King Charles’s Australia visit sparks republic debate
Australia debates republic status during King Charles's visit
King Charles III concluded his visit to Australia on Tuesday, marking the first time a reigning British monarch has visited in 13 years. Anti-monarchists hope this trip is a step toward an Australian citizen becoming the head of state. On Monday, controversy erupted when Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe shouted at Charles during a reception, declaring he was not her king and Australia was not his land.
Esther Anatolitis, co-chair of the Australian Republic Movement, noted that although many attended events to see King Charles and Queen Camilla, the turnout was larger when Queen Elizabeth II first visited 70 years ago. In 1954, an estimated 75% of Australia’s population saw the queen in person. “It’s understandable that Australians would be welcoming the king and queen; we also welcome them,” Anatolitis said. “But it doesn’t make any sense to continue to have a head of state appointed by birthright from another country.” She acknowledged the challenge of getting a majority of Australians in a majority of states to vote for constitutional change, as the constitution hasn’t been amended since 1977.
Constitutional lawyer Anne Twomey believes Charles, 75, need not worry about an Australian republic during his lifetime. She pointed out that last year’s failed referendum to create an Indigenous representative body showed the difficulty of changing Australia’s constitution. “On the whole, people aren’t prepared to change the constitution,” Twomey said. “A republic, which would be a much more complex constitutional question than last year, would be far more vulnerable to a scare campaign and opposition.”
🇦🇺"You committed genocide against our people.Give us back our land! Give back what you stole!
You destroyed our lives!You are against all of us! This is not your country! You are not my king!":
Australia is not happy about the arrival of the British King Charles III – Senator… pic.twitter.com/gXR4cGXpdV
— Tibo91 (@Tibortibor15) October 21, 2024
Philip Benwell, national chair of the Australian Monarchist League, was near Thorpe at the Canberra reception when she started shouting at the king and demanding a treaty with Indigenous Australians. “I think she alienated a lot of sympathy. If anything, she’s helped to strengthen our support,” Benwell said. Thorpe has faced criticism, including from some Indigenous leaders, for her actions but remains unrepentant. She rejected claims that her aggressive approach was violent, stating, “I think what was unacceptable is the violence in that room, of the King of England praising himself, dripping in stolen wealth, that’s what’s violent.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wants Australia to become a republic but has ruled out a referendum during his first term. A referendum could be possible if his Labor Party wins the next election due by May next year. In 1999, Australians voted to retain Queen Elizabeth II as head of state, a decision seen as stemming from disagreement about the selection process for a president rather than majority support for the monarchy.
Sydney University royal historian Cindy McCreery thinks Australia is not ready to become a republic. “There’s interest in becoming a republic, but logistically speaking, we’re not going to have a referendum on that issue any time soon,” McCreery said. She believes a successful referendum on a republic is unlikely until Australia engages more with its complex history. “Becoming a republic doesn’t mean we’ve somehow thrown off British colonialism. It hopefully means we’re engaging with our own history in an honest and thoughtful way.”
Charles’s trip to Australia was shortened due to his cancer treatment. He will arrive in Samoa on Wednesday.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Associated Press: King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s visit to Australia includes laying wreaths at the War Memorial and greeting well-wishers, amid Indigenous senator’s protest over land ownership.(read more)
- The article highlights King Charles III’s visit to Australia, rekindling debates about the country’s constitutional ties to Britain, amid mixed public feelings and republicanism discussions, emphasizing his limited schedule due to cancer treatment.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
When was the last time a reigning British monarch visited Australia?
13 years ago.
What did Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe shout at King Charles?
She declared he was not her king and Australia was not his land.
What percentage of Australia’s population saw Queen Elizabeth II during her 1954 visit?
An estimated 75%.
What does Prime Minister Anthony Albanese want for Australia?
He wants Australia to become a republic.
Why does Cindy McCreery believe Australia is not ready to become a republic?
She thinks a successful referendum is unlikely until Australia engages more with its complex history.
