There are far, far more important issues for Australia to consider than whether or not to become a republic. Anyway, now that K.Rudd (krudd) is the big cheese tighten yer seatbelts mates and prepare for a bumpy ride paritularly as we have a rock-star, with brains to match, on the front bench.
To quote another socialist Australian PM, "God may well save the Queen......." but the burning question is, will God save Australia?

John DEAN, Perth, Western Australia,

Paul, On Port Jackson, Sydney, Australia...That was quite a tantrum! Very impressive. One day we will be a republic, change the constitution (in fact that will happen soon with reconcilliation), change the flag (hopefully replace the Union Jack with an indigenous flag perhaps?), remove any question about our Head of State being Australian...And I look forward to an even more impressive performance from you then. :-)

Natalie, Brisbane,

In 21st Century Australia, there is no room for a foreign, non resident, unelected head of state, particularly when he/she holds the position by accident of birth. By retaining this system a message is sne to the rest of thr world that no Australian is fit to hold the highest office in the land.Even that arch monarchist wouldn't predict what will happen when the Queen is no longer on the throne.Charles for head of state? I don't think so.

Barry Everingham, Malvern, Victoria, Australia

I'm just tired of the debate and wish this whole matter was settled by now in favour of retaining the Crown. We went through all this in 1998/99. Can anyone actually give me some soundly practical advantages to Australia in becoming a republic? No? Or is Australian republicanism just some fashionable cause that makes the individual republican concerned seem so much more in touch with the times and tenor of the nation than monarchists, who are mostly political conservatives? Yes? Or is it about the national symbolism of having an Australian head of state? Yes? Symbolism is a pretty frivolous, trivial reason for the Australian Constitution to be hacked to bits in the process of becoming a republic. Anyway these days the Governor-General is invariably an Australian. No! No! No! Keep the Crown and leave our magnificent Constitution (and flag) alone. NO REPUBLIC!

Paul, On Port Jackson, Sydney, Australia

It's a very buig shame how the queen of the English people clings to be the queen of Scotland, queen of Canada, queen of Irland, Quen of Wales, queen of the colonies aka commonwealth, and what have you. We are in an era where such nonsense should be dumped in the dustbin of history. Hence, my piece of advise to Mrs. Windsor, get out of the glamour before you are let go. That's the only honourable thing to do, especially for the English people.

Goldman, London, UK

Henrik G. Thomsen...Better at what exactly? What is it you think the monarchy does in or for Australia in these times?

Natalie, Brisbane, Australia

To John Evans in Switerland:

It may have escaped your notice but Australia is an Asian nation. You can't decide your geography. Australians don't want to pretend to be European and since the 1950s have stopped clinging to the cultural heritage of Europe in favour of their own, self determined path.

Australians don't see a 'risk' of being an Asian nation, and many welcome the strengthening of ties with the politically and economically important neighbour.

Andrew, Doha, Qatar

It is the legal right of the Australian population to decide what they wish to do with their nation. However I should like to warn the modern Australian (to distinguish from the original Aboriginal Australians) who are mainly European that they seriously risk becoming an Asian country without their connections to the Queen and Commonwealth . The choice is theirs and theirs alone as it is to the British in the European Union.

John Evans, Switzerland,

The question is whether any Australian can do better than HEr Majesty The Queen!

Henrik G. Thomsen, Aarhus, Denmark

I hope that Australians are allowed a free and democratic vote on the issue and I, as a 'Pom' would respect their decision, whatever it turns out to be. It can all be done with grace and dignity - after all, it was the Poms that started it all off. However, whatever the outcome, I sincerely hope that Australia maintains and deveolps its' own unique identity and doesn't become any more 'Americanized' than it already is (albeit in part). Australia is a great place and Aussies are great people - keep it that way!

G. Kearns, Kuwait, Kuwait

Many of us Brits here in the UK would also like to ditch the Queen (and the rest of the Windsors). The last opinion polls showed over 50 per cent in favour of getting rid of them. It will happen eventually, they are slowly self-destructing.

Neil, Gloucestershire, England

Australia, welcome to the 21st century. I wonder how long the UK will continue to pay welfare to the royals.

frank, salem, oregon

A lot of "us Brits" don't actually care one way or the other if Australia ditch the Queen or not, but unfortunately for the Royals we don't really care if we British ditch the Queen either. I think it is this growing indifference and lack of interest in all things Royal that will eventually be the death knell of the Royal anachronism worldwide. By the way, I served 30 years in the armed forces, and my indifference is shared by many ex members of the services as well as many serving members, who of course would never publicly admit to such a view (politically incorrect) until they too retire.
Andy

Andy, Sleaford, England

I'm British but I grew up in Australia. There a huge number of British Ex-pats living in Australia and this is of importance to them. If Rudd gets his way and makes Australia a Republic, Many of these ex-pats will lose a goodly portion of their income as they are in receipt of service pensions. My Mother is in this category. She will lose her British pension and be forced to take out Australian Citizenship if this plan comes to pass. Mind you, I believe that if people want to live in a country they should become naturalised in that country and not still be supported by their "old" country.
What worries me, is that one of my sisters, who was born in Australia but was not given Australian citizenship because my parents had not lived there 10 years, when she was born, will also lose her Australian benefits and have to take out her citizenship. This process will cost her approx £140, which she can ill afford.

