Republicanism in Australia

{{Short description|Movement to turn Australia into a republic}} {{Use Australian English|date=July 2016}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}} {{Politics of Australia sidebar |expanded=Ideology}} {{Republicanism sidebar}}

'''Republicanism in Australia''' is a movement to change Australia's system of government from a constitutional monarchy to a republic; presumably, a form of parliamentary republic that would replace the monarch of Australia (currently {{Current Australian monarch |King |Charles III}}) with a non-royal Australian head of state. It is opposed to monarchism in Australia. Republicanism was first espoused in Australia before Federation in 1901. After a period of decline following Federation, the movement again became prominent at the end of the 20th century after successive legal and socio-cultural changes loosened Australia's ties with the United Kingdom.

In a referendum held in 1999, Australian voters rejected a proposal to establish a republic with a parliamentary appointed head of state. This was despite polls showing a majority of Australians supported a republic in principle for some years before the vote.

Republicanism is officially supported by the Labor Party and the Greens. It is supported by some members of the Liberal Party and other members of the Australian Parliament. Under the first Albanese ministry, there was an assistant minister for the republic from 1 June 2022 until 29 July 2024.

==History== ===Before federation=== In his journal ''The Currency Lad'', first published in Sydney in 1832, pastoralist and politician Horatio Wills was the first person to openly espouse Australian republicanism. Born to a convict father, Wills was devoted to the emancipist cause and promoted the interests of "currency lads and lasses" (Australian-born Europeans).<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Currency Lad (Sydney, NSW : 1832-1833) |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/title/1468 |access-date=27 September 2022 |website=Trove |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Eureka Flag.svg|thumb|A modern version of the Eureka Flag. The flag is a popular option for the new flag of an Australian Republic.]] Some leaders and participants of the revolt at the Eureka Stockade in 1854 held republican views and the incident has been used to encourage republicanism in subsequent years, with the Eureka Flag appearing in connection with some republican groups.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.norepublic.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=92&Itemid=24|title=Eureka – Australia's Historical Distraction|publisher=Australians for Constitutional Monarchy|date=13 June 2010}}</ref> The Australian Republican Association (ARA) was founded in response to the Eureka Stockade, advocating the abolition of governors and their titles, the revision of the penal code, payment of members of parliament, the nationalisation of land and an independent federal Australian republic outside of the British Empire. David Flint, the national convener of Australians for Constitutional Monarchy, notes that a movement emerged in favour of a White Australia policy; however British authorities in Whitehall were opposed to segregational laws. He suggests that to circumvent Westminster, those in favour of the discriminatory policies backed the proposed secession from the Empire as a republic.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.norepublic.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=773&Itemid=4 |title=Flint, David; ''A White Republic''; December 9, 2006 |publisher=Norepublic.com.au |date=10 December 2006 |access-date=13 June 2010}}</ref>

One attendee of the ARA meetings was the Australian-born poet Henry Lawson, who wrote his first poem, entitled ''A Song of the Republic'', in ''The Republican'' journal.<ref name=lawson>{{cite book|title=The Captive Republic : A History of Republicanism in Australia 1788–1996 (Studies in Australian History)|url=https://archive.org/details/captiverepublich0000mcke|url-access=registration|author=Mark McKenna|year=1996}}</ref> {{blockquote|Banish from under your bonny skies<br />Those old-world errors and wrongs and lies| Henry Lawson| ''A Song of the Republic''<ref name=lawson />}}

===Federation and decline=== [[File:The Bulletin front cover.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Front cover of an 1890 edition of the republican magazine ''The Bulletin'', warning that federation of the colonies may ensure Australia's membership of the British Empire.]] At the Australian Federation Convention, which produced the first draft that was to become the Australian Constitution in 1891, a former Premier of New South Wales, George Dibbs, stated the "inevitable destiny of the people of this great country" would be the establishment of "the Republic of Australia".<ref>Justice Kirby: ''The Australian Republican Referendum 1999{{spaced ndash}}Ten Lessons'', 3 March 2000 [http://www.lawfoundation.net.au/ljf/app/&id=DF4206863AE3C52DCA2571A30082B3D5 Source]</ref> The fervour of republicanism tailed off in the 1890s as the labour movement became concerned with the Federation of Australia. The republican movement dwindled further during and after World War I as emotional and patriotic support for the war effort went hand in hand with a renewed sense of loyalty to the monarchy. ''The Bulletin'' abandoned republicanism and became a conservative, Empire loyalist paper. The Returned and Services League formed in 1916 and became an important bastion of monarchist sentiment.

The conservative parties were fervently monarchist and although the Labor Party campaigned for greater Australian independence within the Empire and generally supported the appointment of Australians as Governor-General, it did not question the monarchy itself. Under the Labor government of John Curtin, a member of the Royal Family, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, was appointed Governor-General during World War II. The royal tour of Queen Elizabeth II in 1954 saw a reported 7 million Australians (out of a total population of 9 million) out to see her.<ref>D.Day, ''Claiming a Continent'', Harper Collins 1997, pp. 384–385</ref>

The 1975 Australian constitutional crisis, which culminated in the dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam by Governor-General John Kerr, raised questions about the value of maintaining a supposedly symbolic office that still possessed many key constitutional powers and what an Australian president with the same reserve powers would do in a similar situation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://theconversation.com/palace-letters-reveal-the-palaces-fingerprints-on-the-dismissal-of-the-whitlam-government-142476|title='Palace letters' reveal the palace's fingerprints on the dismissal of the Whitlam government|first=Chris|last=Wallace|date=14 July 2020|website=The Conversation|accessdate=16 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://jacobin.com/2020/07/gough-whitlam-dismissal-letters-john-kerr-australia|title=In the 1970s, a Soft Coup Removed Australia's Left-Wing Prime Minister|last=Rundle|first=Guy|date=16 July 2020|work=Jacobin|accessdate=16 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-11/whitlam-dismissal-live-blog-how-it-unfolded-50-years-ago/105973458|title=PM Gough Whitlam was sacked 50 years ago today. How the constitutional crisis unfolded|work=ABC News |date=10 November 2025|via=www.abc.net.au}}</ref>

===Changes to oaths and titles=== References to the monarchy were removed from various institutions through the late 1980s and 1990s. For example, in 1993, the Oath of Citizenship, which included an assertion of allegiance to the Australian monarch, was replaced by a pledge to be loyal to "Australia and its people".<ref>[https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id:%22library/prspub/1VW76%22 Changes in the Australian oath of citizenship], No. 20, Parliament of Australia, 19 November 2002</ref> Earlier, in 1990, the formula of enactment for the Parliament of Australia was changed from "Be it enacted by the Queen, and the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia as follows" to "The Parliament of Australia enacts".<ref name="Kirby" />

Barristers in New South Wales (from 1993), Queensland (from 1994), ACT (from 1995), Victoria (from 2000), Western Australia (from 2001), Tasmania (from 2005), Northern Territory (from 2007), Commonwealth (from March 2007) and South Australia (from 2008) were no longer appointed Queen's Counsel (QC), but as Senior Counsel (SC). These changes were criticised by Justice Michael Kirby and other monarchists as moves to a "republic by stealth".<ref name="Kirby">[https://www.michaelkirby.com.au/images/stories/speeches/1990s/vol32/1994/1113-A_Republic_by_Stealth_%28The_Robert_Harris_Oration%29.pdf A Republic by Stealth?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402132239/https://www.michaelkirby.com.au/images/stories/speeches/1990s/vol32/1994/1113-A_Republic_by_Stealth_%28The_Robert_Harris_Oration%29.pdf |date=2 April 2019}}, Robert Harris Oration, 12th Convention of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, Canberra, 16 April 1994</ref> However beginning with Queensland in 2013, Victoria and the Commonwealth in 2014 and followed by South Australia in 2020 the title of Queen's Counsel (QC) and now King's Counsel (KC) has again been conferred, in part due to the title's greater regard and recognition, internationally and domestically.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chapman |first=Jemma |date=28 September 2020 |title=SA legal industry welcomes return of QC title |url=https://indaily.com.au/news/local/2020/09/28/sa-legal-industry-welcomes-return-of-qc-title/ |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=InDaily |language=en}}</ref> There remains interest in New South Wales for a reintroduction of the title.<ref>[http://www.afr.com/business/legal/a-royal-rift-over-title-to-silk-20150521-gh6e2d A royal rift over title to silk], ''Australian Financial Review'', 21 May 2015</ref><ref>[http://www.australasianlawyer.com.au/news/nsw-bar-to-bring-back-qcs-200397.aspx NSW Bar to bring back QCs], Australian Lawyer, 15 May 2015</ref> In 2024, South Australia reverted back to only appointing SCs.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 June 2024 |title=KCs band: that's the way they don't like it |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/3068467222 |url-access=subscription |work=The Advertiser |id={{ProQuest|3068467222}} }}</ref>

===Keating government proposals=== The Australian Labor Party (ALP) first made republicanism its official policy in 1991,<ref name=tradrep>{{cite web|last=McKenna|first=Mark|title=The Traditions of Australian Republicanism|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp/RP9596/96rp31|publisher=Parliament of Australia|access-date=25 April 2014}}</ref> with then Prime Minister Bob Hawke describing a republic as "inevitable". Following the ALP decision, the Australian Republican Movement (ARM) was born. Hawke's successor, Paul Keating, pursued the republican agenda much more actively than Hawke and established the Republic Advisory Committee to produce an options paper on issues relating to the possible transition to a republic to take effect on the centenary of Federation: 1 January 2001. The committee produced its report in April 1993 and in it argued that "a republic is achievable without threatening Australia's cherished democratic institutions".<ref name=keating />

In response to the report, Keating promised a referendum on the establishment of a republic, replacing the Governor-General with a president, and removing references to the Australian sovereign. The president was to be nominated by the prime minister and appointed by a two-thirds majority in a joint sitting of the Senate and House of Representatives. The referendum was to be held either in 1998 or 1999.<ref name=keating /> However, Keating's party lost the 1996 federal election in a landslide and he was replaced by John Howard, a monarchist, as prime minister.

