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http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/...k=bab154b56bfe2e15ab757755f03cee5f-1453741902
Australia republic push: Labor leaders say country shouldn’t wait until Queen has died
January 26, 2016 12:30am
TORY SHEPHERDPOLITICAL EDITORThe Advertiser
Subscriber Exclusive Icon
Should Australia become a Republic?0:46
The debate over whether Australia should become a Republic is again on the cards with many believing we should leave the Royals behind.
Nearly all state premiers push for republic
The for and against: Why we should, and shouldn’t do it
The real reasons we can’t ditch the royals
AUSTRALIA should not wait for Queen Elizabeth’s death to become a republic, Labor leaders say.
All the state leaders – except WA Premier Colin Barnett – are pushing for an Australian head of state.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is a committed republican but has previously said that such a vote should wait until the end of the Queen’s reign.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten will use his Australia Day address today to call on Mr Turnbull to “seize this moment”.
“(The) only qualification you should need to be our head of state is the piece of paper you hold in your hands today,” he is expected to tell a crowd of new Australian citizens.
“Now, for the first Australia Day in our history, the leaders of both major parties are avowed republicans. Let us have the courage to match our words with actions.”
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What’s on for Australia Day in Adelaide?
Buckingham Palace generally refuses to comment on the republican debate. A spokesman said the Queen “has always made it clear that the future of the monarchy in Australia is an issue for the Australian people”.
Queen Elizabeth walks through the Royal Gallery before the opening of British Parliament in the House of Lords in May last year. Pic: Getty
She has previously said she would respect and accept the outcome of a referendum.
Premier Jay Weatherill agreed with Mr Shorten that the time to move to a republic was now, while the Queen is still alive.
“I support a republic and I think the overwhelming majority of the Australian community support a republic,” he said, adding that he preferred a model similar to the current method of selecting governors and the Governor-General.
Asked whether it was rude to talk about deposing the Queen while she was still alive, Mr Weatherill said that was “less disrespectful than waiting for her to die”.
“Why wouldn’t we have this conversation while she’s alive?” he asked.
“It’s the next stage in our development as a nation. It speaks to a sense of independence, a sense of identity which is about us taking our place in the world.
“It would be entirely appropriate for her to be Queen of England at the time she relinquishes the role of queen of Australia and ushers in a new era of us being the republic of Australia.”
The Australian Republican Movement – which was once headed by Mr Turnbull – is promoting an online petition for an Australian head of state. That petition had only about 7000 signatures on Monday.
ARM chair Peter FitzSimons said becoming a republic was a “no brainer”.
He told Channel Nine that Australia could “do better than to find our heads of state from one family of unelected English people living in a palace in England”.
The Australian Monarchist League believe most Australians are opposed to becoming a republic.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-25/premiers-unite-for-an-australian-head-of-state/7110632
Premiers, chief ministers unite to sign declaration calling for Australian head of state
Updated January 25, 2016 12:01:56
Queen Elizabeth II tours Royal London Hospital
Photo: A vote on ending Australian links to the monarchy should happen before the Queen dies, Republican Peter FitzSimons says. (Reuters: Ian Gavan, file photo)
Related Story: Greens renew Australian flag debate, as royals visit Canberra
Related Story: Tasmania's republicans use Queen's milestone to renew cause
Related Story: Shorten calls for new push for Australia to become republic
Map: Australia
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
Petition supporting move signed by 4,000 people
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."
Audio: Listen to Jay Weatherill discuss push for republic (AM)
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.
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'.
Peter FitzSimons
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."
I've seen petitions recently like keeping kebab shops open past midnight which have garnered 25,000 signatures in just a few days
Australian Monarchist League spokeswoman Gabrielle Hendry
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."
Topics: government-and-politics, republic, australia
First posted January 25, 2016 01:01:56
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Australia republic push: Labor leaders say country shouldn’t wait until Queen has died
January 26, 2016 12:30am
TORY SHEPHERDPOLITICAL EDITORThe Advertiser
Subscriber Exclusive Icon
Should Australia become a Republic?0:46
The debate over whether Australia should become a Republic is again on the cards with many believing we should leave the Royals behind.
Nearly all state premiers push for republic
The for and against: Why we should, and shouldn’t do it
The real reasons we can’t ditch the royals
AUSTRALIA should not wait for Queen Elizabeth’s death to become a republic, Labor leaders say.
