King and Queen's visit to Australia prompts questions over republicanism

The arrival of the King and Queen in Australia has inevitably prompted questions about the future of the monarchy here.

Not that you'd know it from the Australian media. Focussing more on the trip's details than the republic debate.

The truth is, while most people would probably agree it is anachronistic their head of state is not an Australian, there appears at least for now, little longing for change.

One of the country's leading political academics said becoming a republic is "not particularly important" for the majority of Australians.

Prof Ian McAllister, from the Australian National University, said: "This is a second or third order issue for most voters.

"The main concern is the cost of living, the economy and health."

Professor McAllister said his research shows a steady fall in republicanism.

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"The level of support for a republic is round about 50%. It's been in slow decline since the republic referendum in 1999 when about two out of every three people supported the principal."

The referendum nearly 25 years ago was defeated, not because people loved the monarchy but because they couldn't agree on the model that would replace the royals.

And that's been the issue ever since. The voting system also means it is difficult to pass a referendum. The thresholds are high: you need a majority of the overall vote, as well as a majority of states voting in favour.

Plus, the compulsory voting system means many stick to the "if you don't know, vote no" mantra.

What's more, a failed referendum last year on indigenous rights means the political appetite is low for another expensive and divisive vote.

Even Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a life-long republican who once promised a second referendum, said it is no longer a priority.

He started his premiership appointing a minster for the republic, but that role's since been scrapped.

Professor Anne Twomey, a constitutional expert from the University of Sydney, said: "The default position is an easy position. We have no problem with the current King. He doesn't interfere, he is a relatively benign presence.

"Until there is some kind of controversy that would push people towards taking action, nobody really wants the drama of another referendum."

There had been speculation when the late Queen died, republicanism would see a resurgence of support.

But although there was a slight uptick, it wasn't significant. Prof Twomey said if anything, it brought "a tidal wave of nostalgia for the royal family".

None of this is stopping the Australian Republic Movement (ARM): to coincide with the King's visit, they have a new campaign dubbing this trip "Monarchy: The Farewell Oz Tour".

Esther Anatolitis, ARM's co-chair said: "Australia is a richly diverse country with tens of thousands of years of First Nations culture."

"Our future head of state will be an Australian, democratically selected by Australians."

Republicans wrote to the King requesting a meeting when he was in Australia. Buckingham Palace replied, saying the King believed it was up to the people of Australia to decide.

Some senior politicians have taken a stand. None of the eight premiers of the country's states and territories are attending a special event in Canberra.

No protests are planned by Australian republicans.

The hardest thing facing the King on his arrival could be the weather, with a severe storm heading for Sydney.

(c) Sky News 2024: King and Queen's visit to Australia prompts questions over republicanism