An Australian Republican Movement (ARM) poll indicates that 48% of Australians agree with their governor-general that their country should become a republic.
Perhaps surprisingly support for the democratic option is strongest, at 59%, in those aged 60-69. And more than 50% of Australians aged 18-39 wanted to free their country from monarchy.
Governor-General Quentin Bryce looked forward in a lecture last month to an Australia where “one day, one young girl or boy may even grow up to be our nation’s first head of state”. Supporters of the feudal institution complained that she had broken protocol in taking sides for a democratic head of state. But prime minister Tony Abbott supported her right to speak out.
Following the poll Geoff Gallop of the ARM said “We recognise the issue went quiet for a few years, which explains the high numbers who are unsure, but it’s time to engage everyone in the conversation and find out how we want to face the future as a nation.”
The UK’s queen Windsor is the current head of state of Australia although it is an independent country.
Meanwhile in neighbouring Thailand monarchists have taken to the streets carrying pictures of their king in support of attempts to replace the elected government with an appointed “people’s council”.