All the state leaders – except WA Premier Colin Barnett – are pushing for an Australian head of state.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is a committed republican but has previously said that such a vote should wait until the end of the Queen’s reign.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten will use his Australia Day address today to call on Mr Turnbull to “seize this moment”.
“(The) only qualification you should need to be our head of state is the piece of paper you hold in your hands today,” he is expected to tell a crowd of new Australian citizens.
“Now, for the first Australia Day in our history, the leaders of both major parties are avowed republicans. Let us have the courage to match our words with actions.”
Other Stories
All SA’s Australia Day honours
All SA’s Australia Day honours
Rann reaps reward of ‘activist government’
Rann reaps reward of ‘activist government’
What’s on for Australia Day in Adelaide?
What’s on for Australia Day in Adelaide?
Buckingham Palace generally refuses to comment on the republican debate. A spokesman said the Queen “has always made it clear that the future of the monarchy in Australia is an issue for the Australian people”.
Queen Elizabeth walks through the Royal Gallery before the opening of British Parliament in the House of Lords in May last year. Pic: Getty
She has previously said she would respect and accept the outcome of a referendum.
Premier Jay Weatherill agreed with Mr Shorten that the time to move to a republic was now, while the Queen is still alive.
“I support a republic and I think the overwhelming majority of the Australian community support a republic,” he said, adding that he preferred a model similar to the current method of selecting governors and the Governor-General.
Asked whether it was rude to talk about deposing the Queen while she was still alive, Mr Weatherill said that was “less disrespectful than waiting for her to die”.
“Why wouldn’t we have this conversation while she’s alive?” he asked.
“It’s the next stage in our development as a nation. It speaks to a sense of independence, a sense of identity which is about us taking our place in the world.
“It would be entirely appropriate for her to be Queen of England at the time she relinquishes the role of queen of Australia and ushers in a new era of us being the republic of Australia.”
The Australian Republican Movement – which was once headed by Mr Turnbull – is promoting an online petition for an Australian head of state. That petition had only about 7000 signatures on Monday.
ARM chair Peter FitzSimons said becoming a republic was a “no brainer”.
He told Channel Nine that Australia could “do better than to find our heads of state from one family of unelected English people living in a palace in England”.
The Australian Monarchist League believe most Australians are opposed to becoming a republic.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-25/premiers-unite-for-an-australian-head-of-state/7110632
Premiers, chief ministers unite to sign declaration calling for Australian head of state
Updated January 25, 2016 12:01:56
Queen Elizabeth II tours Royal London Hospital
Photo: A vote on ending Australian links to the monarchy should happen before the Queen dies, Republican Peter FitzSimons says. (Reuters: Ian Gavan, file photo)
Related Story: Greens renew Australian flag debate, as royals visit Canberra
Related Story: Tasmania's republicans use Queen's milestone to renew cause
Related Story: Shorten calls for new push for Australia to become republic
Map: Australia
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
Petition supporting move signed by 4,000 people
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."
Audio: Listen to Jay Weatherill discuss push for republic (AM)
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.
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'.
Peter FitzSimons
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."
I've seen petitions recently like keeping kebab shops open past midnight which have garnered 25,000 signatures in just a few days
Australian Monarchist League spokeswoman Gabrielle Hendry
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."
Topics: government-and-politics, republic, australia
First posted January 25, 2016 01:01:56
Top Stories
Former Army chief David Morrison named Australian of the Year
Rod Laver, Tina Arena among 829 Australia Day honourees
SPORT Murray knocks Tomic out of Australian Open in straight sets
Email from Mayor's office warned of lost donations
US 'Snowzilla' storm predicted to cost billions
British explorer dies during record-breaking Antarctica solo trip
Beijing expels detained Swedish NGO worker (audio)
Australian lifesaver 'forced to watch asylum seekers drown'
Banksy's London 'Les Mis' mural attacks conditions in Calais camp
'Severely unaffordable' Australian homes second only to Hong Kong
Good Samaritan gets stranded, caravan ransacked in Kakadu
7.30: Watch now
Connect with ABC News
ABC News on Facebook
ABC News on Twitter
ABC News on YouTube
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News in your inbox Top headlines, analysis, breaking alerts
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Got a news tip?
If you have inside knowledge of a topic in the news, contact the ABC.