Donna, York, England

I must admit that I am surprised by the chippy comments coming from many of the Brits here. As someone with a foot in both camps, it amuses me no end that so many Brits still have this mis-placed air of superiority. Face it chaps, your countrymen are voting with their feet and with 1.2 million Brit passport holders in Australia it will continue. The historical ties are great, good fun for a bit of ribbing during the ashes etc but lets face it the two countries are at opposite ends of the earth. It may appear odd to Australians that the UK embraces people who have no historical, political, ethnic or religous ties but that is the real politic of the situation. It is the same for Australia embracing Asia. We are where we are. I have enormous respect for the Queen as do most Australians, but it doesn't mean the monachy is relevant to Australia. Lets face it, in the UK the royal family are good for tourism, the odd tabloid scandal and rubber stamping Comrade Browns dictates. God Bless her

TD Vincent, London, UK

I'm with Bob in San Diego, above. We trade you George II for Australia's Elizabeth II. You get him for the rest of his term. Let us know if you want to make it permanent-NOT! No matter what we won’t take him back! We will consider sharing Elizabeth with you.

Tom, New York, New York

The Brits should respect the Australian's desire to forge their own way forward in respect of the fact we do not know their day to day problems and pressures or their future aspirations and issues.
If having the Queen as Head of State perturbs the majority - then change accordingly. Being part of the Commonwealth is a different matter. If it is beneficial and respectful to them - it would be good if they stayed as members.
Finally, we Brits should also remember to respect and give credit for Australian support in the World Wars.
There has always been friendly banter and leg-pulling especially where sport is involved - but I believe we must not be flippant or disrespectful about matters considered to be fundamental to their Nation.

Brian Butterly, Dorking, England

I hope CS is wrong about the way Aus is heading as I've just put my visa app in. I'm fed up with the way this country is going and although the grass is not necessarily greener on the other side (and with the regular droughts Aus seems to have it's probably browner!) I see Aus as such an exciting place to be and to live in with a chance to be yourself. Am I deluded then?

John Clarke, Bourne, UK

One last thing, Publicly saying sorry to the Aborigines will cost the Australian taxpayers huge amounts in compensation claims. Solicitors are already preparing class actions for the day when Rudd officially apologises.

Does he not realise what that will mean for the taxpayers?

Labour has a proven track record of spending money and putting Australia's economy into the red.

Donna, York, England

We should get a vote on the republic in England as well. Queen Elizabeth the last, if you please! It's time to join the 21st Century.

Dave, slough,

Well it is about time Australia embraced it's nationality and stopped being a subset of another country. The acceptance that even the greatest of Australians will always be subserviant to a foreign monarch is a hangover from a colonial inferiority complex. Throuhout history, it has been a central tenet of democracy that a person of the most meagre and humble beginnings can become the first citizen of their nation. This prospect now presents itself to Australia.

It appears to me that the greatest cause of reluctance to change is the image Australians have of powerful and often unpopular presidents as is often seen in the USA and France. I expect that an Australian Republic would follow the Irish/German models of having a directly elected President who is removed from the political arena, effectively an elected monarch. The proposal of having parliament select the president could never be popular, and it is no surprise that Australians have turned their noses up at this in the past

Neil, Ballina, Ireland

Why is it that Canada cannot have a person who is a Roman Catholic as Head of State of my country? The answer is simple, since the British Queen is by law the Head of State of Canada, and the British monarchy must adhere to the act of Settlement,1701; then Canda can never have a Roman Catholic as Canadian Head of State.If Britain wants to keep such an archaic institution, then go for it.According to an Oct. 2007 Angus Reid Poll, 53% of Canadians want a republic now; 35% want to keep the monarchy, and 12% are not sure. However, if Charles comes into the question it gets much worst. Show us the way , Australia!

Farrell, New Brunswick, Canada

A few observations:

1. The republic wasn't an issue because everyone knew the PM was against it. With a republican PM, it's on the agenda - but the priority is not yet decided.

2. There were three main camps in the 1999 referendum. Each was a minority - monarchists, direct election republicans and parliamentary selection republicans. The referendum was over the parliamentary selection model. Direct electionists and monarchists combined to vote it down. I'm a republican and I voted against it, since if the parliamentary selection model was adopted, the constitutional debate would close down for decades.