===1998 Constitutional Convention=== {{main|1998 Australian Constitutional Convention}} With the change in government in 1996, Prime Minister John Howard proceeded with an alternative policy of holding a constitutional convention. This was held over two weeks in February 1998 at Old Parliament House. Half of the 152 delegates were elected and half were appointed by the federal and state governments. Convention delegates were asked whether or not Australia should become a republic and which model for a republic is preferred. At the opening of the convention, Howard stated that if the convention could not decide on a model to be put to a referendum, then plebiscites would be held on the model preferred by the Australian public.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/Hansard/conv/con0202.pdf |title=Constitutional Convention Hansard |publisher=Parliament of Australia |date=2 February 1998 |access-date=22 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110108183157/http://www.aph.gov.au/hansard/conv/con0202.pdf |archive-date=8 January 2011}}</ref>

At the convention, a republic gained majority support (89 votes to 52 with 11 abstentions), but the question of what model for a republic should be put to the people at a referendum produced deep divisions among republicans.<ref name=constitutional1998>Vizard, Steve, Two Weeks in Lilliput: Bear Baiting and Backbiting At the Constitutional Convention (Penguin, 1998, {{ISBN|0-14-027983-0}})</ref> Four republican models were debated: two involving direct election of the head of state; one involving appointment on the advice of the prime minister (the McGarvie Model); and one involving appointment by a two-thirds majority of parliament (the bi-partisan appointment model).

The latter was eventually successful at the convention, even though it only obtained a majority because of 22 abstentions in the final vote (57 against delegates voted against the model and 73 voted for, three votes short of an actual majority of delegates).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/concon/agenda/results.htm|title=Constitutional Convention- results|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=22 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220201618/http://www.abc.net.au/concon/agenda/results.htm|archive-date=20 December 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> A number of those who abstained were republicans who supported direct election (such as Ted Mack, Phil Cleary, Clem Jones, and Andrew Gunter), thereby allowing the bi-partisan model to succeed. They reasoned that the model would be defeated at a referendum and a second referendum called with direct election as the model.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Fighting For the Republic|page=32|author=Malcolm Turnbull|publisher=HGB|year=1999|author-link=Malcolm Turnbull}}</ref> The convention also made recommendations about a preamble to the constitution and a proposed preamble was also put to referendum.{{cn|date=March 2026}} According to critics, the two-week timeline and quasi-democratic composition of the convention is evidence of an attempt by John Howard to frustrate the republican cause,<ref name=constitutional1998/> a claim John Howard adamantly rejects.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}

===1999 Republican referendum=== {{main|1999 Australian republic referendum}} The republic referendum was held on 6 November 1999, after a national advertising campaign and the distribution of 12.9 million 'Yes/No' case pamphlets. It comprised two questions: The first asked whether Australia should become a republic in which the Governor-General and monarch would be replaced by one office, the President of the Commonwealth of Australia, the occupant elected by a two-thirds vote of the Australian parliament for a fixed term. The second question, generally deemed to be far less important politically, asked whether Australia should alter the constitution to insert a preamble. Neither of the amendments passed, with 55% of all electors and all states voting 'no' to the proposed amendment; it was not carried in any state. The preamble referendum question was also defeated, with a Yes vote of only 39 per cent.

Many opinions were put forward for the defeat, some relating to perceived difficulties with the parliamentary appointment model, others relating to the lack of public engagement or that most Australians were simply happy to keep the status quo. Some republicans voted no because they did not agree with provisions such as the president being instantly dismissible by the prime minister.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vic.republic.org.au/index_files/speeches/MelbRep02.PDF |title=A People's Head of State |website=vic.republic.org.au |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318080039/http://vic.republic.org.au/index_files/speeches/MelbRep02.PDF |archive-date=18 March 2009}}</ref>

===2000s: Following the referendum=== On 26 June 2003, the Senate referred an inquiry into an Australian republic to the Senate Legal and Constitutional References Committee. During 2004, the committee reviewed 730 submissions and conducted hearings in all state capitals. The committee tabled its report, called ''Road to a Republic'', on 31 August 2004.<ref>{{Cite report |url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Legal_and_Constitutional_Affairs/Completed%20inquiries/2002-04/republic03/report/index |title=The road to a republic |last=Senate Legal and Constitutional References Committee, Parliament of the Commonwealth |date=31 August 2004 |isbn=0-642-71441-X}}</ref> The report examined the contest between minimalist and direct-election models and gave attention to hybrid models such as the electoral college model, the constitutional council model, and models having both an elected president and a Governor-General. The bi-partisan recommendations of committee supported educational initiatives and holding a series of plebiscites to allow the public to choose which model they preferred, prior to a final draft and referendum, along the lines of plebiscites proposed by John Howard at the 1998 constitutional convention.

Issues related to republicanism were raised by the March 2006 tour of Australia by Queen Elizabeth II. John Howard, still serving as prime minister, was then questioned by British journalists about the future of the Australian monarchy<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2006/s1592609.htm|title=PM's comments fuel republic debate|date=15 March 2006|publisher=ABC Local Radio|access-date=6 July 2008}}</ref> and there was debate about playing Australia's royal anthem, "God Save the Queen", during the opening of that year's Commonwealth Games, at which the monarch was present.<ref>{{cite news |date=28 February 2006 |title=Games minister denies protocol breach |newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/games-minister-denies-protocol-breach-20060228-gdn25l.html |url-status= |url-access=subscription |access-date= |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref> In July 2007, Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd pledged to hold a new referendum on a republic if called on to form a government. However, he stated there was no fixed time frame for such a move and that the result of the 1999 referendum must be respected.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-07-25/rudd-pledges-referendum-on-republic/2513066|title=Rudd pledges referendum on republic|publisher=ABC News|date=25 July 2007|access-date=20 January 2020}}</ref> After his party won the 2007 federal election and Rudd was appointed prime minister, he stated in April 2008 that a move to a republic was "not a top-order priority".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-04-07/republic-not-a-priority-rudd/2395178|title=Republic not a priority: Rudd|newspaper=ABC News|date=7 April 2008|access-date=20 January 2020}}</ref> In the lead-up to the 2010 federal election, Prime Minister Julia Gillard stated: "I believe that this nation should be a republic. I also believe that this nation has got a deep affection for Queen Elizabeth."<ref name=gillard>{{cite news|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|title= Once Queen goes, let's have a republic: Gillard|author=Jacob Saulwick|date=17 August 2010}}</ref> She stated her belief that it would be appropriate for Australia to become a republic only once Queen Elizabeth II's reign ends.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-10995425|publisher=BBC World|title=Australia's Gillard backs republic after Queen's death|date=17 August 2010|access-date=19 August 2010}}</ref>

===2010s=== In November 2013, Governor-General Quentin Bryce proclaimed her support for an Australian republic, stating in a speech "perhaps, my friends, one day, one young girl or boy may even grow up to be our nation's first head of state". She had previously emphasised the importance of debate about the future of the Australian head of state and the evolution of the constitution.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-22/governor-general-quentin-bryce-backs-gay-marriage-republicanism/5112020|title=Governor-General Quentin Bryce backs gay marriage, Australia becoming a republic in Boyer Lecture|publisher=ABC News|date=23 November 2013|access-date=20 January 2020}}</ref> In January 2015, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten called for a new push for a republic, stating: "Let us declare that our head of state should be one of us. Let us rally behind an Australian republic - a model that truly speaks for who we are, our modern identity, our place in our region and our world."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-25/bill-shorten-renews-call-for-republic-ahead-of-australia-day/6045222|title=Opposition Leader Bill Shorten renews call for republic ahead of Australia Day|date=26 January 2015|publisher=ABC News|access-date=20 January 2020}}</ref> In September 2015, former ARM chair Malcolm Turnbull became leader of the Liberal Party and was appointed prime minister. He stated he would not pursue "his dream" of Australia becoming a republic until after the end of the Queen's reign, instead focusing his efforts toward the economy.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/prime-minister-malcolm-turnbulls-new-cabinet-to-be-sworn-in-today/story-fnihslxi-1227536373800?from=public_rss|title=Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's new cabinet to be sworn in today|last=Dunlevy|first=Sue|newspaper=The Courier-Mail|date=21 September 2015|access-date=22 September 2015}}</ref> Upon meeting Elizabeth II in July 2017, Turnbull declared himself an "Elizabethan" and stated he did not believe a majority of Australians would support a republic before the end of her reign.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-12/malcolm-turnbull-meets-queen-elizabeth-republican-movement/8699490|title='Republican' and 'Elizabethan' Malcolm Turnbull meets the Queen at Buckingham Palace|publisher=ABC News|date=12 July 2017|access-date=20 January 2020}}</ref>

In December 2016, News.com.au found that a slim majority of members of both houses of parliament supported Australia becoming a republic (54% in the House and 53% in the Senate).<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/majority-of-parliamentarians-support-australian-republic/news-story/a0c30b7631b5e366f18471c737342727|title=Majority of parliamentarians support Australian republic|publisher=News.com.au|date=16 December 2016}}</ref> In July 2017, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten revealed that, should the Labor Party be elected in the 2019 federal election, they would legislate for a compulsory plebiscite on the issue. Should that plebiscite be supported by a majority of Australians, a second vote would be held, this time a referendum, asking the public for their support for a specific model of government.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/bill-shorten-vows-to-hold-vote-on-republic-during-first-term-of-a-labor-government-20170728-gxkv15.html|title=Bill Shorten vows to hold vote on republic during first term of a Labor government|last=Massola|first=James|date=28 July 2017|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=28 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728113701/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/bill-shorten-vows-to-hold-vote-on-republic-during-first-term-of-a-labor-government-20170728-gxkv15.html|archive-date=28 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Labor lost the election.

