Despite recent Jubilee celebrations and today's public holiday belatedly marking the Queen's Birthday across most of Australia, very few Australians will be lying back and thinking of the Queen. Research by the Australian Republic Movement (ARM) found that just 36% of Australians know Queen Elizabeth II is Australia's Head of State - falling to just 15% awareness among those aged 18-24.
Those who do know that Australia's Head of State is Queen Elizabeth II don't like what's coming next... in May ABC's Vote Compass survey found that 53% of Australians did not support Charles becoming King when the Queen's reign ends.
In contrast, support for a republic has been steadily increasing, with momentum building up again following the appointment of the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP as Assistant Minister for the Republic.
The ARM has received an influx of support and contributions following the announcement, a clear demonstration of the renewed interest in the campaign. This follows the launch earlier this year of the Australian Choice Model which would ensure that our Head of State is someone who is voted in by a majority of Australians, following a robust nomination process that allows each State and Territory Parliament to nominate a candidate, and the Federal Parliament to nominate up to three. ARM research shows almost three-quarters of Australians would be prepared to back that change at a referendum (73%).
Chair of the Australian Republic Movement Peter FitzSimons AM, said recent developments have generated momentum for a republic at a level not seen for decades.
"The stars are aligning for an Australian republic. With the support of the public and now of the Government too, we can take the debate forward in way we haven't seen since last century" Mr FitzSimons said.
"We recognise that this is the start of a much longer conversation that needs to happen, but what an outstanding start it is!
"We've done the hard work developing a positive alternative to the monarchy for Australia after consultation with more than 10,000 Australians and many of Australia's leading constitutional scholars. The time is ripe for the debate to be brought to a head and put back on the agenda.
"We look forward to working with the Federal Government to ensure all Australians get a say about who represents them as Head of State" Mr FitzSimons said.
