Leaders divided on call for republic (The Australian, 18/8/10)
TONY Abbott and Julia Gillard are at odds over whether Australia should become a republic.
The Prime Minister vowed to lead a national debate and the Opposition Leader argued it would never happen in our lifetime.
Ms Gillard's strong comments on a republic opened a wide difference between the leaders, with Mr Abbott, a staunch monarchist, claiming there was no interest in change and that Australians respect their institutions.
Ms Gillard said she wanted Australia to become a republic when the Queen died, and planned to lead a national debate on the form the republic would take.