===2020s=== Following Labor's victory in the 2022 federal election, the new Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, appointed Matt Thistlethwaite as the Assistant Minister for the Republic, signalling a commitment to prepare Australia for a transition to republic following the next election.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jun/01/minister-republic-twilight-queen-reign-good-opportunity-next-for-australia |title=New minister for republic says 'twilight' of Queen's reign chance 'to discuss what comes next for Australia' |last=Butler |first=Josh |website=TheGuardian.com |date=2 June 2022 }}</ref> After the death of Elizabeth II, former prime minister Julia Gillard opined that Australia would inevitably choose to be a republic, but agreed with Albanese's timing on debate about the matter.<ref>{{Cite web |language=en-GB |title=Julia Gillard says Australia will ultimately become republic after death of Queen Elizabeth II |last=Karp |first=Paul |work=The Guardian |date=15 September 2022 |accessdate=16 September 2022 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/16/julia-gillard-says-australia-will-ultimately-become-republic-after-death-of-queen-elizabeth-ii}}</ref> When asked if he supported another referendum following the Queen's death, Albanese stated it was "not the time" to discuss a republic.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/12/anthony-albanese-says-now-not-the-time-to-discuss-republic|title=Anthony Albanese says 'now not the time' to discuss republic|first=Amy|last=Remeikes|work=The Guardian|date=12 September 2022|accessdate=19 September 2022}}</ref> Instead the government had focused on the referendum to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, which has been described by the assistant minister as a "critical first step" before a vote possibly some time in 2026.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bramston |first=Troy |date=19 August 2023 |title=Republic a next step on 'journey to maturity' |pages=6 |work=The Weekend Australian |publisher=News Corp Australia |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/labor-looks-to-ireland-for-republic-model/news-story/68376c02a0769d0ae0d3ebe0129d114c |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had stated: "I couldn't envisage a circumstance where we changed our head of state to an Australian head of state but still didn't recognise First Nations people in our constitution."<ref>{{cite interview |last=Albanese |first=Anthony |subject-link=Anthony Albanese |interviewer-last=Millar |interviewer-first=Lisa |interviewer-link=Lisa Millar |title=Television Interview ABC News Breakfast |work=ABC News Breakfast |publisher=Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet |location= |url=https://www.pm.gov.au/media/television-interview-abc-news-breakfast-4 |date=12 September 2022}}</ref>

After the Voice referendum failed, the government began to prioritise immediate economic policy over constitutional reforms,<ref name="jan24">{{cite news |title=Australia abandons plans to hold referendum on replacing King Charles and becoming a republic |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/australia-king-charles-referendum-albanese-republic-b2475117.html |access-date=17 March 2024 |work=The Independent |date=8 January 2024}}</ref> leading to concern from some republican leaders that a chance to hold another referendum would be delayed for a generation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGuirk |first=Rod |date=19 October 2023 |title=Failed referendum on Indigenous rights sets back Australian government plans to become a republic |url=https://apnews.com/article/australia-referendum-indigenous-voice-republic-c3558574bddf932081129847ba3808a2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026034735/https://apnews.com/article/australia-referendum-indigenous-voice-republic-c3558574bddf932081129847ba3808a2 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |access-date= |website=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sakkal |first=Paul |date=18 October 2023 |title=Republic could be 'doomed for a generation' after Voice referendum |url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/federal/republic-could-be-doomed-for-a-generation-after-voice-referendum-20231018-p5ed7g.html |url-access=subscription |access-date= |website=Brisbane Times |language=en}}</ref> In January 2024, the Labor government confirmed that a referendum was no longer a priority, however a break with the monarchy was still long-term party policy.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fitzgerald |first=James |date=8 January 2024 |title=Australia puts republic referendum plan on hold |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-67916228 |access-date=9 January 2024 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="jan24"/> On 28 July 2024, the position of assistant minister for the republic, which was first established on 1 June 2022, was abolished in a ministerial reshuffle.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 July 2024 |title=Albanese's new lineup signposts Labor's areas of greatest weakness and effectively concedes he made mistakes |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/jul/29/albaneses-new-lineup-signposts-labors-areas-of-greatest-weakness-and-effectively-concede-he-made-mistakes |access-date=1 August 2024 |website=The Guardian}}</ref>

On 13 May 2025, following the Coalition's defeat at the 2025 federal election, Sussan Ley and Ted O'Brien were elected as leader and deputy leader of the Liberal Party, respectively. Ley has previously declared her support for a republic, while O'Brien served as Chair of the Australian Republic Movement between 2005 and 2007.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Truu |first=Maani |date=13 May 2025 |title=Sussan Ley becomes first woman to lead Liberal Party |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-13/liberal-party-new-leader-sussan-ley/105285148 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250513004616/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-13/liberal-party-new-leader-sussan-ley/105285148 |archive-date=13 May 2025 |access-date=26 May 2025 |work=ABC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=FitzSimons |first=Peter |date=12 June 2022 |title='People were fed up': Sussan Ley on her punk past, feminism and why the Liberals lost |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/people-were-fed-up-sussan-ley-on-her-punk-past-feminism-and-why-the-liberals-lost-20220609-p5asnp.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220612063125/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/people-were-fed-up-sussan-ley-on-her-punk-past-feminism-and-why-the-liberals-lost-20220609-p5asnp.html |archive-date=12 June 2022 |access-date=26 May 2025 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=n.d. |title=Mr Ted O'Brien MP |url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=138932 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250403050608/https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=138932 |archive-date=3 April 2025 |access-date=26 May 2025 |website=Parliament of Australia}}</ref> In September 2025, Albanese officially ruled out holding a referendum while he is prime minister.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dhanji |first=Krishani |date=2025-09-28 |title=Albanese rules out holding Australian republic referendum while he is prime minister |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/sep/28/albanese-rules-out-holding-australian-republic-referendum-while-he-is-prime-minister |access-date=2025-10-19 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

==Arguments for change==

===Independence and head of state=== {{see also|Australian head of state dispute}} A central argument made by Australian republicans is that, as Australia is an independent country, it is inappropriate and anomalous for Australia to share the person of its monarch with the United Kingdom. Republicans argue that the Australian monarch is not Australian and, as a national and resident of another country, cannot adequately represent Australia or Australian national aspirations, either to itself or to the rest of the world.<ref name=keating>{{cite web|url=http://www.australianpolitics.com/executive/keating/950607republic-speech.shtml |author=Paul Keating |title=An Australian Republic – The Way Forward |date=7 June 1995 |publisher=australianpolitics.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910182312/http://australianpolitics.com/executive/keating/950607republic-speech.shtml |archive-date=10 September 2011 |author-link=Paul Keating}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.republic.org.au/ARM-2001/speeches&articles/spa_costello2.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071031034428/http://www.republic.org.au/ARM-2001/speeches%26articles/spa_costello2.htm|url-status=dead|title=Monarchy v Republic, P. Costello from ''Options'' editor C. Pyne|archivedate=31 October 2007}}</ref> Former Chief Justice Gerard Brennan stated that "so long as we retain the existing system our head of state is determined for us essentially by the parliament at Westminster".<ref>Official Committee Hansard, Senate, Legal and Constitutional References Committee, 13 April 2004, Sydney, p21 [http://www.aph.gov.au/hansard/senate/commttee/S7541.pdf] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204035037/http://www.aph.gov.au/hansard/senate/commttee/S7541.pdf|date=4 February 2012}}</ref> As ARM member Frank Cassidy put it in a speech on the issue: "In short, we want a resident for President."<ref>Address by Frank Cassidy Part of "Australia Consults" community debates, Saturday 25 January 1997: [http://www.republic.org.au/ARM-2001/speeches&articles/spa_cassidy1.htm Source] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820221423/http://www.republic.org.au/ARM-2001/speeches%26articles/spa_cassidy1.htm |date=20 August 2006}}</ref>

===Multiculturalism=== Some republicans associate the monarchy with British identity and argue that Australia has changed demographically and culturally, from being "British to our bootstraps", as prime minister Sir Robert Menzies once put it, to being less British in nature (albeit maintaining an "English Core").<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/SENATE/committee/legcon_ctte/completed_inquiries/2002-04/republic03/report/c02.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925115424/http://www.aph.gov.au/SENATE/committee/legcon_ctte/completed_inquiries/2002-04/republic03/report/c02.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Road to a republic, p5|archivedate=25 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.republic.org.au/arm-2001/speeches&articles/spa_peach6May2005.htm|title=The birth of the Republic of Australia, B. Peach 6 May 2005|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071107015459/http://www.republic.org.au/ARM-2001/speeches%26articles/spa_peach6May2005.htm|archive-date=7 November 2007}}</ref> Many Australian republicans are of non-British ancestry, and feel no connection to the "mother country" to speak of. According to an Australian government inquiry, arguments put forth by these republicans include the claim that the idea of one person being both monarch of Australia and of the United Kingdom is an anomaly.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/SENATE/committee/legcon_ctte/completed_inquiries/2002-04/republic03/report/c02.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925115424/http://www.aph.gov.au/SENATE/committee/legcon_ctte/completed_inquiries/2002-04/republic03/report/c02.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Road to a republic, p6|archivedate=25 September 2011}}</ref>

However, monarchists argue that immigrants who left unstable republics and have arrived in Australia since 1945 welcomed the social and political stability that they found in Australia under a constitutional monarchy. Further, some Aboriginal Australians, such as former Senator Neville Bonner, said a republican president would not "care one jot more for my people".<ref>{{cite web |last=Bonner |first=Neville |date=4 February 1998 |title=Neville Bonner; speech to the Constitutional Convention; 4 February 1998 |url=http://www.norepublic.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=888&Itemid=24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222142806/http://www.norepublic.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=888&Itemid=24 |archive-date=22 February 2011 |access-date= |publisher=Australians for Constitutional Monarchy}}</ref>

===Social values and contemporary Australia=== From some perspectives, it has been argued that several characteristics of the monarchy are in conflict with modern Australian values.<ref name=keating /> The hereditary nature of the monarchy is said to conflict with egalitarianism and dislike of inherited privilege. The laws of succession were, before amendment to them in 2015, held by some to be sexist and the links between the monarchy and the Church of England inconsistent with Australia's secular character.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/SENATE/committee/legcon_ctte/completed_inquiries/2002-04/republic03/report/c02.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925115424/http://www.aph.gov.au/SENATE/committee/legcon_ctte/completed_inquiries/2002-04/republic03/report/c02.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Road to a Republic, p5|archivedate=25 September 2011}}</ref>

===Sectarianian divides=== Under the Act of Settlement, the monarch is prohibited from being a Catholic. Monarchism and republicanism in Australia have been claimed to delineate historical and persistent sectarian tensions with, broadly speaking, Catholics more likely to be republicans and Protestants more likely to be monarchists.<ref name=knightley>Knightley, Philip. Australia: A Biography of a Nation. London: Vintage (2001).</ref> This developed out of a historical cleavage in 19th- and 20th-century Australia, in which republicans were predominantly of Irish Catholic background and loyalists were predominantly of British Protestant background.<ref>Rickard, John. Australia: A Cultural History. London: Longman (1996)</ref> Whilst mass immigration since the Second World War has diluted this conflict,<ref name=knightley /> the Catholic–Protestant divide has been cited as a dynamic in the republic debate, particularly in relation to the referendum campaign in 1999.<ref name=knightley /> Nonetheless, others have stated that Catholic–Protestant tensions—at least in the sense of an Irish–British conflict—are at least forty years dead with Catholicism now officially being the largest religion in Australia as per the 2021 Census.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/10/04/1096871814394.html|title=New Life for that Old Time Sectarianism|last=Henderson|first=Gerard|date=5 October 2004|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=30 January 2011}}</ref>

It has also been claimed, however, that the Catholic–Protestant divide is intermingled with class issues.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/8.30/relrpt/stories/s938041.htm |title=The Religion Report: Sectarianism Australian style |date=3 September 2003 |publisher=Radio National |access-date=6 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704143759/http://www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/8.30/relrpt/stories/s938041.htm |archive-date=4 July 2008}}</ref> Republicanism in Australia has traditionally been supported most strongly by members of the urban working class with Irish Catholic backgrounds,<ref>Rickard. Australia (1996).</ref> whereas monarchism is a core value associated with urban and rural inhabitants of British Protestant heritage and the middle class,<ref name=knightley /> to the extent that there were calls in 1999 for 300,000 exceptionally enfranchised<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aec.gov.au/Enrolling_to_vote/British_subjects.htm|title=British Subjects Eligibility|date=3 August 2007|publisher=Australian Electoral Commission|access-date=6 July 2008}}</ref> British subjects who were not Australian citizens to be barred from voting on the grounds that they would vote as a loyalist bloc in a tight referendum.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/stories/s48403.htm|title=Ausflag calls for Brits to be barred from republic referendum|date=1 September 1999|publisher=The World Today|access-date=6 July 2008}}</ref>

==Proposals for change== A typical proposal for an Australian republic provides for the King and Governor-General to be replaced by a president or an executive federal council. There is much debate on the appointment or election process that would be used and what role such an office would have.