3. Since 1999, I've gone from being a direct election republican to saying "no president". A head of State is unnecessary. Forget the ribbon-cutting and let the Chief Justice swear in the PM.

4. The republic debate in Australia is strange. It's not a question of "growing up" as a country - it's about rejecting inherited privilege. I'd be a republican if I lived in Britain.

Greg, Melbourne, Australia

The Australians should replace the Queen with Dame Edna.

Tim, Auckland, New Zealand

Blimey, I wish I was an Aussie, and not some whinging Pom living in the cess pit that is France...

Wait a minute, that must have been a nasty dream, what was all the fuss about ?

Nothing really, just a simple idea that the Head of State of Australia, should be an Australian. What's so difficult to swallow about that ?

Makes sense to me. At least you wouldn't have a German Queen as Head of State with her Greek German husband, but then you could move to this beautiful country of fine wines and cheeses and have a Half-Hungarian for President.

Nothing to do with republicanism, just makes sense, either way we'll still beat you at rugby...

Lots of love - a Republican Briton,
ps.... mine's a pint...

Republican Briton, Evian, France

The Republican/monarchy issue was not, to my knowledge, raised once during the election campaign by either side of politics, and is not a major subject of discussion here is Australia at the moment. The issue of a referendum on this topic has not been raised in any Australian newspaper or news-site that I know of, and The Times seems to be just grabbing at an off-the-cuff comment from Mr Rudd (if he actually said it at all) and trying to build it into a major story.

I believe that one day the Australian people will vote to replace the Monarchy with an Australian head-of-state (perhaps while staying within the Commonwealth), but it is not a pressing issue and not one which anybody I know is losing sleep over.

Roland, Perth, Australia

G'day from Down Under.... I agree with the guy who said that we should hold a referendum after The Queens death. If asked if we should become a republic 45% say yes. I think there is a great deal of respect for The Queen herself, however, as very worthy and excellent a King and Queen the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will make (and beleive me Im not making a dumb anti Camilla joke - I think she's doing a great job) - I don't think the younger members of the Royal Family have the same meaning to most Australian's that HM does.

Ben, Adelaide, South Australia

I think it is time that Australia became a republic. Who cares?! This issue only serves to bring out the worst narrow minded sniping from childish readerships in the UK and Australia. There is already enough rude and unecessary bile spilt bertween our two countries when it comes to sport. Come on everyone, grow up! We have too much in common to keep on stirring up petty and unpleasant stereotypes.

Miles (British), London, UK

The most sensible decision Australia could make is to hold the referendum on the death of the Queen. She has done a wonderful job since she acceeded to the Crown. But her likely successor is nowhere near the same calibre and should be discarded.

David, Poole,

I'm with Earl Washington of Hong Kong - the Queen should simply get out of the business of being a pretender to an empire that is now gone.

Roger, Brisbane, Australia

It's a pretty silly argument. If the queen had power, then sure.. she should be elected and australian. But since it is a ceremonial role.. why not leave things as they are? You'll lose an important historic link to the culture, institutions, and values of the UK and europe, and gain what, exactly? A powerless elected official with no international influence and would probably be the wealthiest party donor.

Dave P, Hackettstown, USA

Australia's future should be decided by her people, Democratically, as should our's, and every other nation's on Earth.

Clive Burghard, LANCING, ENGLAND

I say keep the Queen but I'm less certain about the Australians.

Rob, Phuket, Thailand

Best news to come out of Australia for years. New Zealand, England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Canada should do likewise. In fact there should be no need to hold any referendums if the Queen herself, an intelligent woman, simply stated "I'm resigning with effect from 1st Jan 2008 as this monarch business is stupid in the 21st century and you'll all have to put in place real constitutions to replace me. Goodbye and I thank you all" . Time to grow up into the 21st century and leave primitive tribalism like monarchy in the history books to rest in peace.

Earl Washington, Hong Kong,

I voted for a republic. i lived my first 30 years in Britain. Like most everyone i respect the Queen and have raised the occasional eyebrow at her family. Now i feel sorrow that Prince William will not have much of a life, mind you I doubt if he will ever experience poverty.either. Australians voted against a republic because all that was on offer was an extension of the present govenor general system. You get a succession of worthy hand shakers - judges and military men interspersed with embarrasments like Hollingsworth, I've come to think that the republican issue is trivial. It is more important that Australia has as many interlinkages with as many countrries as it can. So I have have changed my miind. i won't vote for a republic again. The symbolism means nothing to me.

By the way, Turnbull is a republican because he is incapable of living with the idea that anything more important than himself.

