The Albanese government says it plans to devote taxpayer resources to convince the country to become a republic in the coming years, as staunch monarchists claim the starting gun for a second referendum has been fired.
At a Sydney mansion on the Queen's Birthday long weekend, some of Her Majesty's most loyal Australian subjects criticised what they called the republican "elites".Some monarchists claim the starting gun for a second Australian republic referendum has been firedBoth monarchists and republicans are trying to win over young Australians
In preparation for the possibility of a campaign, high-profile conservative helpers have been called in to rally the faithful to the cause.Former prime minister Tony Abbott, a man whose political downfall was sparked in part by awarding Prince Philip a knighthood on Australia Day in 2015, attended the event.
"I regard myself as the shadow cabinet minister for the constitution," he announced, to loud applause.Some monarchists believe their cause could be most vulnerable in the years after Prince Charles becomes king. Monarchists claim the federal government wants to steadily lay much of the groundwork required for a second referendum before the Queen dies.