Australians for Constitutional Monarchy and the Australian Monarchist League argue that no model is better than the present system and argue that the risk and difficulty of changing the constitution is best demonstrated by inability of republicans to back a definitive design.

===The range of models=== Australian republicans usually propose that the Governor-General is replaced by an Australian Head of State. They have proposed or shown support for a variety of methods for selecting and/or electing such a Head of State as follows: *Election **by a popular vote of all Australian citizens; **by the federal parliament alone; **by federal and state parliaments; **by a hybrid process of popular and parliamentary votes. * Selection **by the prime minister; **by consensus among the government and opposition; **by an electoral college.

Alternatively, some proposals provide for replacing only the monarchy and entirely retaining the role of Governor-General. The McGarvie model replaces the monarch with a constitutional council of former governors and judges. Copernican models replace the monarch with a directly elected figurehead, without executive authority.<ref>{{cite book|title=Road to a Republic |publisher=Senate Printing Unit |year=2004 |isbn=0-642-71441-X |pages=107–108, 128–129}}</ref> These models maintain the executive authority and reserve powers of the current Governor-General, appointed by the council or elected figurehead respectively.

Occasionally, it is proposed to abolish the roles of the Governor-General and the monarchy and have their functions exercised by other constitutional officers such as the speaker.<ref name=theroad />

===2022 Australian Choice Model=== Since 2022, the ARM has supported the Australian Choice Model, which they developed after consultation with more than 10,000 Australians.<ref name="republic.org.au">{{Cite web |title=The Australian Choice Model: Policy |url=https://republic.org.au/policy |access-date=21 June 2023 |website=Australian Republic Movement |language=en-AU}}</ref> Originating in a 2004 Senate submission and 2018 book, the current model proposes that state, territory and Federal parliaments nominate eleven candidates which are then put to a national vote.<ref>{{cite book |title=Road to a Republic - Alternative Models for an Australian Republic |date=August 2004 |publisher=Australian Senate |page=128, sect.7.104 |url=https://www.aph.gov.au/~/media/wopapub/senate/committee/legcon_ctte/completed_inquiries/2002_04/republic03/report/report_pdf.ashx |access-date=17 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Jones |first1=Benjamin |title=This Time: Australia's republican past and future |publisher=Redback |page=172 | url=https://collection.sl.nsw.gov.au/record/74VKVjOXZLdM |access-date=24 January 2018}}</ref> The model aims to bridge a longstanding controversy of whether the parliament or people should elect a head of state.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Koziol |first1=Michael |title='People don't want Trump or Shane Warne': Hybrid model proposed for Australian republic |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/people-don-t-want-trump-or-shane-warne-hybrid-model-proposed-for-australian-republic-20220112-p59no0.html |access-date=17 March 2025 |publisher=Sydney Morning Herald |date=12 Jan 2022}}</ref>

The model includes specific constitutional amendments drafted and supported by ten constitutional law scholars. The proposed amendments codify the reserve powers of the Head of State with some variance from how they are exercised presently.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Luo |first1=Dane |title=The Devil is in the Detail: The Reserve Powers under the Australian Choice Model |url=https://www.auspublaw.org/blog/2022/02/the-devil-is-in-the-detail-the-reserve-powers-under-the-australian-choice-model |website=Australian Public Law |date=18 Feb 2022 |access-date=17 March 2025 }}</ref> The ARM claims that their research shows that their approach has significantly higher levels of support in the Australian community than direct election or parliamentary appointment models and would have the best prospects of success at a referendum.<ref name="republic.org.au"></ref>

===Process models=== {{main|Process model (Australia)|l1=Process models}} From its foundation until the 1999 referendum, the ARM supported the bi-partisan appointment model, which would result in a President elected by the Parliament of Australia, with the powers currently held by the Governor-General. It is argued that the requirement of a two-thirds majority in a vote of both houses of parliament would result in a bi-partisan appointment, preventing a party politician from becoming president.<ref name="theroad">{{Cite web|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/SENATE/committee/legcon_ctte/completed_inquiries/2002-04/republic03/report/c07.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605084047/http://www.aph.gov.au/SENATE/committee/legcon_ctte/completed_inquiries/2002-04/republic03/report/c07.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Road to a Republic, p106|archivedate=5 June 2011}}</ref>

From 2010 to 2022, the ARM proposed a non-binding plebiscite to decide the model, followed by a binding referendum to amend the Constitution, reflecting the model chosen.<ref name="arm_policy">{{cite web|url=http://www.republic.org.au/page/australian-republican-movement-policy |title=Australian Republican Movement Policy |date=February 2010 |access-date=15 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218115449/http://www.republic.org.au/page/australian-republican-movement-policy |archive-date=18 February 2011}}</ref> Opponents of holding non-binding plebiscites include monarchist David Flint, who described this process as "inviting a vote of no confidence in one of the most successful constitutions in the world,"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.norepublic.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=32&Itemid=6|title=Senate Inquiry Invites No Confidence Vote in Our Constitution! |date=31 August 2004|publisher=Australians for Constitutional Monarchy|access-date=6 July 2008}}</ref> and minimalist republican Greg Craven, who states "a multi-option plebiscite inevitably will produce a direct election model, precisely for the reason that such a process favours models with shallow surface appeal and multiple flaws. Equally inevitably, such a model would be doomed at referendum."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/legcon_ctte/completed_inquiries/2002-04/republic03/submissions/sub167.pdf |title=Inquiry into an Australian Republic |last=Craven |first=Greg |date=25 March 2004 |publisher=Curtin University of Technology |access-date=6 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080627121808/http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/legcon_ctte/completed_inquiries/2002-04/republic03/submissions/sub167.pdf |archive-date=27 June 2008}}</ref>

