Fresh push to ditch Queen Elizabeth from Australian Republic Movement

Australians could soon be bidding farewell to the Royal Family if one group with high-profile support gets its way.

A plan to replace Queen Elizabeth as the nation’s head of state has been revived, as the nation’s republic movement ramps up its push to scrap the monarchy’s hold on Australia.

The plan, launched on Wednesday by the Australian Republic Movement (ARM), outlines how the nation could replace the governor-general with a democratically elected head of state.

Under a model, each state parliament would nominate a candidate – while the federal parliament would nominate three candidates – to be put to a vote of the Australian people.

The British royal family could soon be dumped if the republic movement gets its way. Picture: Stefan Wermuth / Getty Images

The elected representative would then serve a five-year term as the head of state, who would largely carry out the same responsibilities as the governor-general.

However, they would no longer have the power to refuse legislation or constitutional change.

ARM chair Peter FitzSimons said the group had developed the model after consultation with thousands of Australians.

“We’ve consulted, we’ve listened closely and Australians have told us this approach will give our nation the best chance of success at a referendum, with an overwhelming majority of Australians likely to back the change,” Mr FitzSimons said.

“This will give all Australian voters a merit-based choice about who speaks for them as head of state.

ARM chair Peter FitzSimons says its latest model has the best chance of being voted for by the Australian people. Picture: Jane Dempster / The Australian

“The decision will be in their hands, unlike now, where it is luck of the draw who we get from the British royal family.”

The model significantly differs from the one adopted ahead of the failed 1999 republic referendum, when the ARM proposed an Australian head of state would be elected by the parliament.

While the movement failed to capture Australians back in 1999, the ARM now believes after 24 months of consultation, its new proposal could win majority support.

“Proposing a specific model is essential to overcome uncertainty about Australia becoming a republic, which is the primary barrier to change,” the ARM said.

“ARM research found that 92 per cent of Australians are open to the idea of a republic, with only 8 per cent opposed to any form of change.”

But the Australian Monarchist League has criticised the model, which chair Philip Benwell labelled “deeply flawed”.

“The AML is delighted that the ARM has, after over 20 years, at last produced a model,” he said.

“However, although their model is called the ‘choice model’, the people actually have no choice over whom they are voting for, as only politicians will decide on the candidates, which rather defeats the purpose of having a national vote.”

Opposition frontbenchers Mark Dreyfus and Matt Thistlethwaite welcomed the ARM’s model, but said constitutional recognition and a voice to parliament for First Nations people was Labor’s first priority.

“The Australian head of state should be one of us: an Australian who lives with the Australian people,” they said.

“While constitutional recognition and a Voice to parliament for First Nations people remain Labor’s constitutional reform priority, it is important that all Australians have the opportunity to consider an Australian head of state in the future and the best model of appointment.