Geoffrey, Sydney,

the Queen is great !

Anderson, cambridge, england

Most Australians see the republic debate as a non-issue and not important because Australia is already 100% idependant from Britain, the Queen just a symbolic role.

john of victoria, melbourne, australia

Well, it's up to us too, and the English say no, she stays. If the Australians don't like it, it's war, and we'll win.

Tom, London,

Hi,
Australia; As a parent one very important thing to learn is let your children go.
Regards Dr. Terence Hale Zandvoort

Terence Hale, zandvoort, Holland

It may be worth taking an objective look at the status of the Republican vs Monarchist.Royalist movements in Australia.
The largest Republican movement currently has two part time staff and an office next to a used car yard in Canberra.
The largest Monarchist movement has 20 full time staff and dozens of aprt time volunteers, and offices in both central Canberra and Sydney.
the simple fact is in the minds of the vast majority of Australians the Republican isue is settled. The people voted and chose Monarchy. End of story. They do not want another referendum and the associated expense.
It should be noted that Rudd has stated that a referendum on the future of the Monarchy will not happen in his first term 'if at all'. The Times information is outdated by many weeks.

Lord Daniel, Ballarat,

I am one of the many Australians who are glad to see the back
of John Howard. We can now hold our heads up high again and do away with the constant cringeing many of us felt whenever he spoke on our behalf.
His forelock tugging to the Americans was a typical example, as was his refusal to offer a simple apology to the nation's indigenous people, because, he reasoned, he wasn't responsible so why apologise ?
He hijacked the last referendum on the Republican issue,and it's high time we Australians became a republic.
The idea of an Australian Prime Minister-elect have to pledge allegiance to the Queen when he is being sworn in, makes my flesh crawl
Just for the record, we all respect and admire the Queen, but those feelings do NOT extend to her children and least of all, her husband.

Mary Tovey, Melbourne; Victoria, Australia

Rudd's election focus has been on education, the economy, industrial relations, climate change and Kyoto, hospitals, broadband, and negotiating to withdraw some of the Australian troops in Iraq (though not in Afghanistan). He will also have to get these issues through the Senate and it is not yet clear who will control the Senate. The Australian Senate acts more like a powerful US Senate, rather than in the British system

The republic was not an issue during the election, A republic is long overdue in Australia, in my view, for many of the reasons already mentioned. The country has been functioning already as a 'crowned republic' with the Governor General operating independently as the Head of State

Also, the journalist has omitted to mention that there has already been a Prime Minister's apology to Aboriginal people, by Paul Keating in 1992, called the Redfern Speech. The apology referred to is a specific issue to do with the removal of children during the assimilation era

rosemary, sydney, australia

I think we should sell Australia to the Chinese asap. Must be the high in the market right now and looks like they could be trying to wriggle away.

Eddie (English), Sydney, Australia

The Republican debate hasn't been raised for years and as far as I know wasn't an issue in this election.

Your summary is correct along with the reference to the successful rigging of the result of the referendum.

I can't wait for a democratic solution ie an El Presidente elected directly by the people.

The English monarchy can be candidates if they want to apply along with any Australian. They won't get in but it maintains dignity and our common heritage.

Arthur, Canberra, AU

Its a shame our only political choices these days are between radicals on either side - Radical environmentalists, or radical fascists.

Whatever happened to centrist politics?

Ryan Lavelle, London, UK

Australia has elected 'The Manchurian Candidate'?
How stupidly naive Australians are!

prudence eely bond mcguire, London, UK

the republicans will insist on holding their referendums until they have the result they desire.
if the result goes the republican way will the monarchists have the right to referendums until they have the result they desire?

james morrell, doncaster, united kingdom

Whether Australia chooses to replace The Queen or not, the issue is an irrelevance in the UK...constitutional reform in Australia is simply of no interest to the British.
Jamie, London, UK

Having lived in the UK for 9 years now, I can safely say that outside of current affairs in Ramsay St, absolutely nothing of Australia is of interest to the British. I have relied on Australian websites to hear of any news whatsoever regarding one of "mother England's" most well known colonies. Which, coupled with the fact that non-English tied nations (for example but not exclusively eastern Europeans) can come and go as they please but Aussies are generally tied to the 2 year visa and vice versa gives cause to wonder why we should remain in the Commonwealth? It's certainly of no benefit to every day Australians or British folk wishing to experience life in each other's countries. I fail to see why Britain favours nations with no historical ties over her fledgling countries.

