After approaches to the government to reconsider the acquisition bill failed , Casley and his associates resorted to International Law , which they felt allowed them to secede and declare their independence from the Commonwealth of Australia .
After approaches to the government to reconsider the acquisition bill failed , Casley and his associates resorted to a British law ( the Treason Act 1495 ) which they felt allowed them to secede and declare their independence from the Commonwealth of Australia .