King Charles III wrapped up his first visit to Australia by a reigning British monarch in 13 years on Tuesday. The royal couple engaged in various activities during their stay, including watching dancers perform at a Sydney Indigenous community center, participating in a community barbecue lunch, and inspecting navy ships on Sydney Harbor.
The visit was marked by some controversy, with Indigenous activist Wayne Wharton being arrested for allegedly acting in an abusive manner and failing to comply with police directions. Wharton intended to serve Charles with a summons related to war crimes and genocide but did not get the opportunity.
Anti-monarchists, including Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe, used the occasion to voice their opposition to the monarchy, with Thorpe publicly stating that Charles was not her king and Australia was not his land. The Australian Republic Movement also reiterated its stance on replacing the British monarch with an Australian citizen as the head of state.
Despite calls for a republic, the path to constitutional change in Australia remains challenging. Constitutional lawyer Anne Twomey highlighted the difficulties in achieving a successful referendum, citing the recent failure to establish an Indigenous representative body as an example.
While there is interest in becoming a republic, the consensus among experts is that Australia may not be ready for such a change at present. Acknowledging the country's complex history and engaging in honest dialogue are seen as crucial steps before any significant constitutional reform can take place.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed support for a republic but has deferred the possibility of a referendum until after the upcoming elections. The debate surrounding the monarchy and calls for a republic continue to shape the discourse on Australia's future as a nation.
