Voices of Victoria: Victorians have their say on whether Australia should become a republic

The death of the Queen has sparked debate about whether Australia should become a republic with its own head of state. Here Victorians have their say on the issue.

Victorians have had their say on whether Australia should become a republic.

The passing of the Queen has sparked debate about whether should Australia should become a republic with its own head of state.

While some support the move, others think we should stick to the status quo, in this week’s Voices Of Victoria poll.

See if you can spot someone you know from around Geelong and Greater Melbourne.

Charlie Robinson-Cay, 18, Balnarring

Charlie Robinson-Cay, 18, with uncle Craig Robinson, mum Selina Robinson and sister Lily Robinson-Cay, 15.

Charlie: “I was born in England but I think it’s time to think about becoming a republic. Australia should be independent. It’s like two people being in a relationship but not wanting to acknowledge it.”

Craig Robinson, Leeds

“I’m holidaying here, visiting family. I’m not sure I’m the best person to comment! If I was home I’d probably be queuing to pay my respects to the Queen. But, having said that, I do feel for the Indigenous people in Australia. The focus should be on them finally getting their voice, that should come first.”

Selina Robinson-Cay, Balnarring: “I served in the British Forces. So I can call the Queen my commander in chief. She really is Ma’am to me. But I’m not sure continuing with a monarchy is the best thing for Australia.”

Steve, Ballarat

“I think it’s almost inevitable; it could happen within a decade.

“Pretty hard-pressed to fight against inevitabilities. I think I’ll probably be in favour of it to a degree.

“If he (Charles III) turns out to be good as a king, there may be some reluctance to go with it, but otherwise, I think we’ll probably go that way because the youth are picking up, the youth are coming through, and they’re the ones who are really leading the charge, I think, against monarchism.”

Janet McLaren and Jo Howes, CBD

Jo: “No I don’t think (we should have our own head of state). I think we should become a republic but no head of state. I’m not really a fan of the Royal Family, I think they are a bit irrelevant nowadays. I liked the Queen, I had great respect for the Queen, but the rest of them don’t do much for me at all, I think they’re a bit outdated.

Janet: “I’m concerned about Austrlai becoming an republic, given what has happened in America, you’d hate to think we would end up like that. So for me I don’t think so – I know my husband and children disagree, but for me I’d be happy to keep it as it is.

Because the Queen has been around for all of my life, it is weird (to have a King) so I guess my questions would be how we would select a head of state in Australia because there is so much division it concerns me, so I’m happy to keep the status quo.”

Bella Bunny, CBD

Bella Bunny (right) and her friend. Voices of Victoria.

I don’t think Australia should be tied to its colonial past, and I think it will help with Australia Day, giving more recognition to indigenous Australians.

I think we’re our own country now, rather than a colony of the Queen.

Stephen Stevens, Bayswater

“I think we will eventually become one as we are a multicultural country now.

“But I hope we do it in the right ways, because it will cost a fortune to change everything over.

“It’s got to be well worth it and something that works for the people, we don’t politicians voting for the president.

“The system we’re under is brilliant, look at the example the Queen has set over the years.

“There’s no need to fix it, just repair it.”

Gemima Hunt, Grovedale

Gemima Hunt from Grovedale

“No, I think it’s cool that we have royal people,” she said.

“I think it’s cool that we had a Queen, and now, we have a King.”

Carol Wykes, East Geelong

Carol Wykes from East Geelong

“No, I’m happy to have a Queen, or a King now.”

Michelle Hayes from Leopold

Michelle Hayes from Leopold

“I would not have a clue.

“I don’t care, either.”

Caitlin Kos-Beckwith of Charlemont

Caitlin Kos-Beckwith of Charlemont.

“It doesn’t both me really, we don’t need them, I feel like they (the Royals) are not really involved in Australia and what we are doing.”