Republic ‘sideshow’ to remain on the back burner

There was general consensus in Australia that when Queen Elizabeth passed, we would evolve into a republic within a fairly short time frame. Troy Bramston argues for such change (“Charles’ visit should stir republican hearts”, 15/10) and bemoans the lack of traction towards “true” independence. It is hard to imagine, however, that on the list of issues of importance to Australians right now the matter would rate a mention. It is a sideshow when the community is struggling with a plethora of concerns, not the least of which is the cost-of-living crisis. The Australian Republic Movement is inept and invisible but even rusted-on advocates know they are up against it in this environment. There is another hurdle to their ambitions. With heightened geopolitical instability, Australians will naturally defer to the system they know and trust. If there is “lament”, it is for the lack of leadership from their elected representatives (“Leadership still missing in action”, 15/10).

Kim Keogh, Claremont, WA

Troy Bramston reveals a litany of failures by prime ministers since Keating to put the republic back on the political agenda, culminating in the final act of PM Albanese, abolishing the republic ministry and then facing the humiliation of needing to introduce a new Act to give King Charles his Australian title. Despite Albanese signing “agreed” on a minute to set out a new Royal Style and Titles Act, his department is now backtracking on the need to do so. This history of inertia by prime ministers reveals the farce of governments not acting on the lessons of the 1999 referendum, which indicated that Australians wanted the right model for a republic, and would not accept anything less. In fact, a Newspoll nearing the end of the Constitutional Convention in 1998 revealed that Australians would accept the status quo rather than any model that did not provide direct election of the head of state. Government has been paralysed on the issue ever since. Constitutional reform requires a significant engagement in conversation with the Australian people, so they have ownership of the issue well before any referendum. Albanese seems to be afraid to even have the conversation, let alone another referendum.

David Muir, Indooroopilly, Qld

Why does Troy Bramston believe it beggars belief that Australia is still a constitutional monarchy? In our present social situation, where there is a distinct lack of trust in our civil pillars, and hostility and hatred spewed out at fellow citizens, the permanency of the monarchy and the gregariousness of King Charles provide a welcome reassurance of normality.

The Crown rightly keeps total power and authority from being exercised in an absolute sense by politicians. Moreover, regardless of whether we find the British monarchy endearing or not, it has, by and large, brought about both a remarkable and unique form of governmental stability, and it does importantly keep us connected to our historic, Christian roots.

Australia is part of the Commonwealth and therefore Charles III is our constitutional head, subject to the will of the Australian people. However, it is an unobtrusive monarchy, so the King does not interfere in the administration of our nation. It is the prime minister, the head of our government, who makes day-to-day decisions and is given temporal power to do so, yet he is always subject to constitutional checks by our governor-general.

King Charles’s popularity, or lack thereof, is irrelevant; the monarchy is always bigger than the man, so let’s not cast stones at someone who is taking time out from his ongoing cancer treatment to visit a continent that holds a fond place in his heart. While human beings are fallible, some foundations are faithful, and our current constitutional system of rule will ensure Australia does indeed remain renowned of all the lands.

Peter Waterhouse, Craigieburn, Vic

This old chestnut again. I agree entirely with Troy Bramston on one aspect: “The Australian Republic Movement has been utterly and comically inept and invisible in recent decades. It has not advanced the cause one iota.” Prominent figures Malcolm Turnbull and Peter FitzSimons were chairs of the ARM for a cumulative 14 years during this time. If republicans want to lay the responsibility on anyone for the state of republicanism in Australia today, they should look at the leadership provided by these two anti-conservatives.

Riley Brown, Bondi Beach, NSW