will be missed”. Ned’s micronational career was not limited to Austenasia. He was also a figure in other nations such as Abelden, Krasnocoria, and Montescano. Gunderson was also appointed as Knight of the Order of the Bullmastiff in Austenasia, in 2019. The Time would like to express our utmost condolences to Ned’s family and friends at this time.

Upcoming Referendum Poll Results

On Saturday 5 October, the Austenasian Times conducted a public opinion poll on the Austenasian Discord server to see how the public felt about Prime Minister, Lord Andrew Creed’s announcement regarding an upcoming referendum on the allowance of self-ID and gay marriage. The poll asked the following question: “Would you vote in favour of an amendment to allow self-ID and gay marriage?” “Yes” Or “No” The poll had 11 participants with 82% (9) voting in favour of the amendment and 18% (2) voting against it. The Times would like to acknowledge that various participants in the poll were not Austenasian citizens and that the poll was merely to gauge public opinion on the subject. We asked Prime Minister Creed how he felt about the result and he responded with the following: “It’s a pleasant surprise, to be sure. But I am conscious that the poll was only seen and voted on by a small handful of the Austenasian population, so the results of it, whilst promising, might not be the results we see when the referendum is held.” There is currently no date set for the referendum. Austenasia Notes