Flik Knowles, Melbourne/Edinburgh,

I believe Australia will be more comfortable as a republic with close ties to the west. America was once a colony of Britain but so was about a third of the world. Most of these countries gained independance and moved on to a democratic lifestyle, I believe Australia is proud of its past, and most British people in turn proud of its involvement in the building of such a respected nation. History has shown that empires were built and lost by many great nations, Greece, Egypt, Rome, and Britain. All left many good practises and traditions that survive today. There have of course been tyrants who left only destruction, we need unity of nations to make the world a safer and happier place.

al green, maroochydore , queensland aus. expat. l.pool. u.k

Doesn't the Queen actually own Australia? - i reckon theres going to be a lot of homeless aussies soon 8)

Bob, Leicester,

It always amazes me that the uneducated republican swill who proposes to remove the monarch from the Australian constitution do so with personal vindictiveness towards the Queen. Australians hold the Queen in high personal respect & regard and a personal attack on the Queen will set the reublican cause further back then they realize for it shows an enormous lack of maturity. If Australians do decide to make changes it may be that we don't necessarily want to call ourselves a "republic" or call the holder of the top job in the land "President". And at this point in time those who hold a secret desire to be "President" are not exactly popular & are mainly worn out tired & tried former politcians who barely make it into the history books. God help us if we go down the U.S.A. way.
For people like Alex in Cardiff please remember; the Russian people thought that by murdering their royal family they would have the luxury to choose the their own president ....they're still waiting!

Cary R Scotton, Gladstone, Qld, Australia

It would appear time for the "Windsor's - Glucksbergs" started preparing their House Information packs.

alan maddox, wirral, ENGLAND

Brits, you really should take yourselves less seriously. The Republic is NOT an issue in Australia. We are neither synophantic to the monarchy, nor Bolshie over the issue. We are not vexed by some kind of love/hate relationship with you lot. We just have more important things to worry about than rewriting our constitutional arrangements.

I also find it strange to hear from The Times (and not from any Australian media source) that Rudd is going to announce a plebicite on the issue. Considering that Rudd hasn't even named his Cabinet so far, somebody is jumping the gun here....

PS: Join the Euro!

Mardy, Canberra,

"this will only happen when we can show the world that we believe in ourselves sufficiently enough to select our own Head of State"
Don Blake

What was the 1999 referendum then? By voting to retain the monarchy, Australians DID select their own head of state. Do you think the Australian public should keep being given referendums until they give the "correct" answer?

Simon Green, Sydney,

The comments from Brittons in this thread are typical: Bunch of bitter old crones!

Coco , London,

ditching the monarchy is imperative to australia becoming a self-determining nation. our image has been tarnished lately by sticking too close to our 'buddies' the US & UK. i'm not suggesting that becoming a republic would have prevented our involvement in the invasions of Afghanistan & Iraq - with a conservative PM that would have happened either way - but i think it is an important psychological step for australian citizens, and those we elect to lead us, to realise that our future is very securely in our own hands. losing the monarchy is a symbolic gesture, nothing more. all of our cultural ties will, and should, remain exactly as they are.

then you have New Zealand, which under Helen Clark has become such a progressive nation, all while REMAINING a constitutional monarchy. they have realised that's it's possible to defy with-us-or-against-us bullies like Bush without the sky falling in, Australia hasn't. maybe the switch to a republic will be our katalyst.

Tony, Sydney, Australia

Here we go again... *yawn*. For some stupid reason of symbolism, a lot of Aussies want a republic. Kevin Rudd is just casually responding to that sentiment, saying OK , stop your bloody whingeing, I'll give you another referendum, at the next election, but there's no hurry, obviously has far more important things on his mind. AND RIGHTLY SO!

I'm one of the "I don't care" about the monarchy, group it doesn't affect Australia in day-to-day lives or in political life. BUT with compulsory voting in two levels of govt already, (three if you count the Senate), I really dont want to go back to vote for yet ANOTHER politician, unless there is a damn good reason for it! Can republicans give me one good logical sensible reason why its necessary?

what does the Governor-General do? Opens museums, plants a tree or two, makes noble speeches on special occcasions etc... and stupid Republicans want to vote for a President to do the same thing. Idiots.

Rain, NSW, Australia

On reading the responses to this article, I'm disappointed to discover that the only British comments are typically juvenile and bitter. Unfortunately, this sort of attitude still lingers in the minds of Old Etonians and our tabloid editors who actually think that the British Empire still exists and what's more, that it's something to be proud of. It strikes me that a country like Australia seems so reluctant in making the final step towards completing its transformation from an old 'Convict Colony' to a leading, modern nation.
Only through ridding itself of this archaic tradition will Australia be able to shake away its old image and embrace a new one that's finally represented by its own people.
As a British citizen, I would relish the opportunity to democratically elect a head of state - a 'luxury' that will probably never be granted to me in my lifetime, and I am only 20 years old.
I sincerely hope then that Australia can see past all the nonsense of Old and vote accordingly.