==Public opinion==   {| class="wikitable small floatright" style="font-size:90%;text-align:center" |+ Public opinion polls for becoming a republic or staying as a monarchy |- ! Date !! Firm !! Republic !! Monarchy !! Undecided |- |November 2025 |Resolve<ref name="Resolve 1125">{{cite news |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |archive-url=https://archive.today/20251114070930/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/republic-support-surges-to-record-level-but-we-still-like-king-charles-despite-andrew-furore-20251111-p5nec8.html |access-date=14 November 2025 |archive-date=14 November 2025 |date=14 November 2025 |first=James |last=Massola |author-link=James Massola |url-status=live |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/republic-support-surges-to-record-level-but-we-still-like-king-charles-despite-andrew-furore-20251111-p5nec8.html |title=Republic support surges to record level, but we still like King Charles despite Andrew furore |url-access=subscription}}</ref> |{{yes|43%}} |28% |29% |- |28–31 October 2024 |YouGov<ref>{{Cite web |title=25 years after the Referendum: Support for a Republic declines|url=https://au.yougov.com/politics/articles/50879-25-years-after-the-referendum-support-for-a-republic-declines|access-date=2024-10-29|website=www.au.yougov.com}}</ref> |41% |{{no|59%}} | - |- |October 2024 |Roy Morgan<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web |title=A clear majority of Australians want to retain the Monarchy rather than become a Republic after King Charles III and Queen Camilla visit Australia for the first time - Roy Morgan Research |url=https://www.roymorgan.com/findings/a-clear-majority-of-australians-want-to-retain-the-monarchy-rather-than-become-a-republic-after-king-charles-iii-and-queen-camilla-visit-australia-for-the-first-time |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=www.roymorgan.com}}</ref> |43% |{{no|57%}} | - |- |''18–23 October 2024'' | colspan="4" |''2024 Royal Tour of Australia by King Charles III and Queen Camilla'' |- |October 2024 |Pulse of Australia<ref>{{Cite web |title= Poll shows support for Australian republic falls under King Charles |url= https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=DTWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailytelegraph.com.au%2Fnews%2Fnational%2Fpoll-shows-support-for-australian-republic-falls-under-king-charles%2Fnews-story%2F63b4115363f52224684b52ab03eeaf22&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=GROUPA-Segment-1-NOSCORE |access-date=12 October 2024 |website=Dailytelegraph.com.au |language=en}}</ref> |33% |{{no|45%}} |22% |- |January 2024 |Essential<ref>{{Cite web |title=Support for Australia becoming a Republic |url=https://essentialreport.com.au/questions/support-for-australia-becoming-a-republic-3 |access-date=29 May 2024 |website=essentialreport.com.au |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes2|42%}} |35% |23% |- |May 2023 |Essential<ref>{{Cite web |title=Support for a Republic |url=https://essentialreport.com.au/questions/support-for-a-republic |access-date=21 June 2023 |website=essentialreport.com.au |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes|54%}} |46% | - |- |''6–8 May 2023'' | colspan="4" |''Coronation weekend of King Charles III and Queen Camilla '' |- |March 2023 |Lord Ashcroft<ref>{{Cite web |title=Uncharted Realms: The Future of the Monarchy in the UK and Around the World - Lord Ashcroft Polls |url=https://lordashcroftpolls.com/2023/05/uncharted-realms-the-future-of-the-monarchy-in-the-uk-and-around-the-world/#more-17010 |access-date=4 May 2023 |website=lordashcroftpolls.com|date=2 May 2023 }}</ref> |{{yes2|42%}} |35% |16% |- |December 2022 |Ipsos<ref name=ipsos>{{cite web|url=https://www.ipsos.com/en-au/their-netflix-show-might-be-popular-favourability-towards-harry-and-meghan-has-reached-new-low|title=Their Netflix show might be popular, but favourability towards Harry and Meghan has reached a new low, Ipsos survey reveals|last=Elliott|first=David|date=20 December 2022|publisher=Ipsos Mori}}</ref> |{{yes|54%}} |46% | - |- |December 2022 |ANU<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://australianelectionstudy.org/wp-content/uploads/The-2022-Australian-Federal-Election-Results-from-the-Australian-Election-Study.pdf|title=The 2022 Australian National University Australian Electoral Study}}</ref> |{{yes|54%}} |46% | - |- |December 2022 |Australian Community Media<ref>{{Cite web|date=27 January 2023 |title=Australians ready for republic, ACM survey shows |url=https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8063716/australians-ready-for-republic-acm-survey-shows/ |access-date=21 June 2023 |website=Inner East Review |language=en-AU}}</ref> |{{yes|52%}} |32% |16% |- |September 2022 |Resolve Strategic<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pollbludger.net/2022/09/21/resolve-strategic-labor-39-coalition-32-greens-10-open-thread/ |title=Resolve Strategic: Labor 39, Coalition 32, Greens 10 (open thread)| date=21 September 2022}}</ref> |46% |{{no|54%}} | - |- |September 2022 |Guardian/Essential<ref>{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Sarah |date=19 September 2022 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/19/guardian-essential-poll-australians-divided-on-whether-king-charles-should-be-head-of-state |title=Guardian Essential poll: Australians divided on whether King Charles should be head of state |newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> |{{yes2|43%}} |37% |20% |- |September 2022 |Roy Morgan<ref name="roymorgan.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.roymorgan.com/findings/a-resounding-majority-of-australians-want-to-retain-the-monarchy-rather-than-become-a-republic|title=A resounding majority of Australians want to retain the Monarchy rather than become a Republic|date=13 September 2022|publisher=Roy Morgan}}</ref> |40% |{{no|60%}} | - |- |''8 September 2022'' | colspan="4" |''King Charles III accedes to the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II'' |- |January 2022 |Resolve Political Monitor |{{yes|54%}} |46% | - |- |January 2022 |Resolve Political Monitor<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/support-for-republic-is-strong-enough-to-win-approval-in-bigger-states-poll-20220123-p59qiv.html|title=Support for republic is strong enough to win approval in bigger states: Poll|last=Crowe|first=David|date=23 January 2022|work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> |{{yes2|38%}} |30% |32% |- |March 2021 |Essential<ref name="essentialvision.com.au">{{Cite web |title=You searched for republic |url=https://essentialvision.com.au/search/republic |access-date=26 October 2022 |website=The Essential Report Archive |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes2|48%}} |28% |25% |- | January 2021 || Ipsos<ref name="The Sydney Morning Herald">{{cite news |title='No sense of momentum': Poll finds drop in support for Australia becoming a republic |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/no-sense-of-momentum-poll-finds-drop-in-support-for-australia-becoming-a-republic-20210125-p56wpe.html |access-date=25 January 2021 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=25 January 2021}}</ref> | 34% || {{no2|40%}} || 26% |- |July 2020 ||YouGov<ref name="Daily Telegraph">{{cite news |title=Poll finds 62 per cent believe our head of state should be an Aussie |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/poll-finds-62-per-cent-believe-our-head-of-state-should-be-an-aussie/news-story/8807f7f6c42f914aece56540dd783c8b?amp&nk=39e2246357e8dae7c5d663c510ad13fa-1673915632 |archive-date=17 January 2023 |access-date=14 November 2025 |url-access=subscription |via=The Daily Telegraph |work=The Sunday Telegraph |url-status=live |first=Miranda |last=Wood |date=12 July 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230117003343/https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/poll-finds-62-per-cent-believe-our-head-of-state-should-be-an-aussie/news-story/8807f7f6c42f914aece56540dd783c8b?amp&nk=39e2246357e8dae7c5d663c510ad13fa-1673915632}}</ref> |{{yes|52%}} |32% |16% |- |June 2019 |Essential<ref name="essentialvision.com.au"/> |{{yes2|43%}} |33% |24% |- |November 2018 |Essential<ref name="essentialvision.com.au"/> |{{yes2|44%}} |32% |24% |- | November 2018 || Newspoll<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/love-for-young-royals-wounds-republicans/news-story/63bb1e8f8a064ddf863a2afe3ef36ade|title=Love for young royals wounds republicans|date=11 November 2018|work=The Australian}}</ref> | 40% || {{no2|48%}} || 12% |- | May 2018 || Essential<ref>[https://www.essentialvision.com.au/republic-11 Republic], Essential Report, 22 May 2018</ref> | {{yes2|48%}} || 30% || 22% |- |''19 May 2018'' | colspan="4" |''Marriage of Prince Harry and Megan Markle'' |- | April 2018 || Newspoll<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/support-for-republic-at-50pct-newspoll/ecmgl9eiy|title=Support for republic at 50pct: Newspoll|date=10 April 2018|website=SBS News}}</ref> | {{yes|50%}} || 41% || 9% |- | January 2018 || ResearchNow<ref name=SbsFeb2018>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/monarchy-support-at-lowest-level-poll/hsyj7t6h0|title=Monarchy support at lowest level: Poll|date=21 February 2018|publisher=SBS}}</ref> | {{yes|52%}} || 22% || 25% |- | January 2018 || Essential<ref name="Essential16Jan2018">{{cite web|title=Essential Report|url=http://www.essentialvision.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Essential-Report_160118.pdf|date=16 January 2018}}</ref> | {{yes2|44%}} || 29% || 26% |- | August 2017 || Newspoll<ref name=NewspollAugust2017>{{cite news|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/newspoll/young-voters-cool-on-republican-push-newspoll/news-story/925a21d5f471064f62ca1c363756d7ad?nk=2b5ff61cf0de79b98bfe9f484e8efe20-1517197992|title=Young voters cool on republican push|date=10 August 2017|newspaper=The Australian}}</ref> | {{yes|51%}} || 38% || 11% |- | January 2017 || Essential<ref name="Essential16Jan2018" /> | {{yes2|44%}} || 30% || 26% |- | December 2016 || ANU<ref name=ANU_ElectoralStudy>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/politics/public-support-for-a-republic-hits-record-high-as-turnbull-and-shorten-show-their-support/news-story/cf8c6f2c424202c2d0e8fb7d70cf0a89|title=Public support for a republic hits record high as Turnbull and Shorten show their support|date=21 December 2016|author=James MacSmith}}</ref> | {{yes|52.5%}} || 47.5% || {{dash}} |- | January 2016 || Newspoll<ref name=Newspoll1999to2016 /> | {{yes|51%}} || 37% || 12% |- | April 2014 || Fairfax-Nielsen<ref name=FairfaxNielsen2014 /> | 42% || {{no|51%}} || 7% |- | February 2014 || ReachTEL<ref name=ReachTEL2014 /> | 39% || {{no2|42%}} || 19% |- | June 2012 || Roy Morgan<ref name=RoyMorgan2012>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/australian-support-for-monarchy-hits-25-year-high/story-fn7x8me2-1226389780182|title=Australian support for monarchy hits 25-year high|access-date=9 June 2012|date=9 June 2012|work=Herald Sun}}</ref> | 35% || {{no|58%}} || 7% |- |''19–29 October 2011'' | colspan="4" |''2011 Royal Tour by Queen Elizabeth II'' |- | May 2011 || Roy Morgan<ref name=RoyMorgan2011 /> | 34% || {{no|55%}} || 11% |- |''29 April 2011'' | colspan="4" |''Wedding of Prince William and Catherine'' |- | January 2011 || Newspoll<ref name=Newspoll1999to2016 /> | {{yes2|41%}} || 39% || 20% |- | August 2010 || Fairfax-Nielsen<ref name=smh_poll_august_2010 /> | 44% || {{no2|48%}} || 8% |- | October 2009 || UMR<ref name=UMR2009 /> | {{yes|59%}} || 33% || 8% |- | November 2008 || UMR<ref name=UMR2008 /> | {{yes|50%}} || 28% || 22% |- | May 2008 || Morgan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roymorgan.com/news/polls/2008/4290/ |title=Now Only 45% of Australians Want a Republic with an Elected President (Down 6% Since 2001) |date=5 July 2008 |publisher=Roy Morgan International |access-date=6 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725063504/http://www.roymorgan.com/news/polls/2008/4290 |archive-date=25 July 2008}}</ref> | {{yes2|45%}} || 42% || 13% |- | January 2007 || Newspoll<ref name=Newspoll1999to2016 /> | {{yes2|45%}} || 36% || 19% |- | January 2006 || Newspoll<ref name=Newspoll1999to2016 /> | {{yes2|46%}} || 34% || 20% |- | January 2005 || Newspoll<ref name=Newspoll1999to2016 /> | {{yes2|46%}} || 35% || 19% |- | December 2003 || Newspoll<ref name=Newspoll1999to2016 /> | {{yes|51%}} || 32% || 17% |- | November 2002 || Newspoll<ref name=Newspoll1999to2016 /> | {{yes|51%}} || 35% || 14% |- | July 2001 || Newspoll<ref name=Newspoll1999to2016 /> | {{yes|52%}} || 35% || 13% |- | March 2000 || Newspoll<ref name=Newspoll1999to2016 /> | {{yes|52%}} || 35% || 13% |- |''6 November 1999'' | colspan="4" |''1999 Australian republic referendum (45.13% Republic – '''54.87% Monarchy''')'' |- | August 1999 || Newspoll<ref name=Newspoll1999to2016 /> | {{yes|51%}} || 35% || 14% |- | July 1999 || Newspoll<ref name=Newspoll1999to2016 /> | {{yes2|46%}} || 34% || 20% |}

{| class="wikitable small floatright" style="font-size:90%;text-align:center" |+ Public opinion polls for becoming a republic or having a resident Australian monarch |- ! Date !! Firm !! Republic !! Monarchy (resident monarch) !! Undecided |-

| November 2023 || Pollfish<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pollfish.com/dashboard/results/384546314/243415616 | title=Pollfish: Results }}</ref> | {{yes| 65% }} || 35% || - |- | April 2022 || Ipsos<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 October 2022 |title="You shall not pass!" |url=https://dochub.com/olisa4789/pqb0g5YRqyrljZYRJ2nx67/monarch-with-the-uk-omnibus-april-2022-27-04-22-8-question-2-pdf |url-access=registration |access-date=26 October 2022 |website=DocHub}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=26 October 2022 |title=Access Denied |edition=1st |volume=1 |pages=1 |work=Daily Telegraph |issue=1 |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/republic-debate-new-poll-shows-australian-support-for-monarchy/news-story/8c81a621d4a9d7d21e0166ff6a70627e |access-date=26 October 2022}}</ref> | {{yes2|47%}} || 23% || 30% |} {| class="wikitable small floatright" style="font-size:90%;text-align:center" |+ Public opinion polls for becoming a republic or continuing to share a monarch with the United Kingdom or having a resident Australian monarch |- ! Date !! Firm !! Republic !! Monarchy (shared monarch) !! Monarchy (resident monarch) !! None |- | March 2025 || Pollfish<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pollfish.com/dashboard/results/394005638/-519292123|title=Pollfish: Results|website=www.pollfish.com}}</ref> | 42% || 38% || 4% || 16% |-| | November 2021 || Ipsos<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 October 2022 |title="You shall not pass!" |url=https://dochub.com/olisa4789/YpDBonNVrb7vz8nVMX93r7/monarchy-in-australia-omnibus-nov-2021-29-11-21-2 |url-access=registration |access-date=26 October 2022 |website=DocHub}}</ref> | 37% || {{no2|41%}} || 13% || 9% |- | February 2020 || YouGov<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VRcnNNltCyogUlUOaVNXVpVWHzsX3erl/view?usp=sharing|title = Results for AnthonyMcDonnell (AusMonarch).PDF}}</ref><ref>Clarissa Bye (1 June 2020). "Large slice of younger generation wild about Harry as king of Oz". Daily Telegraph, Sydney.</ref> | 42% || 37% || 13% || 9% |}

Polls and surveys generate different responses depending on the wording of the questions, mostly in regards the type of republic, and often appear contradictory.

