The Australian Republican Movement (ARM) has launched a campaign to brand King Charles’ upcoming visit to the country as a “farewell tour” of the British monarchy.
They say the oral examination effort – which includes a collection of goods – is aimed at sparking debate about the role of the Crown in modern Australia, but monarchists say it is is insulting.
The royal tour, from October 18 to 26, marks the first visit by a monarch in more than a decade and will be King Charles’ longest trip since he was diagnosed with the disease. cancer.
It also came a year after Australia’s unsuccessful defeat Referendum before the National Assemblywhich many say has hampered momentum for another referendum.
The country voted against becoming a republic once, in 1999, but public support for constitutional change has grown since then.
On satirical posters, T-shirts, beer coasters and other paraphernalia, ARM’s campaign depicts the King, Queen and Prince of Wales as aging rock stars and calls on Australians to “ young and old” should “wave goodbye to the royal dynasty”.
“We expect a full-time, dedicated head of state whose loyalty is only to us — a symbol of unity within and abroad”.
“It’s time for Australia to say ‘thank you, but we got it from here’,” she added.
The organization cited research it commissioned showing 92% of Australians were “republican” or “open to it”, as well as finding that at least 40% of those surveyed did not know the cause. The head of state is a foreign monarch.
However, independent polling paints a different picture, with one survey showing around 35% of people want to maintain a constitutional monarchy.
The Australian Monarchy League (AML) described the ARM vote as “hyped”, while also criticizing their new campaign as “terribly disrespectful to Charles in his ongoing cancer battle”. grandfather”.
“He should be applauded for his bravery, not insulted,” National President Philip Benwell said.
Australia’s prime minister is a long-time republican but his government has been planning a vote on separation from the British monarchy on ice earlier this yearsays it’s no longer a matter of priority.
Over the weekend, King Charles confirmed he had corresponded with ARM ahead of his visit, reiterating the palace’s long-standing policy that Australians have the right to make decisions about their future.
Constitutional votes in Australia are rare and difficult to pass, requiring a ‘double majority’ – support from more than half the nation’s population and a majority in at least four of the country’s six states. this country. Only eight out of 44 referendums were successful, and most received bipartisan support.
The Voice referendum – which would have recognized Indigenous Nations people in the constitution and allowed them to establish a body to advise parliament – was overwhelmingly rejected after a referendum. fierce debate.