Alex, Cardiff, Wales, UK

Australians whine about everything. Giving them another reason to whine would not solve the problem. It lies within the dark under-belly of their cultrue: one side is a disrespect of authority, the other a hatred of it.
Who would possibly want to be at the apex of such organic malcontent?
As for the subscribers who talk about anachronism in the 21st Century, does that go for the Pope too? I understand Australia is hosting a papal circus next year costing millions of dollars. Shouldn't the money go into stopping children dying form twisted bowels; Aboriginals dying from snifing petrol or just a workable rugby front row? Why waste it on buying indulgences or weeping Mary dolls?

Railip Pajaara, Mumbai [but a Dr in Qnslnd], IND

The Queen is not Australian, I dont identify with her, she doesnt live here, she doesnt pay taxes here, she doesn't vote in our elections, she doesn't participate or contribute in any way to our lives and country. I wouldnt even think about fighting in defence of her, as she wouldnt for me! Good riddance to old rubbish

Tony, Brisbane, Australia

Does anyone actually care about what happens in this remote and irrelevant little country aside from its own declining population?

Ed, London, UK

Long live the Queen (and King Charles)!

Better a useless, uninterested monarch, than a meddling, corrupted President...

Jonathan, Brisbane,

I admire HRH enormously for all she does.If Ausland gives her the "royal order of the boot"I'm sure she will be sad(as a staunch"Commonwealther" 0 but privately breathe a sigh of relief that that will be one less long,arduous flight to take and she can enjoy more time doing what she wants in her 80s.(The Aussies will realise what they've lost if they sever ties.)

H.D., WsM, UK

I sure don't want Charles as Head of State!

Jennifer, melbourne, australia

No -one is actually talking about the republican issue here in Australia at the moment, so your emphasis on it is most peculiar. There are far more pressing concerns and the republic is well down the list.

Patricia, Sydney.

Patricia Forsythe, Sydney, Australia

Off with her head!

Jay Patel, Sydney, Australia

Whether Australia chooses to replace The Queen or not, the issue is an irrelevance in the UK. While there may be worthy arguments on both sides, the potential for constitutional reform in Australia is simply of no interest to the British.

Jamie, London, UK

Even among republicans in Australia the Queen is held in high regard for her integrity and dedication. Sure, the monarchy is a bit of an anachronism in the 21st century, but so what? A little bit of tradition does no-one any harm. At the last referendum I voted for the retention of the monarchy, and at the mext one I will do the same again. At the same time, I expect that Oz will eventually become a republic, perhaps this time perhaps at some time in the future, but when it happens I will continue to pay my taxes, swear at the government (whichever one), take the dogs for a walk and notice in passing that Australian warships are no longer HMAS. On a more serious note, how will the president be appointed and what will his powers be (Note: the masculine gender politically incorrectly includes the feminine gender). The Queen is above politics (and knows a lot of the ins and outs): we do NOT want the American-style presidency here: I speak as someone who is pro-American but not blindly so.

Gerry Watts, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Yes of course this is such a MASSIVE priority for Australians Mr Rudd. I mean why bother about the future of our economy, our interest rates, our housing market, our education and health system and our transport needs when such pressing matters as this exist.

Seriously, this is what I lie awake at night worrying about - along with the Kyoto treaty. I can't wait for the massive tax hikes and curtails to our personal liberties and freedoms.....I mean we need to be put in our place right? Maybe we will only be allowed to vote for a republic before the curfew?

Brackie, melbourne,

God bless her and all who sail in her

chippy, sydney, Australia

I think it's a dificult question for Austrilia, as we know that the change of caracter of one country is not so easy, it calls a lot of work to do and the government needs to surpass many problems during the process to its goal. Anyway, the most important thing is whether the government can acctually do something good to the country and prople or not.

Rachel, Shanghai, China

The Queen, as head of Australia, is such a charming, romantic and harmless anachronism. So, why not continue with this fairy tale?

wyvill scharenguivel, Colombo, sri lanka.

I think it's a difficult question for Austrilia, as we all know that the change of the caracter of one country costs a lot , and the gorvenment needs to surpass series of obstacles to reach its goal, but maybe it will never achieve it, and nobody can be sure that the change is good. Anyway, the most important thing is whether the gorvenment can acctually so somthing good to the country and the people.

Rachel, Shanghai, China

Who cares about the Republic debate? We've already put this to bed when we had a referendum on it. Rudd has already proved himself to be a liar. He never mentioned this once during the campaign. This already goes to show what a marshmallow politician this bloke is. Day 1, and he's already running around distracting everyone, including himself, with rubbish that will not make one iota of difference to the realities of life in Australia.
God help us all. We're about to get whacked by an international credit crunch, and we're already trying to deal wiht a once in a thousand year drought, and this bloke is running around talking about the colours of the flag and whether the Queen is cool or not?!?!?!?!?!?

