Well, well, well – a royal debate in the land down under! It’s like a soap opera that refuses to get canceled. Welcome to Australia’s ongoing tussle over whether to stick with the Queen or kick her to the curb and go full republic! It’s like debating whether to keep the family dog or adopt a new fluffy friend, but in this case, the dog is adorned with a crown!
Now, let’s dive into this royal mess, shall we? The British monarchy has been ruling Australia for a staggering 236 years – that’s longer than most marriage ceremonies! But before you cue the royal ‘God Save the King,’ let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room: the actual influence of the monarchy has morphed into something resembling the person who shows up at your party just for the free snacks! Their role? Mostly ceremonial! The Queen? She’s like that distant relative you nod at politely, but only really hear about during family reunions.
And let’s not forget the pivotal date of independence – 1942! It was around the time when Australia decided to tell Britain, “Thanks, but no thanks,” under the Statute of Westminster. It’s like Australia put on a big hat, got a fancy mustache, and said, “I can party on my own now!”
Yet, the question remains: If the monarchy is merely a figurehead, why not ditch the royal baggage? Now, if you ask the Australian Republican Movement, they’re ready with a banner and party hats, advocating for an Aussie head of state and a proper republic! But then in 1999, during a referendum, voters were like, “Nah, mate! We prefer our monarchy with a side of Vegemite.” A 55% majority opted to keep things as they were—talk about an awkward family reunion!
And then came the tragic passing of Queen Elizabeth II. It’s like a plot twist in the soap that has everyone buzzing! For many, she was a symbol of stability – the grandmother who always brought dessert to the table. However, now with King Charles III on the scene, some Australians are scratching their heads and thinking, “Do we still want to be a part of this reality show?”
Now, a public figure here and there – like Prime Minister Anthony Albanese – is hinting that maybe it’s time for another bang at the referendum piñata. But here’s where it gets sticky: does Australia really need a change? Proponents of the monarchy will tell you it’s all working just fine – like a well-oiled machine, but with a slight chance of oil dripping from the gears. Meanwhile, the Republicans are ready to shout, “It’s time for a republic that reflects our modern, multicultural vibes!”
Ah, the beauty of a great debate! It’s like watching two sides trying to get the last piece of pizza, folks – tension, passion, and maybe a bit of ridiculousness along the way. The reality is, Australia is at a crossroads. Will it grab the Australian flag, wave it proudly, and declare independence, or will it keep the royal family involved in its brunch plans? Only time will tell, and I, for one, am giddy with excitement to see how the next chapter unfolds in this saga of crowns and constitutional debates!
Welcome to today’s episode, where we delve into one of Australia’s most contentious political debates: the question of whether the country should remain a constitutional monarchy or become a republic.
It is a debate that goes to the heart of Australia’s national identity, history and future. While echoes of Australia’s past under British ownership still remain, the question begs: for how long?
How long has the British Crown ruled Australia?
Australia’s relationship with the British monarchy began when it was colonized in 1788, marking the arrival of British settlers on the shores of New South Wales. Aboriginal people had lived on this land before the colonists arrived for tens of thousands of years, but British colonization placed the continent under the rule of the British Crown. Since then, the country has officially been under the rule of the British King for a period of 236 years!
But let us now ask an important question: Does the historical connection to the British Crown mean that Australia is less independent? Not necessarily.
While the British Crown has been part of the Australian political fabric for more than two centuries, its actual influence on modern governance is largely symbolic. Australia gained its legal independence from Britain in 1942 under the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act and has consolidated this independence with the Australia Act. of 1986, which abolished the last manifestations of British legal supervision. Does the British monarch have real authority over Australia’s constitution? The short answer is no, not in practice. While Australia is in theory a constitutional monarchy, meaning the British monarch remains the official head of state, the role of the king or queen is largely ceremonial. Under the Australian constitution, the British monarch is represented by By the Governor-General, who carries out duties such as appointing the Prime Minister, dissolving Parliament and giving royal assent to legislation. However, these powers are almost always exercised in accordance with the advice of elected officials.
In short, this means that the role of the British King in Australia is only nominal, and the actual rule of the country is entirely in the hands of the Australians. This raises the question: If the king has no real power, why doesn’t Australia become a republic?
constitutional monarchy
Australia has been governed under a constitutional monarchy since its federation in 1901, when six separate colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia. The role of the British monarch as head of state became increasingly ceremonial over time, especially after the Australia Act 1986. By this stage, it was clear The head of state no longer has any real influence on the country’s political decisions.
Have you ever heard of the Republican movement? What is it and what does it seek to achieve?
Founded in the 1990s, the Australian Republican Movement calls for Australia to sever its ties with the British monarchy, create its own Australian head of state and become a republic. The movement gained significant momentum in a 1999 referendum, when Australians were asked whether they wanted their country to become a republic. To the Republic. What was the result?
55% of voters chose to remain with the monarchy, which is why the referendum failed and the situation remained as it was.
The departure of Queen Elizabeth: a spark for renewed debate?
The passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 has reignited debate about Australia’s future under the British monarchy. Queen Elizabeth had a unique and long-standing relationship with Australia, visiting the country 16 times during her reign. For many Australians, the Queen was a beloved figure who symbolized stability and tradition. However, her death raised questions about whether Australia should continue with its constitutional monarchy under King Charles III.
Republicans argue that now, more than ever, is a good time to revisit the issue.
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall walk on Broadbeach on April 5, 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are on a seven-day tour of Australia, visiting Queensland and the Northern Territory. Credit: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth, some Australians feel that the monarchy no longer represents the independent, diverse, modern nation that Australia has become.
In the wake of her death, prominent political figures, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, hinted at the possibility of holding another referendum on the issue but took no steps towards it.
What does Australia’s future look like?
Proponents of the monarchy claim that the current system works well and provides a stable framework for governance. They point out that Australia is already independent in a practical sense and that regime change would cause unnecessary complications. Republicans, on the other hand, claim that it is time for Australia to fully assert its independence. They say an Australian republic would better reflect the country’s multicultural and progressive values than the system associated with the British monarchy. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Australia stands at a crossroads. The passing of Queen Elizabeth II has created a catalyst for renewed debate, and the future of Australia’s monarchy is uncertain. Will Australia embrace a new chapter as a republic, or will the Crown remain a symbol of tradition and continuity? Only time will tell.To listen to the latest audio reports and podcasts, click Continue the conversation via our accounts on andSubscribe to To watch the latest Australian stories and news.
