Saving grace of the monarchy
After the defeat of the republic referendum in 1999, the Queen decided to immediately address the issue by visiting Australia the following year,
It wasn’t just Paul Keating who was on a mission to turn Australia into a republic and remove the British monarch as our head of state. Throughout the 1990s, there was a growing movement around the country to replace the Queen with an elected president – so much so that she decided to stay away from the country until it was resolved, and did not return until 2000 on a tour that many thought might turn out to be her final one.
On November 6, 1999, Australia voted in a referendum on whether to become a republic. The No side won by 54.87 per cent to 45.13 per cent. And when she did return to Australia, Her Majesty immediately addressed the recent vote in a heartfelt speech at the Sydney Opera House. “I have always made it clear that the future of the monarchy in Australia is an issue for you, the Australian people, and you alone to decide by democratic and constitutional means. It should not be otherwise,” she said.
“Whatever the future may bring, my lasting respect and deep affection for Australia and Australians everywhere will remain as strong as ever. That is what I have come here to say; that is why I am pleased to be back; and that is why I am looking forward to these next two weeks amongst you in this great country.”
Her words, and the enduring love most Australians have for her and the way she conducted herself as Queen of Australia as well as Great Britain and the other Commonwealth realms, meant the republican issue was shelved until such time as she was no longer Queen. Now, with her death and ascension of Charles to the throne, the issue is sure to become a hot topic once again over the coming weeks and months.
The future of the monarchy in Australia is an issue for you … and you alone to decide
THE QUEEN