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Australia could separate from the monarchy and become a republic when the Queen dies.
On Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese surprised Australia by appointing Matt Thistlethwaite as the ‘Assistant Minister for the Republic’.
Mr Albanese as previously spoken of Australia becoming a republic and has said the change was ‘inevitable’, but he did not mention his thoughts on the issue during his six-week election campaign.
Mr Thistlethwaite said during a series of interviews on Thursday that the dead of the Queen would signal an appropriate time to move towards a republic.
‘Do we want King Charles or are we mature enough or independent enough to look to appoint one of our own as our head of state,’ he told Sky News.
In a further interview with ABC radio, Mr Thistlethwaite said: As the Queen comes to the twilight of her reign, we should pay respect for her for the wonderful job she’s done, but I think Australians are beginning to think about what comes next for our nation.’
Labor MP Matt Thistlethwaite has revealed plans to separate Australia from the monarchy and appoint a head of state for the country following the queen’s reign
Mr Thistlethwaite (left with Governor General David Hurley) was recently sworn in as Assistant Minister for the Republic after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese selected him to undertake the unusual portfolio, which the details of have remained unclear
‘It’s time we start the serious conversation once again…and looking to have one of our own as our head of state, to recognise that independence and maturity going forward.’
The assistant minister for the republic appears to hint at making the bold move once the queen’s reign comes to an end.
But to make the change to a republic would require the government to issue a public referendum so Australians can vote on the change.
If a majority of Australians both nationally, and in a majority of states, support the move, then the constitution can be amended.
Mr Albanese’s move to appoint a assistant minister for the republic has been welcomed by the Australian Republic Movement, which campaigns for an Australian head of state.
But others called the decision ‘sad and reckless’.
The Prime Minister has previously spoken of Australia becoming a republic and has said the change is ‘inevitable’, but he did not mention his thoughts over the issue during his six-week election campaign
The Assistant Minister for the Republic appears to hint at making the bold move once the queen’s reign comes to an end. (Pictured with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh)
‘WE ARE ON OUR WAY!’ tweeted prominent republican and author Peter FitzSimons.
‘Let the record show, for the first time in the history of the Commonwealth, Australia has a member of the Govt singularly devoted to removing the Crown, and helping Australia become a Republic,’ he added.
FitzSimons said the revelation is the ‘best news’ for the ARM a quarter-century.
‘Australia’s Head of State should live here, be a proud Australian and be able to unify our nation in times of celebration or crisis – something the King or Queen of the United Kingdom could never do or be – and this appointment will help make this a reality,’ he said.
Over the years, the both Labor and Liberal politicians have at times lent their support to Australia becoming a republic.
Australians were given the choice on whether to break away from the Commonwealth in 1999, but 55 per cent voted down the referendum.
But the ARM believes support has increased since then and that 73 per cent of the population are now in favour of the change.
Staunch monarchists have slammed the timing of the Mr Albanese’s appointment.
Queen Elizabeth II is pictured being greeted by adoring subjects while visiting Australia in 1981
Nile Gardiner, a former aide to Margaret Thatcher tweeted: ‘A sad and reckless move by Australia’s new left-wing Govt. Sends completely the wrong message.’
Jack Barton, from the University of Queensland Monarchists League called it a slap in the face to those Down Under loyal to Queen Elizabeth.
‘I think it’s absolutely ridiculous, it’s come at the worst possible time with an utter show of disrespect to the Queen and the Crown.
‘Labor has a disregard for any of the people in Australia who want to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee.’
In another shake-up, Mr Albanese has promised a referendum on giving Aboriginal Australians an institutional role in policymaking that would be amended into the constitution.
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