Australia debates republican future during royal visit
- Senator Lidia Thorpe publicly challenged King Charles III during his visit to Australia, questioning the monarchy's legitimacy.
- The visit coincided with ongoing discussions about Indigenous rights, following the failure of a referendum to establish an advisory body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's push for a republican model is currently diminished due to the recent political climate and challenges following the Indigenous referendum.
During the royal visit of Charles III and Camilla to Australia, there was notable dissent, led by independent senator Lidia Thorpe, who publicly challenged the legitimacy of the monarchy, stating, "This is not your land." This outburst highlights ongoing tensions surrounding Indigenous rights, particularly following the recent rejection of a proposed advisory body to parliament for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a supporter of republicanism, has seen his agenda stalled, as the defeat of the Indigenous voice referendum has led to reduced momentum for discussions about a possible shift away from the monarchy. Intriguingly, none of the state prime ministers attended the royal welcoming ceremony, signaling a potential disconnect between the monarchy and contemporary Australian political sentiment. The Australian public's changing demographics and the increasing distance from colonial history contribute to this evolving perspective on the monarchy's relevance, raising questions about its future in Australia.