Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has promised a national vote on Australia becoming a republic during the first term of a Labor Government.

Key points: Bill Shorten says if the yes vote prevails then it can be considered how head of state is chosen

Bill Shorten says if the yes vote prevails then it can be considered how head of state is chosen Second vote could be in a different term of parliament

Second vote could be in a different term of parliament Announcement may place political pressure on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull

Mr Shorten said he would hold a referendum with a simple yes or no answer to decide whether Australia should remain in the monarchy.

"One question — do you support an Australian republic with an Australian head of state? 'Yes' or 'No'?" he said.

"I believe the answer will probably be 'Yes', but we will let the people decide."

Mr Shorten also took a swipe at Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull over whether the issue was raised when he met Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace earlier this month.

At the time Mr Turnbull said "most Australian republicans are Elizabethans as well".

Mr Shorten disagreed and said it was time for an Australian head of state.

"Let me say — this does not change our respect for the Queen for her service," he said.

"But we are not Elizabethans. We are Australians."

But Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the issue was not a priority for most Australians.

"The day will come at some point in time where people will have another referendum, I suppose," he said.

"But that is not what's pressing at the moment.

"If you want to see what's pressing at the moment, go into any office and say, 'What is the issue that's coming here' and they'll say, 'I cannot afford my power bill'."

'Our head of state should be Australian'

Mr Shorten said if the result of the referendum was yes, it could mean a secondary vote to decide what form of republic Australia should become.

Mr Shorten has already prioritised recognition of Indigenous Australians in the constitution and floated the idea of establishing fixed four-year terms of office.

"Our head of state should be an Australian," Mr Shorten said.

"It is time we just got on with this, and we will."

The question asked will be: "Do you support an Australian Republic with an Australian Head of State?"

Sorry, this video has expired Malcolm Turnbull said it was an honour to meet Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace.

A member of the Labor ministry would also be given responsibility for campaigning for constitutional change before the vote.

The staunch republican previously said he had no plans to push for the republic until the Queen's reign ends.