Travis of Brisbane, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.

The republic argument didn't rate a mention during the election: it was a total denial by the Howard Government of climate change and unfair and draconian 'Work Choices' Industrial Regulations legislation which swayed the election.

Rod, Sydney, Australia

Monarchies of any description have been innately irrelevant since the 20th century. With the new royalty, Capitalist millionaires and billionaires who needs Kings and Queens? There is now the first trillionaire corporation (in China) followed soon no doubt by the first official trillionaire individual. With such hoarders of wealth added to the monetary demands of sustaining Monarchs, how can the world continue to sustain their insatiable amassing of the world's wealth without the gap between their imperial lifestyles and the condition of the poor worsening?

David, Passaic, USA

It's completely irrelevant what our politicians think in regards to this issue. If it were to happen it will occur via referendum. Australia has voted before and in the negative, and whilst a staunch republican such as Mac will try and explain it away by convincing themselves Australian's were too stupid to understand what they were voting for, the truth of the matter is, they just don't care.

Chris, Penrith, NSW Australia

I'm a fifth generation Australian from English stock. I'm very grateful for the British institutions that we've had the immense good fortune to inherit. And I have absolutely nothing against the Queen.

But it is an anachronism for her to represent us. Notice that at international trade fairs she promotes the U.K. and not Australia (and why shouldn't she).

I'm confident that when the time comes we will move to an Australian head of state but will still hold our British friends and institutions in the highest esteem.

Barry, Melbourne, AU

Barry Turner, Melbourne, Australia / Victoria

Well, unlike 'CS' from Sydney the mood at my workplace is jubilant!

John Howard was a divisive, small minded conservative who lacked compassion, vision or intellectual drive. He was mired in a 1950s world view that saw him completely fail for 11 years on issues such as indigenous reconciliation, education, state relations and the environment.

He was a lap dog to the Bush family which has tainted our international relations. And never let it be forgotten he projected the charisma of a wet paper bag.

It's time for us to all look forward to what we can be in this country instead of obsessing about what we have been.

Ernie Biscan, Melbourne,

Just maybe, Australia will now come to terms with its location and start to understand our place in the world. We have a new Prime Minister who can communicate with the regions leaders in a language, and on a level, they can understand. Possibly for the first time in over 200 years we will be able to throw off the shackles of our Convict Colony past, stop thinking of ourselves as dislocated "Poms" and really embrace the multitude of opportunities available to us in this region. But, this will only happen when we can show the world that we believe in ourselves sufficiently enough to select our own Head of State, and not mindlessly cling to some other country's class-ridden,outmoded model. I see Australia becoming a republic as one of the most important decisions we need to make in defining our place in the 21st century world. I do not know in which circle CS of Sydney mixes, but I can assure you that where I live, there is an air of excitement, a new mood of optimism, a great hope that new leadership and new vision will bring equity and reasonableness, sadly lacking for the last 11 years, back to a country that has always prided itself on a "Fair go for all''. Don Blake. NSW. Australia

Don Blake, Federal, AUSTRALIA

Who cares if the Aussie wish to boot the Queen into touch,we got enough of out issues to worry about and the Australians are way down on the list.If it means less Aussie barstaff i'm all for it,see ya,don't want to be ya.

Simon, Brighton, UK

Malcolm Turnbull is rich but he is not Australia's richest. That's James Packer. The main question on whether the Queen remains Head depends on how we would elect a President. A president elected by the people or a Head selected by Parliament. We wouldn't trust Parliament an inch. It also depends on how long the Queen remains in Office. if I was Charles I would be spending some time down under mending some fences.

Michael, Sydney,

I can assure you that John Howard wasn't the last Monarchist who held office in Australia. Malcolm Turnbull hasn't been elected yet and the richest man in the Australian Parliament who would certainly love to buy his way into an Australian presidential palace is not the only contender. Monarchist Tony Abbott announced he would stand for the leadership of the Liberal Party. And the Monarchist Brendan Nelson, Defence Minister in the outgoing government, is also expected to challenge Turnbull.
It will be to the people of Australia to decide if they want the Monarchy or a republic. And I guarantee you, we Monarchists will fight for Queen & Country.

Harold, Melbourne, Australia

I am a Canadian who favours the Queen and the Governor General she appoints as head of state. Neither is political or controversial or biased in any way. Therefore, she is nearly always looked upon with respect. Unlike some US presidents, she has never brought any shame on the State. The Queen seems to influence stability, moderation, civility in government and its institutions. There is a motto, Duty, Honour, Country, of which this Queen provides the best example. If Australia votes to become a Republic, I hope the plebiscite states the change will be effective after the queen dies.

