(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many adults in Australia believe the abolition of the monarchy should be considered after the reign of Queen Elizabeth II is over, according to a Newspoll published in The Australian. 51 per cent of respondents would be in favour of establishing a republic if Prince Charles became King of England.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many adults in Australia believe the abolition of the monarchy should be considered after the reign of Queen Elizabeth II is over, according to a Newspoll published in The Australian. 51 per cent of respondents would be in favour of establishing a republic if Prince Charles became King of England.
The number of Australians who want Australia to become a republic—regardless of who the monarch might be—remains somewhat stable at 45 per cent.
Australia—independent from Britain since 1901—held a referendum on whether to become a presidential republic in 1999. The pro-monarchy side won the vote, receiving 55 per cent of all cast ballots.
Prince Charles is first in line to succeed Queen Elizabeth II, followed by his two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. In April 2005, Charles married long-time companion Camilla Parker Bowles in a civil ceremony.
Current Australian prime minister John Howard—who leads a coalition of Liberals and Nationals—actively campaigned for the continuation of the monarchy in the 1999 plebiscite. Australian Labor Party (ALP) leader Kevin Rudd supports the republican model.
Australian Republican Movement (ARM) chairman Ted O’Brien discussed the survey’s findings, saying, “I think what this says is that Prince Charles is the linchpin to Australia becoming a republic.”
Polling Data
Now thinking about whether Australia should become a republic, are you personally in favour or against Australia becoming a republic?
Jan. 2007 | Jan. 2006 | Jan. 2005 | |
In favour | 45% | 46% | 46% |
Against | 36% | 34% | 35% |
Uncommitted | 19% | 20% | 19% |
In the future, Prince Charles may become King of England with his wife Camilla known as Princess Consort. If Prince Charles does become King, would you then be in favour or against Australia becoming a republic?
Jan. 2007 | Jan. 2006 | |
In favour | 51% | 52% |
Against | 29% | 29% |
Uncommitted | 20% | 19% |
Source: Newspoll / The Australian
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,200 Australian voters, conducted from Jan. 19 to Jan. 21, 2007. Margin of error is 3 per cent.