In 2009, the Australian Electoral Survey that is conducted following all elections by the Australian National University has found that support for a republic has remained reasonably static since 1987 at around 60%, if the type of republic is not part of the question. The survey also shows that support or opposition is relatively weak: 31% strongly support a republic while only 10% strongly oppose.<ref>[http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/pubs/occa_lect/transcripts/060309/060309.pdf The Trajectory of the Australian Republic Debate pdf.] Senate Lecture Transcript 6 March 2009 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629145816/http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/pubs/occa_lect/transcripts/060309/060309.pdf |date=29 June 2011}}</ref> Roy Morgan research has indicated that support for the monarchy has been supported by a majority of Australians since 2010, with support for a republic being in the majority between 1999 and 2004.<ref name="roymorgan.com"/>

An opinion poll held in November 2008 that separated the questions found support for a republic at 50% with 28% opposed. Asked how the president should be chosen if there were to be a republic, 80 percent said elected by the people, against 12 percent who favoured appointment by parliament.<ref name=UMR2008>{{cite web|url=http://umrresearch.com.au/doc/Australianrepublicnov2008.pdf |title=Australian Republic Opinion Poll |publisher=UMR Research |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706112942/http://umrresearch.com.au/doc/Australianrepublicnov2008.pdf |archive-date=6 July 2011}}</ref> In October 2009, another poll by UMR found 59% support for a republic and 33% opposition. 73% supported direct election, versus 18% support for parliamentary appointment.<ref name=UMR2009>{{cite web|url=http://www.republic.org.au/story/umr-poll-october-2009-summary |title=UMR poll October 2009 |publisher=ARM |access-date=27 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110228114315/http://www.republic.org.au/story/umr-poll-october-2009-summary |archive-date=28 February 2011}}</ref>

On 29 August 2010, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'' published a poll produced by Nielsen, asking multiple questions on the future of the monarchy:<ref name="smh_poll_august_2010">{{cite news |last=Wright |first=Jessica |date=29 August 2010 |title=Not ready for a republic? Well, we are amused |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/not-ready-for-a-republic-well-we-are-amused-20100828-13wv7.html}}</ref> *48% of the 1400 respondents were opposed to constitutional change (a rise of eight per cent since 2008) *44% supported change (a drop of eight per cent since 2008). But when asked which of the following statements best described their view:<ref name=smh_poll_august_2010 /> *31% said Australia should never become a republic. *29% said Australia should become a republic as soon as possible. *34% said Australia should become a republic only after Queen Elizabeth II's reign ends.

A survey of 1,000 readers of ''The Sun-Herald'' and ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', published in ''The Sydney Morning Herald'' on 21 November 2010, found 68% of respondents were in favour of Australia becoming a republic, while 25% said it should not. More than half the respondents, 56%, said Australia should become a republic as soon as possible while 31% said it should happen after the Queen dies.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/world/big-hopes-for-crowns-new-jewel-20101120-181uc.html|title=Big hopes for crown's new jewel|first=Tim |last=Barlass|access-date=29 January 2011|date=21 November 2010|work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref>

However, an opinion poll conducted in 2011 saw a sharp decline in the support for an Australian republic. The polling conducted by the Morgan Poll in May 2011 showed the support for the monarchy was now 55% (up 17% since 1999), whereas the support for a republic was at 34% (down 20%).<ref name=RoyMorgan2011>{{cite news|url=http://www.roymorgan.com/resources/pdf/papers/20111001.pdf |title=Australia's Constitutional Future: Opinion Polling |author=Roy Morgan Research |access-date=9 October 2011 |date=8 October 2011 |work=Roy Morgan Research |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018130224/http://www.roymorgan.com/resources/pdf/papers/20111001.pdf |archive-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> The turnaround in support for a republic has been called the "strange death of Australian republicanism".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/strange-death-of-australian-republicanism-2373145.html|title=Strange death of Australian republicanism|author=Kathy Marks|access-date=9 June 2012|date=20 October 2011|work=The Independent}}</ref>

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation's ''Vote Compass'' during the 2013 Australian federal election found that 40.4% of respondents disagreed with the statement ''"Australia should end the monarchy and become a republic"'', whilst 38.1% agreed (23.1% strongly agreed) and 21.5% were neutral. Support for a republic was highest among those with a left-leaning political ideology. Younger people had the highest rate for those neutral towards the statement (27.8%) with their support for strongly agreed the lowest of all age groups at 17.1%. Support for a republic was highest in the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria and lowest in Queensland and Western Australia. More men than women said they support a republic.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-11/vote-compass-full-data-explorer/5016244|title=Vote Compass explorer: What Australians think about the big political issues|access-date=23 November 2013|date=11 November 2013|work=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref>

In early 2014, a ReachTEL poll of 2,146 Australian conducted just after Australia Day showed only 39.4% supported a republic with 41.6% opposed. Lowest support was in the 65+ year cohort followed by the 18–34-year cohort. ARM chair Geoff Gallop said higher support for a republic among Generation X and baby boomer voters could be explained by them having participated in the 1999 referendum and remembering the 1975 constitutional crisis.<ref name=ReachTEL2014>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/republican-cause-takes-heavy-knock-in-poll-20140201-31u1a.html#ixzz4441hrBb0|title=Republican cause takes heavy knock in poll|date=2 February 2014|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=27 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409015850/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/republican-cause-takes-heavy-knock-in-poll-20140201-31u1a.html#ixzz4441hrBb0|archive-date=9 April 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In April 2014, a poll found that "support for an Australian republic has slumped to its lowest level in more than three decades"; namely, on the eve of the visit to Australia by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince George, 42% of those polled agreed with the statement that "Australia should become a republic", whereas 51% opposed.<ref name=FairfaxNielsen2014>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/republican-movement-wanes-amid-royal-revival-20140415-zqv05.html|title=Republican movement wanes amid royal revival|date=15 April 2014|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=17 April 2014}}</ref>

ARM commissioned a poll to be conducted by Essential Research from 5 to 8 November in 2015, asking "When Prince Charles becomes King of Australia, will you support or oppose replacing the British monarch with an Australian citizen as Australia's head of state?" Of the 1008 participants, 51% said they would prefer an Australian head of state to "King Charles", 27% opposed and 22% were undecided.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/king-charles-majority-of-australians-support-a-republic-instead-of-queen-elizabeths-successor-20151110-gkvwqy.html#ixzz443ycEBJN|title=King Charles? Majority of Australians support a republic instead of Queen Elizabeth's successor|date=11 November 2015|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=27 March 2016}}</ref>

''The Australian'' has polled the same question "Are you personally in favour or against Australia becoming a republic?" multiple times since 1999. After Australia Day 2016 they found 51% support. This level of support was similar to levels found between 1999 and 2003 by the same newspaper. Total against was 37% which was an increase over the rates polled in all previous polls other than 2011. Uncommitted at 12% was the lowest ever polled. However support for a republic was again lowest in the 18–34-year cohort.<ref name=Newspoll1999to2016>{{cite news|url=http://resources.news.com.au/files/2016/02/05/1227737/627996-160206republic.pdf|title=IN FAVOUR OR AGAINST AUSTRALIA BECOMING A REPUBLIC|newspaper=The Australian|access-date=27 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406233338/http://resources.news.com.au/files/2016/02/05/1227737/627996-160206republic.pdf|archive-date=6 April 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In November 2018, Newspoll found support for a republic had collapsed to 40%. It was also the first time in their polling since the 1999 referendum that support for the monarchy was higher than a republic.<ref>{{cite news |title=Newspoll gives Labor a commanding 10-point lead over the Coalition |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/nov/12/newspoll-gives-labor-a-commanding-10-point-lead-over-the-coalition |access-date=25 January 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=12 November 2018}}</ref> A July 2020 YouGov poll found 62% of Australians believed Australia's head of state should be an Australian, not Queen Elizabeth II.<ref name="Daily Telegraph"/> An Ipsos poll in January 2021 found support for a republic was 34%, the lowest since 1979. However, one conducted by Ipsos in December 2022 (after the death of the Queen) showed support for a move to a republic had risen to 54%.{{cn|date=November 2025}}

In October 2024, an opinion poll conducted by Roy Morgan, shortly after the King and Queen's royal tour, showed a dramatic increase in support for the monarchy, with 57 per cent of respondents believing Australia should remain a monarchy.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

In November 2025, following Prince Andrew's (now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor) titles being removed by King Charles III, republican sentiment rose to 43% while Windsor's negative rating rose to 59%, while 61% of respondents wanted Windsor removed from the line of succession. 29% of respondents had a favourable view of King Charles. A total of 958 people were surveyed.<ref name="Resolve 1125"/>

