Labor will consider convening a constitutional convention or holding a plebiscite to advance plans for an Australian republic, Assistant Minister Matt Thistlethwaite says, as part of a push for a homegrown head of state during a second term.

Preparing to consult multicultural leaders and young people about a possible referendum after the next election, federal Labor’s assistant minister for the republic said a significant education campaign was needed on what cutting ties to the British royal family would mean.