Colin Turner, Vancouver, Canada

Well I don't know which part of Sydney
CS inhabits, but its very different to mine! The view here is one of optimisim and exhuberance for the first time in a long time. At last the shackles have been removed and Australia can join the rest of the civilised world and ratify Kyoto.

Andrew P, Sydney, NSW

Hey CS From Sydney, Pick your bottom lip up before we all trip over it.

It's been one full day since the election and you've already thrown your arms up in the air. With attitudes like that the ship has already sunk before it even set sail.

I too am sad to see JH go, but I'll choose not to let negative input from people like you get in the way of my family life and business success under Rudds leadership.

Really, stop acting like a 3 year old that can't get his own way. This country doesn't need attitudes like that.

RW, SunshineCoast, Qld

Graham

Most of the Australians who passionately desire the move to a Republic do not wish to deny our British history and in fact are appreciative of the institutions that our history has given us. We want a republic as it is the final part of the 200+ year process to move to being a fully independent nation. As you can imagine, it is hard to explain to anyone why the head of state of another country is still nominally our head of state. The Queen is not a threat to us, simply an irrelevance in the 21st Century.
As for the Americans, yes we do put significant weight on our long-standing alliance with them. WW2 taught us that we couldn't rely on the British and hence we turned to the US. As a country of 21m, it makes sense to have strong allies. My impression is that British Governments have adopted a very similar policy.

andrew ramsay, Sydney, Australia

I would like to point out that Mr Rudd is far from a fluent Mandarin speaker, his Mandarin is average at best and this constant mis-use of the fact is purely a campaign hook to try and prove that he is intelligent.

Sadly, this wonderful country is likely to go to the dogs under Rudd, economic mismanagement, strikes and recession are likely to follow. The mood today at work is sombre to say the least, there is a certainty among many australians that the days of making money are over. Joy.

CS, Sydney, Australia

Australia has benefitted from a stable system of government under the Queen. I think Aussies truly need to come up with some good answers as to why they would do better under a president. Certainly many of the Commonwealth countries which ditched the Queen in favour of a president have suffered as a result of turning the role of head of state into a politicised figure.

The monarchy also serves as a common bond and sign of shared heritage with many other countries. Hopefully this may spur the British to re-examine their rules for immigration. As the ex-colonies and dominions move on why is the UK still offering ancestry visas and work opportunities which are not reciprocated?

C Bird, Seoul, South Korea

It was not merely that the only option for choosing a non-executive president that was offered was by the federal parliament rather than by popular vote. It was that it was not at all clear to the electorate that the word "president" did not mean an executive head of state. Australians are not especially more sophisticated in matters of constitutional niceties than other people and the word "president" naturally suggests the White House, not the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi or Phoenix Park in Dublin: the idea of Australia's version of President Bush being chosen other than by popular vote was perplexing. A more carefully explained case for abolishing the monarchy (a better term in the circumstances than the misleading "becoming a republic") would doubtless result in a firm yes vote, particularly once the present Queen is no longer the monarch.

Mac Robb, Brisbane, QLD

At long last Australia would become a real country with real people to lead the way. l am against the monachy, l think in today's society, there is no place for such nonsense as royal families. We are all equal in God's eyes because God is a fair God. Having said that l think John Howard has been a very successful prime minister for the past decade but change is always good especially when it involves the environment. Peter Costello has also done a marvellous job in handling the economy - Australia is what it is today because of these leaders. Australia used to be a "strike country", lets hope it does not go back to that dark days of Paul Keating and the likes of him. Beware Anna Bligh, you cant shift the blame now to Canberra for the failures of the health system!!!

Mia, Brisbane, Australia

I am sure getting rid of Old Lizzie will not change much. The Aussies will rely on the US Pacific Fleet as its guarantee of independance and trade routes. The indigenous people will not get their country back. The Aussies will have the best of both worlds. Bunch of hypocrites if you ask me. At least Howard recognised his past and where he came from. The Queen was never a threat to them. With the exception of the oldies that built the Country, let the rest toast on the beach.

graham, Glasgow, United kINGDOM

Australian republicanism is like Scottish independence. If it happens, it can happen only once, but if it does not happen, then we will all have to listen to them whining to the end of time.

jon livesey, Sunnyvale, CA/US

Hows about Australia trade their Queen for our Republican President ?
Please! I'm begging!

Bob, San Diego, USA / California

Australians do NOT need bosses especially from overseas.
Farewell to the queen of england.
Get a real job like all of us.

Chap, Sydney, AU

We here in the U.S. sure envy you Australians. How lucky you are to live in a country which cherishes its democracy and allows it to work the way it's supposed to.

stanley her sh, new york city,

Keep the Queen!

Kazza, Melbourne, Australia