==Party political positions== <div style="display:inline-table; vertical-align:top; float:right; margin-left:20px"> '''Political party summary''' {| class="wikitable sortable" ! colspan="2" | Party ! Position |- | {{Australian party style|Labor}}| | {{Australian politics/name|Labor}} | {{yes|Support}} |- | {{Australian party style|Liberal}}| | {{Australian politics/name|Liberal}} | {{n/a|Neutral}} |- | {{Australian party style|National}}| | {{Australian politics/name|National}} | {{no|Oppose}} |- | {{Australian party style|Greens}}| | {{Australian politics/name|Greens}} | {{yes|Support}} |- | {{Australian party style|One Nation}}| | {{Australian politics/name|One Nation}} | {{no|Oppose}} <ref>{{cite news |last1=Butler |first1=Josh |title='Don't criticise us': Australian Monarchist League defends welcoming Hanson and Deves as speakers {{!}} Australia news {{!}} The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/oct/28/dont-criticise-us-australian-monarchist-league-defends-welcoming-hanson-and-deves-as-speakers |access-date=6 August 2023 |work=amp.theguardian.com}}</ref> |- | {{Australian party style|Socialist Alliance}}| | {{Australian politics/name|Socialist Alliance}} | {{yes|Support}} <ref>{{cite web |last1=Wainwright |first1=Sam |title=For Treaty, republic and social justice {{!}} Socialist Alliance |url=https://socialist-alliance.org/our-common-cause/2022-09-29/treaty-republic-and-social-justice |website=socialist-alliance.org |access-date=6 August 2023 |language=en |date=29 September 2022}}</ref> |- | {{Australian party style|Australian Democrats}}| | {{Australian politics/name|Australian Democrats}} | {{yes|Support}} |} </div> Republicanism has a level support in all major political parties. Most parties take a stance on this issue and have developed or implemented policy accordingly. The various positions are as follows: ===Liberal–National Coalition=== The Liberal Party espouses both conservative and classically liberal positions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lynch |first=Timothy J. |date=1 July 2013 |title=Australian liberalism old and new |url=http://theconversation.com/australian-liberalism-old-and-new-15692 |access-date=6 September 2023 |website=The Conversation |language=en}}</ref> It has no official position on the issue of monarchy, but both republicans and monarchists have held prominent positions within the party.

Proponents of republicanism in the Liberal Party include former prime minister and ARM leader Malcolm Turnbull, former prime minister Malcolm Fraser, former opposition leader John Hewson, former premiers Gladys Berejiklian (of NSW), Mike Baird (of NSW) and Jeff Kennett (of Victoria), former deputy leader Julie Bishop, and former federal treasurers Joe Hockey and Peter Costello.

Supporters of the status quo include former prime ministers Robert Menzies, Scott Morrison, Tony Abbott (who led Australians for Constitutional Monarchy from 1992 to 1994), John Howard (whose government oversaw the 1999 referendum) and former opposition leaders Peter Dutton,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Karp |first=Paul |date=15 September 2022 |title=Peter Dutton hits out at republicans seeking 'political advantage' from Queen's death |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/15/peter-dutton-hits-out-at-republicans-seeking-political-advantage-from-queens-death |access-date=6 September 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Alexander Downer and Brendan Nelson.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/if-bill-shorten-becomes-pm-he-ll-spend-160-million-on-a-republic-vote|title=If Bill Shorten becomes PM, he'll spend $160 million on a Republic vote|last=Elton-Pym|first=James|date=12 November 2018|publisher=SBS}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Anderson|first=Claire|date=11 March 2021|title=Queen gets backing from Australia's Prime Minister after calls to abolish monarchy|url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1408424/queen-news-elizabeth-II-australia-head-of-state-scott-morrison-royal-interview-latest-vn|access-date=15 June 2021|website=Daily Express|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195926/https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1408424/queen-news-elizabeth-II-australia-head-of-state-scott-morrison-royal-interview-latest-vn|url-status=live}}</ref>

The National Party officially supports the status quo, but there have been some republicans within the party, such as former leader Tim Fischer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/am/stories/s336991.htm|title=AM Archive - Tim Fischer reignites Republican debate with new referendum options|last=Robertson|first=Hamish|date=28 July 2001|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref> The Country Liberal Party also supports the status quo, but some republicans have been members of the party, including former leader Gary Higgins.<ref>{{cite news| last=Shipway | first=Gary | title=Northern Territory leaders back Australian republic |work=ntnews | date=3 January 2018 | url=https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/northern-territory/northern-territory-leaders-back-a-republic/news-story/901f210ee22c73952731e7ed523812af?nk=f96b0264f3acee07f47fc1b78a46f5f2-1705509915 | access-date=17 January 2024}}</ref>

Under then prime minister John Howard, a monarchist, the government initiated a process to settle the republican debate, involving a constitutional convention and a referendum. Howard says the matter was resolved by the failure of the referendum.

===Australian Labor Party=== The Labor Party has supported constitutional change to become a republic since 1991<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp/rp9899/99RP25#Governments|title=From Constitutional Convention to Republic Referendum: A Guide to the Processes, the Issues and the Participants|last=Warhurst |first=John|website=www.aph.gov.au|access-date=3 November 2018}}</ref> and has incorporated republicanism into its platform. Labor has proposed a series of plebiscites to restart the republican process. Along with this, Labor spokesperson (and former federal attorney general) Nicola Roxon has previously said that reform will "always fail if we seek to inflict a certain option on the public without their involvement. This time round, the people must shape the debate".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.republic.org.au/ARM-2001/speeches&articles/archives/2004/spa_nicola_roxon_200704.htm |title=ARM Sydney Speakers Series: Labor's Policy on the Republic: July 2004 |access-date=9 August 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820224340/http://www.republic.org.au/ARM-2001/speeches%26articles/archives/2004/spa_nicola_roxon_200704.htm |archive-date=20 August 2006}}</ref> In the 2019 federal election, Labor's platform included a two-stage referendum on a republic to be held during the next parliamentary term;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-29/bill-shorten-renews-push-for-australia-to-become-a-republic/8754948|publisher=ABC News|title=Bill Shorten renews push for Australian republic, vows to hold referendum within first term of Labor government|date=29 July 2017|access-date=20 January 2020}}</ref> however, Labor was defeated in the election.

Following Labor's win at the 2022 election, Matt Thistlethwaite was appointed Assistant Minister for the Republic in the First Albanese ministry, reporting to the Attorney-General. It the first time any person had held such a title. The position was abolished following a ministerial reshuffle in 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jake Evans, Courtney Gould |title=Who's in and who's out after Albanese's ministry reshuffle? |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-28/who-is-in-out-new-albanese-ministry/104108786 |access-date=1 September 2025 |agency=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=28 July 2024}}</ref>

===Australian Greens=== The Australian Greens are a strong proponent for an Australian republic, and this is reflected in the Greens "Constitutional Reform & Democracy" policy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://greens.org.au/policies/constitutional-reform-and-democracy|publisher=Australian Greens|title=Constitutional Reform and Democracy|date=November 2018|access-date=20 January 2020}}</ref> In 2009, the Greens proposed legislation to hold a plebiscite on a republic at the 2010 federal election.<ref>{{cite web|title=Greens urge Rudd to commit to republic plebiscite|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-01-24/greens-urge-rudd-to-commit-to-republic-plebiscite/2575978|publisher=ABC News|date=24 January 2009}}</ref> The bill was subject to a Senate inquiry, which made no recommendation on the subject, and the proposal was subsequently dropped.<ref>{{cite web|title=No decision in republic Senate inquiry|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-06-15/no-decision-in-republic-senate-inquiry/1714168|publisher=ABC News|date=15 June 2009|access-date=20 January 2020}}</ref>

===Democrats=== The Australian Democrats, Australia's third party from the 1970s until the 2000s, strongly supported a move towards a republic through a system of an elected head of state through popular voting.<ref name="ninemsn1">{{cite web|url=http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=663948 |title=Greens push for vote on republic |date=11 November 2008 |publisher=9News |access-date=17 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107095506/http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=663948 |archive-date=7 November 2011}}</ref>

