All but one of Australia's state premiers and chief ministers have signed a declaration calling for an Australian head of state, in a move the Australian Republican Movement says points to "the dawn of a new republican age".

Key points: WA's Colin Barnett only state leader not to sign declaration

WA's Colin Barnett only state leader not to sign declaration Petition supporting move signed by 4,000 people

Petition supporting move signed by 4,000 people Peter FitzSimons says referendum or plebiscite needed

Peter FitzSimons says referendum or plebiscite needed Monarchist League says move based on "will of politicians"

WA's Colin Barnett was the only state leader not to lend his name to the statement, which declares: "We, the undersigned premiers and chief ministers of Australia, believe that Australians should have an Australian as our head of state."

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, himself a staunch republican, has released a statement through his office saying his "commitment to Australia having an Australian as head of state is undiminished".

Mr Turnbull has previously said that a fresh referendum would be unlikely before the end of the Queen's reign.

Peter FitzSimons from the Australian Republican Movement said the declaration was timed for tomorrow's Australia Day, along with an online petition signed by nearly 4,000 people.

"It is time to get moving, and I must say I was thrilled by how enthusiastic the premiers were," FitzSimons said.

"All of Australia's political leaders now support an Australian head of state, including [Prime Minister] Malcolm Turnbull and [Opposition Leader] Bill Shorten.

"Never before have the stars of the Southern Cross been so aligned in pointing to the dawn of a new republican age for Australia."

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South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill said he believed there was public support for becoming a republic, a move that would be "an important assertion of our national identity".

"I think there was strong support for a republic in 1999, it's just that some clever politicians managed to manoeuvre the situation into a defeat for the republican cause," he told AM.

"I think there is an underlying sense of support for a republic, always has been and it is just a question of rekindling that."

In a statement Mr Barnett said he actively campaigned for a republic ahead of the 1999 referendum and accepted the result "as a democratic expression of the public will".

"While I believe and hope that Australia will choose to become a republic in my lifetime, I do not think that the time is right, or that sufficient time has past since the referendum, to be again prosecuting the argument for constitutional change," he said.

In a statement the Australian Monarchist League's national chair Philip Benwell said the current constitution was "based on the Crown which always represents the people".

"This petition is calling for a republic which will be based on the will of politicians, which is evidenced by so many premiers and politicians supporting it," he said.

Mr Benwell also disputed the claim there was not an Australian head of state, saying "it is quite clear" the Queen is sovereign head of state and the Governor-General is executive head of state.

Republic would be 'ultimate act of respect to Queen'

With political leaders backing a republic, FitzSimons called for another referendum or plebiscite on the issue.

"It's got to be a movement of the people and that is happening — we have quadrupled our numbers," he said.

"There's a euphoria there."

FitzSimons urged republicans not to hold off on pushing for constitutional change until after the Queen dies.

"Let's, while the Queen of England is young enough to come to Australia, not bow and curtsy but rise in a standing ovation and say, 'Thank you, your Majesty, for the sterling service you've given our nation'.

"She will give us the key, we'll take it for a spin around the block and we'll be on our way."

Mr Weatherill said it would be the "ultimate act of respect to Queen Elizabeth II if she presided over the transfer of Australia from a monarchy to a republic".

Spokeswoman Gabrielle Hendry said the republic push did not reflect the view of a majority of Australians.

"Unfortunately it's only got 4,000 signatures — there are some 16 million eligible voters in Australia," she said.

"Furthermore, I've seen petitions recently like keeping kebab shops open past midnight which have garnered 25,000 signatures in just a few days."