Sorry Chuck, the gig's up

Article by Ted O'Brien
Courier Mail
7 February 2005

Prince Charles is set to visit Australia between February 28 and March 5. As national deputy chair of the Australian Republican Movement, fewer Australians are genuinely more excited about this visit than I.

One of our greatest challenges as republicans is explaining the tangible changes that a republic would bring about. Prince Charles' visit provides us with an opportunity to do just that.

The subject of Australia becoming a republic is often over-complicated with talk of constitutional change, methods of appointment and other intellectual gibberish. When you part the clouds of complication, the issue of a republic becomes clear and simple. It comes down to one single fundamental question - who should be our Head of State: a member of the royal British family or a fellow Australian?

It is a good time for Prince Charles to take leave from England because he is currently under public scrutiny for his business dealings. The Observer (30/01/05) reports Charles is reaping record returns from property acquired through the Duchy of Cornwall, a 700-year old estate given to him by his mother in 1969 as a 21st birthday present. The Duchy, now valued at £463 million, receives multimillion dollar tax breaks because of its royal heritage and Prince Charles is a direct beneficiary, receiving a salary of £12 million (A$30 million) from the Duchy last year. This would make him the highest paid 'captain of industry' not only in Australia, but also in Britain.

I am genuinely excited about Prince Charles' visit, the last time he visited was in 1994, because it will give Australians a chance to get upfront and personal with its next Head of State. It will give Australians the chance to ask themselves some simple questions: Is this man our leader? Is he more worthy than a fellow Australian of holding the highest office in our land? Is he truly one of us? Should he be our next Head of State?

Australians' answer to these questions will be the test of our true republicanism. If, as I suspect, we find ourselves to be a nation of republicans, then let us still extend a warm welcome to this bloke from foreign shores. In doing so, however, let us also look him squarely in the eye and say "sorry mate, you just ain't one of us."

Ted O'Brien is the Deputy Chair of the Australian Republican Movement