It is time for Australia to become a republic. The Governor-General has now joined the Prime Minister and Opposition leader in acknowledging that a republic is our future.
The Australian Republican Movement has applauded the Governor-General for expressing her support for an Australian republic, but noted the odd situation in which she finds herself.
The Chair of the ARM, Major General Michael Keating, said that it was a sensible position for the Governor-General to take, but noted that it was odd for a vice-regal representative to call for the removal of the regent.
“Ms Bryce shows uncommon common-sense in saying that an Australian republic is part of the development of Australian democracy,†said Major General Keating.
“Having a member of the English aristocracy as Australia’s head of state is totally undemocratic, and should be changed as soon as practicable,†he said.
“On the other hand, for the Queen’s representative herself to support the end of Australia’s links to the throne is, in some respects, rather bizarre.”
The ARM Chair called on the Government to outline its response to last years 2020 Summit’s recommendations, as it had promised to do by last December. On the top of the list of the Summit’s recommendations was that Australia become a republic.
“We understand that the Government is busy, but we still feel that there is time for one or two public servants to draw up a timetable for a change that even the Queen’s representative regards as being essential to Australia’s future,†said Major General Keating.
“As far as a republic is concerned, there is never a better time than now.”
