Republicans Welcome Charles

Article by Peter van Vliet
Herald Sun
3 March 2005

In 1954 when Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia thousands of people lined the streets. The newly crowned Monarch was immensely popular and the glory of the British monarchy seemed destined to reign over Australia for centuries. How things change.

Prince Charles simply cannot expect a similar reception in Melbourne this week. In 2005 the British Monarchy has simply lost its relevance to Australian society. As our federal Treasurer, Peter Costello, said five years ago Australians now consider themselves republican. We are now republican in sentiment if not in practice. The dwindling band of monarchists eager to support the hapless Prince will be joined by republicans who will also be cheering on Charles.

Let's face it-Prince Charles is the best thing to happen to republicans since the dark days of the republican referendum on November 6, 1999. Australians on that day rejected a republican model that many were dissatisfied with. But Prince Charles visit reminds us that the republic remains unfinished business. It reminds us that if we don't change our constitution, Prince Charles will be our next head of state-King Charles III of Australia.

While some Australians might like Prince Charles many are uncomfortable with him being our next head of state. The Australian Republican Movement believes the logical solution is to put an Australian into our top position.

If Australia were to take the last step towards independence we would have our own head of state. Many fine Australians would qualify for that role. Australians could select someone of the calibre of Peter Cosgrove, or the popular Victorian Governor John Landy. Even our latest Australian of the Year, Dr Fiona Wood, could be great value as our very own head of state. I'm sure most people would prefer one of those fine Australians, rather than King Charles III. The point is any capable Australian should be able to be considered for this most important symbolic position.

The problem at present is no Australian can hold our top position. You have to be born into the House of Windsor (formerly Saxe-Coburg-Gotha) in Britain to achieve this honour.

Even in Britain, the republican issue is taking off. "Republic" (UK) has established itself as a group committed to a British Republic and an elected head of state. This group is building momentum and support. It would be something of an embarrassment for Australia if Britain beat us to the republican finishing line.

Prince Charles visit is costing Australian taxpayer's around one million dollars. While that might seem a high price to pay there are some fringe benefits.

Our future King hasn't been here for eleven years. He needs to be reminded what a great place Australia is. AFL fans could inform him that the Brisbane Lions won three flags in a row from 2001-2003. Population experts could tell him that Victoria now has five million inhabitants. Formula One enthusiasts could let him know that Melbourne has hosted the Grand Prix since 1996. These are the simple facts that any aspiring Australian head of state should know.

The Prince of Wales official web site says the Prince is dedicated to protecting and promoting national traditions. The only problem is he is talking about Great Britain's national traditions not ours. That's Premier League soccer-not AFL, the Bill-not Neighbours, and Britain's trade interests-not Australia's.

We need an Australian as head of state-someone who understands our culture and our national aspirations. If a visit from our future King of Australia, King Charles III, helps remind Australians of this pure and noble goal let's cheer him on. Let's give him a great Victorian welcome fitting for any visiting foreign dignitary. But let's also reflect on the promise that still remains, an Australian republic with an Australian head of state-one of us.

Peter van Vliet is Convenor of the Australian Republican Movement, Victorian Branch