An Australian Republic: Are you interested?

Context: Under the constitution of Australia, Australia has been a constitutional monarchy since 1901, with the duties of the monarch performed by a Governor-General selected by the Australian Government. The desire for Australian republicanism has persisted since colonial times, however it was not until the early 1990s, republicanism became a significant political issue. Australian Labor Party Prime Minister Paul Keating indicated a desire to instigate a republic in time for the Centenary of the Federation of Australia in 2001. In 1996 the Coalition won the Federal Election under John Howard and would go on to announce on 12 August 1999 a referendum proposing to alter the Constitution to establish the Commonwealth of Australia as a republic with the Queen and Governor-General being replaced by a President.



What is a republic?

A republic is a country where power is completely in the hands of the people, rather than sharing that power with a Queen or King like we currently do.



Currently, the Queen of England holds the top job as Australia’s head of state. She appoints the Governor-General as her representative to act on her behalf. Her representative must approve every law made by our Parliament, every election and the appointment of every government. Becoming a republic means Australians will do all of this for ourselves without asking the Queen of England or her representative for approval.



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