The Australian Republican Movement has a new figurehead - a football playing patriot who is not backwards about coming forwards with a colourful turn of phrase. As The Sydney Morning Herald columnist Peter FitzSimons prepares to make his first speech as chair of the movement's national committee, we look at the five things that need to happen before anyone starts paying attention.
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1. The Queen dies
It sounds a bit rough but even die hard republicans say the respect and affection Australians hold for Queen Elizabeth means attempting to restart the republican debate is pointless while she remains the monarch. Prince Charles is another matter. Would Australians feel obliged to have him as our head of state or would it be the kick in the pants we need to make the change?
Queen Elizabeth II at Ascot racecourse. Photo: Tristan Fewings
2. Prince George becomes less cute
It is no accident that the third in line to the throne made his first royal tour to Australia and New Zealand. The photogenic new generation of royals are the best thing the Windsors have going for them PR wise. Support for an Australian republic fell to historic lows in the wake of Prince George's visit. It will be interesting to see the reaction Prince Charles receives when he visits later this year compared with the trips made by his sons in the past 18 months.
Prince William holds Prince George as his mother Catherine hands him a toy bilby on their visit to Australia last year. Photo: Getty Images
3. Prince Philip is awarded another knighthood
The republican movement was thrilled when Prime Minister Tony Abbott awarded the 94-year-old Australia's highest honour on Australia Day this year. The move prompted a surge of interest in the republican cause and an attempted strike on Mr Abbott's leadership. More like this please, says the Australian Republican Movement, which was more than a little bit delighted that the pro monarchy prime minister was the one who sparked the interest.
Prince Philip Photo: John Stillwell/Reuters
4. An assurance Australia could still compete in the Commonwealth Games
Republicans have always struggled to argue that on the one hand becoming a republic would be an important symbolic step that would cut the final apron strings to Britain while on the other emphasising nothing much would change. Like the flag. Or the national anthem. Or still being able to thrash New Zealand in the Commonwealth Games. Make the change for (largely) sameness is a tricky slogan.
Diamonds celebrating their Commonwealth Games gold medal last year. Photo: Getty Images
5. Lots more people need to want to do it
As the recent marriage equality debate has reminded everyone - change doesn't come easily. And while changing the definition of marriage does not require constitutional change, becoming a republic does. This means two thirds of people in a majority of states have to be convinced of the case for change. The marriage equality debate also demonstrates the need for bipartisan support for major changes, something that is lacking as long as Mr Abbott remains Prime Minister, and for the republican movement not to be seen as aligned with only one side of politics.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott at the flag raising and citizenship ceremony on Australia Day this year. Photo: Stefan Postles
