In a recent interview with Amanda Robbins, a local government employee in the Bass Coast, we discussed the possibility of becoming a republic. We spoke about a range of issues from representation, cost, colonialism and political change.

 

Is a constitutional monarchy inherently colonialist? Is it holding us back?

 

A: I don't believe a constitutional monarchy is inherently colonialist. History proves greed is a much larger factor in the colonialist debate with stronger resourced nations imposing on or plundering weaker nations resources

 

Many people suggest that continuing to support the monarchy is impeding reconciliation and recognition of the rights of First Nations people. There has been a recent debate following Channel 10s ‘The Project’ host Waleed Aly suggesting that there should be a First Nations head of state replacing King Charles III. However this suggestion has received mixed reactions. Dr Amy Thunig, a Macquarie University lecturer and Gomeroi woman tweeted the following statement:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thunig makes an important point. That this suggestion from someone outside of indigenous culture emphasises the exact issue Aly was trying to address. That the monarchy continues to silence First Nations people. Is a republic going to necessarily give voice to First Nations people?

 

Will Australia truly be able to move forward if we don’t become a republic?

 

A: Australia will continue to move forward, and sometimes backward, as our elected governments are both in charge of maintaining a democratic system and creating policies for the benefit of our country. And they may not get it right all the time but our voting system does give people a choice in who governs. 

 

What do you think the struggles of becoming / being a republic are? 

 

A: I don't think the struggle to change to a republic is worth the time, cost, energy, for our nation. 

 

Do you think Australia would be better off not being associated with the monarchy? What are the weaknesses of changing our political structure? 

 

A: I am not in favour of becoming a republic. Our current system of government has given Australia a relatively stable society with the English figure head of government, & allies with similar value.  Our governments do need to be proactive in getting broader representation of people from all walks of life in parliament who can advocate,educate and drive change as needed.

Weaknesses of changes are time, costs, upheaval associated with such a massive societal  change I think it would create fractures in our society.

 

The group spearheading the anti-republic movement are the Australians for Constitutional Monarchy. In a 2009 audit published on their website by Professor David Flint, the costs incurred by taxpayers and the estimated costs of becoming a republic have been calculated. 

 

The actual expense of the republic movement up to 2005 is over $129.8 million dollars according to Flint. This figure draws on data from the following:

 

·          Republic Advisory Committee, 1993

·          Plebiscite for an Australian Republic Bill, 1997

·          Convention Election, 1997

·          Constitutional Convention, 1998.

·          Referendum, 1999

·          Corowa Conference, 2001

·          Republic (Consultation of the People) Bill, 2001

·          Senate Inquiry: Road to a Republic Report 2004

·          Plebiscite for an Australian Republic Bill, 2008

·          2020 Summit, 2009

·          Senate Finance and Public Administration Report, 2009

·          Plebiscite for an Australian Republic Bill, 2010

 

Flint estimates that becoming a republic will cost over $2.5 billion in the first 10 years. These costs include (but are not limited to) a new flag, new defence forces, new currency, plebiscite, elections.

 

While these figures are estimates it does bring into question if a post-covid economy can manage the transition to a new political era. Given that we are still recovering from a recession, and an increase in natural disasters, I have doubts that the average Australian would vote ‘Yes’ if the referendum occurred anytime soon. 

In terms of representation we can see an increase in representation within parliament. In terms of gender representation after the 2022 election, women comprise 57 percent of senators and 38 percent of the lower House. In terms of First Nations representation there are 8 senators and 3 members of the House of Representatives who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. While we are certainly not seeing equal representation in many areas of Australia, inside and outside parliament, representation will not necessarily be more inclusive within a republic.