Awkward question to Queen’s right-hand man in Australia

The Governor-General of Australia has been hit with a curly question while attending the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in London.

The Governor-General has described the Queen as a role model to many Australians but said the country may break ties with the monarchy after her reign ends.

David Hurley represented Australia at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in London.

The Albanese Government has put a republic referendum back on the longer-term agenda, but the Queen’s man in Canberra said the monarchy still had a lot to offer.

After attending a Service of Thanksgiving, General Hurley was asked by waiting reporters about the possibility of Australia becoming a republic.

His said a “new discussion” would be had once the Queen's reign ended.

General Hurley also said the Queen had lots of “emotional support” from Australians but that could change when a new monarch ruled.

“I think at the moment people centre on the Queen, and then when she goes, when she passes, then the succession comes in, there’s a new discussion in Australia,” he told reporters.

Governor-general David Hurley has suggested Australia may become a republic once Queen Elizabeth II dies and a new monarch rules. Picture: Saeed Khan / AFP

He said the monarch had lots of “emotional support” from Australians, but that could change once leadership changes hands. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The Albanese Government has announced it wants to hold a new referendum if the party wins a second term in office in 2025.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appointed an assistant minister for the republic after winning the recent election.

Minister Matt Thistlethwaite said the government’s priority was Indigenous recognition but it was time to start discussions on becoming a republic.

“I’d like to congratulate the Queen on her jubilee and her reign I think she’s been a fantastic monarch and leader of the commonwealth,” he told Sky News Australia.

“But as she comes to the twilight of her reign I think Australians are naturally beginning to ask themselves what comes next for Australia.

“Do we want King Charles or are we mature enough or independent enough to look to appoint one of our own as our head of state?”

Mr Albanese paid tribute to the Queen on Saturday, calling her a “true friend to Australia”.

The Prime Minister unveiled the signage for a permanent tribute to Her Majesty in Canberra.

Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin will be renamed Queen Elizabeth II Island.

There was also a 21-gun salute and an RAAF fly-past.