==Notable supporters== * Thomas Keneally, writer and founder of the Australian Republic Movement (ARM) * Gough Whitlam, former prime minister (1972-1975)<ref name="WhitlamABC">{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-10/gough-whitlam/3945026 |access-date=2 August 2024 |archive-date=2 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802032051/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-10/gough-whitlam/3945026 |url-status=live |quote=A keen author, he recounted his time in office in several books and remained an active participant in Labor party politics. At times, he joined forces with his old political foe, Malcolm Fraser, to campaign for causes such as an Australian republic. |first=Emma |last=Griffiths |work=ABC News |date=10 March 2014 |title=Obituary: former prime minister Gough Whitlam dead at 98}}</ref> * Malcolm Fraser, former prime minister (1975-1983)<ref name="WhitlamABC" /> * Bob Hawke, former prime minister (1983-1991)<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-34518818 |access-date=2 August 2024 |archive-date=2 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802025843/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-34518818 |url-status=live |work=BBC News |title=Bob Hawke obituary: Australia's ambitious and charismatic former PM |date=16 May 2019 |quote=A republican at heart, Hawke also replaced God Save the Queen with Advance Australia Fair as the nation's anthem.}}</ref> * Paul Keating, former prime minister (1991-1996)<ref>{{cite web |title=Paul Keating |url=https://www.nma.gov.au/explore/features/prime-ministers/paul-keating |quote=1993: Keating appointed a Republic Advisory Committee to report on options available to Australia for becoming a republic. Keating had personally become the nation’s leading advocate for a republican form of government. |archive-date=2 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802023655/https://www.nma.gov.au/explore/features/prime-ministers/paul-keating |url-status=live |access-date=2 August 2024 |work=National Museum of Australia}}</ref> * Kim Beazley, former deputy prime minister and former governor of Western Australia<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-03/kim-beazley-named-new-governor-of-wa/9613166 |access-date=2 August 2024 |date=3 April 2018 |first=Scott |last=Holdaway |work=ABC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802024545/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-03/kim-beazley-named-new-governor-of-wa/9613166 |archive-date=2 August 2024 |url-status=live |title=Kim Beazley named new governor of WA, capping distinguished career for ex-Labor leader |quote=Mr Beazley — a noted republican and a member of the Australian Republican Movement's advisory panel — said he would be doing "a lot of resigning" over the next few weeks. |at=A governor, a republican and a democrat}}</ref> * Malcolm Turnbull, former chair of the ARM and former prime minister (2015-2019)<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-27|title=Two-step plebiscite is only way Australia could be a republic, Malcolm Turnbull says|url=http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/27/two-step-plebiscite-is-only-way-australia-could-be-a-republic-malcolm-turnbull-says|first=Katharine|last=Murphy|access-date=2020-08-26|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-date=26 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826020442/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/27/two-step-plebiscite-is-only-way-australia-could-be-a-republic-malcolm-turnbull-says|url-status=live}}</ref> * Edward Smout, one of Australia's last surviving veterans of the First World War<ref>{{Cite web|title=Edward Smout (Ted)|url=http://australiansatwarfilmarchive.unsw.edu.au/archive/1145-edward-smout|quote=I think apart from the fact that I’m a Republican.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826014908/http://australiansatwarfilmarchive.unsw.edu.au/archive/1145-edward-smout|archive-date=26 August 2020|access-date=2020-08-26|website=Australians at War Film Archive|date=8 April 2002|publisher=University of New South Wales}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2004-06-24|title=A soldier and a gentleman|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-06-23/a-soldier-and-a-gentleman/1997840|quote=In his later years, Mr Smout was an active campaigner for a republic, and was awarded life membership of the Australian Republican Movement in 2002.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826014904/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-06-23/a-soldier-and-a-gentleman/1997840|archive-date=26 August 2020|access-date=2020-08-26|website=ABC News|language=en-AU}}</ref> * Geoff Gallop, former premier of Western Australia and former chair of the ARM<ref>[http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/15478694/gallop-to-lead-republicans/ Gallop to lead republicans] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130105160757/http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/15478694/gallop-to-lead-republicans/ |date=5 January 2013 }} – ''The West Australian''. Published 26 November 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2012.</ref> * Joe Hockey, former treasurer of Australia<ref>{{cite news|first=Fleur |last=Anderson |url-access=subscription|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516184226/https://www.afr.com/politics/joe-hockey-to-lead-republic-push-20150826-gj7zy2|url-status=live|archive-date=16 May 2023|url=http://www.afr.com/news/politics/joe-hockey-to-lead-republic-push-20150826-gj7zy2 |title=Joe Hockey to lead republic push |publisher=The Australian Financial Review |date=2015-08-26 |access-date=2015-09-22}}</ref> * Rupert Murdoch, media business magnate<ref>{{Cite news |last=Crotty |first=Gemma |date=12 July 2024 |title=Rupert Murdoch predicts Australia will become a republic in next 10 years and says he 'welcomes' Voice referendum result |url=https://www.skynews.com.au/business/media/rupert-murdoch-predicts-australia-will-become-a-republic-in-next-10-years-and-says-he-welcomes-voice-referendum-result/news-story/83ea065059f667a1392c74034bf54a1f |archive-date=1 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801065739/https://www.skynews.com.au/business/media/rupert-murdoch-predicts-australia-will-become-a-republic-in-next-10-years-and-says-he-welcomes-voice-referendum-result/news-story/83ea065059f667a1392c74034bf54a1f |url-status=live |work=Sky News}}</ref> * Julia Gillard, former prime minister (2010-2013)<ref name="SwanABC" /> * Wayne Swan, former deputy prime minister and treasurer<ref name="SwanABC">{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-25/swan-reignites-republic-debate/4483868 |access-date=2 August 2024 |archive-date=2 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802030540/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-25/swan-reignites-republic-debate/4483868 |url-status=live |date=25 January 2013 |first=Simon |last=Cullen |title=Wayne Swan reignites republic debate |quote=Prime Minister Julia Gillard describes herself as a republican, but says it is not a priority for the Government at the moment. |work=ABC News}}</ref> * Peter FitzSimons, writer, broadcaster and former chair of the ARM<ref>{{Cite news|last=Daley|first=Paul|date=2016-02-24|title=Love him or hate him, Peter FitzSimons gives republicanism a megaphone|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/feb/24/love-him-or-hate-him-peter-fitzsimons-gives-republicanism-a-megaphone|archive-date=1 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801064534/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/feb/24/love-him-or-hate-him-peter-fitzsimons-gives-republicanism-a-megaphone|url-status=live|access-date=2020-08-26|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> * Alan Joyce, former CEO of Qantas<ref>{{cite news|last=Aston|first=Joe|title=Qantas boss Alan Joyce joins republican movement|url=https://www.afr.com/rear-window/qantas-boss-alan-joyce-joins-republican-movement-20151103-gkpogg|url-access=subscription|access-date=28 November 2020|newspaper=The Australian Financial Review|date=4 November 2015}}</ref> * Gladys Berejiklian, former premier of New South Wales<ref>{{cite news |work=North Shore Times |title=Australian republican debate reignited on eve of Queen's Birthday long weekend |first=Declan |last=Byrne |via=The Daily Telegraph |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802014225/https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/north-shore/premier-gladys-berejiklian-and-federal-minister-paul-fletcher-help-to-reignite-australian-republican-debate-on-eve-of-queens-birthday-long-weekend/news-story/f20864b7dbc8a4628be46a2c450f8a68?nk=775bd066e63cc63192692adb8ef4c123-1722562945 |archive-date=2 August 2024 |access-date=2 August 2024 |date=9 June 2017 |quote=The pro-republican camp was led by Premier and State Liberal Member for Willoughby Gladys Berejiklian. |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/north-shore/premier-gladys-berejiklian-and-federal-minister-paul-fletcher-help-to-reignite-australian-republican-debate-on-eve-of-queens-birthday-long-weekend/news-story/f20864b7dbc8a4628be46a2c450f8a68?nk=775bd066e63cc63192692adb8ef4c123-1722562945}}</ref> * Marise Payne, former foreign minister<ref>{{cite news |quote=Senator Payne has spent a life in politics, and before entering parliament had previously served as the federal president of the Young Liberals and as vice-chair of the Australian Republic Movement alongside Malcolm Turnbull. |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-08/liberal-senator-marise-payne-to-retire-from-politics/102165366 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802014645/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-08/liberal-senator-marise-payne-to-retire-from-politics/102165366 |access-date=2 August 2024 |date=8 September 2023 |archive-date=2 August 2024 |work=ABC News |title=Liberal senator Marise Payne to retire from politics |url-status=live |first=Jake |last=Evans }}</ref> * Anthony Albanese, current prime minister<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.sky.com/story/australian-pm-says-he-will-not-hold-republic-referendum-during-his-first-term-out-of-deep-respect-for-queen-12694817 |access-date=2 August 2024 |archive-date=2 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802025329/https://news.sky.com/story/australian-pm-says-he-will-not-hold-republic-referendum-during-his-first-term-out-of-deep-respect-for-queen-12694817 |url-status=live |date=11 September 2022 |first=Cordelia |last=Lynch |work=Sky News |title=Australian PM says he will not hold republic referendum during his first term out of 'deep respect' for Queen |quote=Anthony Albanese is a long-known republican and created the role of assistant minister for the republic, upsetting some monarchists, after he became prime minister in May. In 2018, he talked about a referendum on the move to being a republic as an "exciting opportunity". |at=The Reigniting Of The Republican Debate - Analysis By Cordelia Lynch, In Canberra}}</ref> * Jim Saleam, political activist and founder of National Action.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Whitford |first1=Troy |title=A political history of National Action: Its fears, ideas, tactics and conflicts |journal=Rural Society |date=April 2011 |volume=20 |issue=2 |page=224 |url= https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.5172/rsj.20.2.216 |doi=10.5172/rsj.20.2.216 |issn=2204-0536|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

===Bibliography=== {{refbegin|40em}} *''An Australian republic: The options: the report of the Republic Advisory Committee'', Parliamentary paper / Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia (1993) *{{Cite report |url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Legal_and_Constitutional_Affairs/Completed%20inquiries/2002-04/republic03/report/index |title=The road to a republic |last=Australian Senate, Legal and Constitutional References Committee |date=31 August 2004 |isbn=0-642-71441-X}} *Booker, M., ''A Republic of Australia: What Would it Mean'', Left Book Club Co-operative Ltd, Sydney (1992) *Costella, John P., ''A Republic For All Australians'' (2004) [https://web.archive.org/web/20070222002613/http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/legcon_ctte/completed_inquiries/2002-04/republic03/submissions/sub25a.pdf online version] *Flint, David, ''The Cane Toad Republic'' Wakefield Press (1999) *Goot, Murray, "Contingent Inevitability: Reflections on the Prognosis for Republicanism" (1994) in George Winterton (ed), ''We, the People: Australian Republican Government'' (1994), pp 63–96 *Hirst, John., ''A Republican Manifesto,'' Oxford University Press (1994) *Jones, Benjamin T, ''This Time: Australia’s Republican Past and Future'', Schwartz Publishing Pty Ltd 2018 *Keating, P. J., ''An Australian Republic: The Way Forward,'' Australian Government Publishing Service (1995) *Mackay, Hugh, ''Turning Point. Australians Choosing Their Future'', Pan Macmillan, Sydney, New South Wales, C. 18, 'Republic. The people have their say.' (1999) {{ISBN|0-7329-1001-3}} *{{Cite book |last=McGarvie |first=Richard E. |title=Democracy: choosing Australia's republic |date=1999 |publisher=Melbourne University Press |isbn=978-0-522-84808-3 |location=Carlton South, Victoria |url=https://archive.org/details/democracychoosin0000mcga |via=Internet Archive}} *McKenna, Mark, ''The Captive Republic: A History of Republicanism in Australia 1788–1996'' (1998) *McKenna, Mark, ''The Traditions of Australian Republicanism'' (1996) [https://web.archive.org/web/20060914113756/http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/rp/1995-96/96rp31.htm online version] *McKenna, Mark, ''The Nation Reviewed'' (March 2008, ''The Monthly'') [https://web.archive.org/web/20081011065425/http://www.themonthly.com.au/tm/node/827 online version] *Stephenson, M. and Turner, C. (eds.), ''Australia Republic or Monarchy? Legal and Constitutional Issues'', University of Queensland Press (1994) *Vizard, Steve, ''Two Weeks in Lilliput: Bear Baiting and Backbiting At the Constitutional Convention'' (Penguin, 1998, {{ISBN|0-14-027983-0}}) *Warden, J., "The Fettered Republic: The Anglo American Commonwealth and the Traditions of Australian Political Thought," ''Australian Journal of Political Science,'' Vol. 28, 1993. pp. 84–85. *Wark, McKenzie, ''The Virtual Republic: Australia's Culture Wars of the 1990s'' (1998) *Winterton, George. ''Monarchy to Republic: Australian Republican Government'' Oxford University Press (1986). *Winterton, George (ed), ''We, the People: Australian Republican Government'', Allen & Unwin (1994), *Woldring, Klaas, '' Australia: Republic or US Colony?'' (2006) {{refend}}

==External links== *[https://republic.org.au/ Australian Republican Movement (official website)] *[https://norepublic.com.au/ Australians for Constitutional Monarchy (official website)] *[https://www.monarchist.org.au/ Australian Monarchist League (official website)] {{Republicanism}} {{Constitution of Australia}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Republicanism In Australia}} Category:Republicanism in Australia Australia Australia