The federal member for Bendigo says “it’s time” for a republic and has characterised Australian monarchists as clinging to an outdated, “colonial vision” of the country. 

Lisa Chesters also said she was also open to the debate about changing the date of Australia Day and adopting a new national flag.

The member for Bendigo said it was often seen as a symbolic step but that a referendum on a republic would open the door for constitutional reform.

“It would be an opportunity to look at a number of constitutional and federal issues, like recognising local government and finally acknowledging our first Australians,” Ms Chesters said. 

“It may sound like a technical argument but it is a critical step to take as a nation... we no longer look to England for advice on how to govern our robust democracy and so we should have own head state.

The Labor MP said with all state and territory leaders, the prime minister and opposition leader backing the idea of becoming a republic, the nation had come to a “critical junction point” – but questioned whether Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull would challenge the conservatives within his party. 

“For over 200 years people have been migrating to this country, we are a multicultural and diverse nation and that’s why import we take on the role of appointing our own head of state,” the Bendigo MP said. 

“This is a challenge to Turnbull, to his party room and caucus and to the deal he made with the Nationals to come to power – to sideline his own beliefs – and I’d be surprised if he rises to it, given that he has not shifted the party on the issue of marriage equality or real action on climate change.” 

The flag

Ms Chesters refused to be drawn on her position on the flag – saying it was a matter for the community – but said she was concerned it was being misused. 

“That’s not Australian values, Australian values are freedom of religion, mutual respect and inclusive communities.

“But in terms of changing the flag, I am interested in what the Bendigo electorate has to say – this is the very symbol of the nation and on a critical issue like that I don’t think it is up to a politician to say what it should be.”

Australia Day

Related: Bittersweet day for some

Ms Chesters said she was also “very open” to a debate on changing the date of Australia Day.

“I understand the anxiety around January 26 for our local Aboriginal people,” Ms Chesters said.

“What is important  tomorrow is to celebrate Australian values, so whether you arrived recently, are a first Australian or have been here for generations it is a day on which we can come together with respect.

“So, in that sense, it is about reclaiming the date.”

Do voters care? 

The Bendigo MP said the issue of a republic was “aspirational” – she said people had higher priorities but that most “just wanted it done”.

“When you talk to people in the street they’re more concerned with everyday, bread-and-butter issues like the cost of living and job security... or with school holidays ending it might be the cost of sending kids to school,” Ms Chesters said. 

“But when you ask people if they want an Australian head of state they generally support it and have an expectation on our politicians to just get on with doing it.”