Will Australia become a republic? Governor-General says there is a possibility
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We hope it’s still a long way off, but following the passing of the Queen, Australia's Governor-General has mentioned the possibility of the nation changing its form of government to a republic.
David Hurley, the representative of the Queen in Australia, was in London for the Jubilee celebrations honouring her seventieth year of service. During his time there, he was questioned about the likelihood of Australia severing its ties with the monarchy.
"I believe that people are currently focused on the Queen and that when she departs, when she passes away, and the succession takes over, there will be a new discussion in Australia," he told reporters.
According to Mr Hurley, there is an "enormous well of emotional support" for Her Majesty; however, things are subject to change under the reign of a new monarch.
Matt Thistlethwaite shakes hands with Governor General David Hurley at Government House. Credit: Lukas Coch/AAP.
On Saturday, Mr Albanese gave a speech in which he praised the Queen, and he also unveiled a monument that was dedicated to her honour.
"She has stood with Australia as a true and steadfast friend," Mr Albanese said. "We give her name to this place in the heart of our capital – a place where history and progress meet."
"It is a fitting salute to Her Majesty, and celebrates her long life and 70 years of service to Australia and the Commonwealth, including her 16 visits to our shores," he went on to say.
Mr Albanese also told reporters that Australians "will determine the future themselves", despite the fact that he is widely known for his unwavering advocacy of the nation converting to a republic.
"Today is not the day for such discussions; instead, it is the day to honour Her Majesty and her service to Australia," he said.
If Mr Albanese's government is successful in winning a second term in 2025, they have assured the Australian people that they will put them in another republican referendum.
In a referendum that took place back in 1999, the people of Australia voiced their opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment.
After Labor was elected to lead the government a month ago, Matt Thistlethwaite was given the position of new assistant minister.
Mr Thistlethwaite remarked that it was high time to engage in discussions concerning the future of the nation.
In an interview with Sky News Australia, he said, "I'd like to congratulate the Queen on her jubilee and reign. I believe she has been a fantastic monarch and leader of the Commonwealth."
"But, as she nears the twilight of her reign, I believe Australians are naturally beginning to wonder what comes next for the country," he continued.
"Do we want King Charles, or are we mature and independent enough to appoint one of our own as our head of state?"
This past weekend, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 70th year on the throne, and it has been noted that there is a significant amount of support in Australia for the current monarch.
In spite of the fact that the recently elected Labor government is strongly in favour of establishing a republic, many experts are saying that it is unlikely that Australia will ever do so.
What are your thoughts, folks?