The Australian Republic Movement has kicked off its ‘Monarchy: The Farewell Oz Tour’ as a playful yet thought-provoking campaign aimed at encouraging Australians to reconsider the role of the British monarchy in modern Australia.
Coinciding with the first royal tour in over a decade, the movement’s campaign reframes the visit of the King as an opportunity for a nationwide conversation about the country’s future leadership.
Co-chair Esther Anatolitis highlighted the importance of this discussion, stating, “Australia welcomes many farewell tours, but democracy is no show. We elect our representatives on merit, and it’s time to wave goodbye to the monarchy.”
Anatolitis expressed that many Australians are ready to see this royal visit as the last tour of a monarch, adding, “Australians deserve a full-time, dedicated Head of State whose loyalty lies solely with us.”
The campaign aims to engage Australians of all ages and backgrounds, with the hashtag #FarewellOzTour inviting widespread participation.
The movement also draws attention to research showing that 92 per cent of Australians are either in favour of a republic or open to the idea, with only 8 per cent staunchly supporting the monarchy. Notably, 40 per cent of Australians were unaware that the British monarch is also Australia’s Head of State, but when informed, many called for change.
Co-chair Nathan Hansford said that Australians’ desire for a locally elected Head of State, citing that 60 per cent would prefer an Australian leader over King Charles III.
He also criticised the cost burden of royal visits, with 78 per cent of Australians believing the Royal Family should cover their travel expenses rather than Australian taxpayers.
As the conversation grows, the Australian Republic Movement encourages Australians to reflect on the relevance of a foreign monarch and to envision a future where the country is led by one of its own.
For more details on the campaign, visit www.republic.org.au/tour.
