In brief
As King Charles prepares for his visit to Australia, the Australian Republican Movement (ARM) has launched a campaign portraying the trip as a "farewell tour," fueling discussions about the country's future as a constitutional monarchy.
In anticipation of King Charles' upcoming visit to Australia, the Australian Republican Movement (ARM) has initiated a provocative campaign labeling the trip as the British monarchy’s "farewell tour." The campaign, featuring merchandise with satirical themes likening the royal family to ageing rock stars, aims to reignite debate over the role of the Crown in contemporary Australia. Scheduled from October 18 to 26, this visit marks Charles' first since his lengthy battle with cancer and the first by a monarch to the continent in over ten years. This event follows the unsuccessful Voice to Parliament referendum, which many believed set back momentum for constitutional change in Australia.Historically, Australia voted against becoming a republic in 1999; however, support has been increasing. ARM's campaign includes t-shirts, posters, and other items encouraging Australians to move away from the monarchy. Co-Chair Esther Anatolitis stated that Australia needs a fully committed head of state, emphasizing the sentiment that it’s time to part ways with the royal reign. Research commissioned by ARM highlights that 92% of Australians are supportive or open to the idea of a republic, with a concerning percentage unaware of their head of state’s foreign status. However, independent polls suggest that about 35% of Australians still favor staying a constitutional monarchy.Despite the Prime Minister’s republican stance, plans for a referendum have been deprioritized by the government. King Charles, in correspondence with ARM, reiterated the decision on Australia's future governance rests with Australians. Notably, constitutional amendments in Australia require a challenging 'double majority,' a hurdle not easily overcome, as evident by past referenda including the recent Voice to Parliament vote which failed significantly.
