Same old model

The chair of the Australian Republic Movement, Peter FitzSimons, has demonstrated why Australians remain uncertain about a “true” Aussie head of state (Mike Seccombe, “Republic disturbance”, November 17–23). He has used the tired trope of engaging a monarchist with extreme views and supports the same model defeated in a referendum in 1999. The royals retain popular support in large measure because of their diffidence and their distance, things they are wise enough to take counsel about and very probably know instinctively. The first priority for Australians should most certainly be constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians. I can hope the Queen lives long enough to see it.

– Pam Connor, Mollymook Beach, NSW