Conservatism in Australia - Republicanism

Republicanism

Whether Australia should remain a monarchy or become a republic was a contentious issue in the 1990s; it is presently not seen as a priority under the current government. In 1998 when debate peaked, Howard took the monarchist position favoured by most conservatives. Howard argued that the monarchy had provided a long period of stability and whilst he said there was no question that Australia was a fully independent nation, he believed that the "separation of the ceremonial and executive functions of government" and the presence of a neutral "defender of constitutional integrity" was an advantage in government and that no republican model would be as effective in providing such an outcome as the Australian constitutional monarchy. Despite opinion polls suggesting Australians favoured a republic, a 1999 referendum rejected the model chosen by the convention. Conservatives generally support keeping the current flag (with its British insignia), oppose multiculturalism, are reluctant to apologize for the treatment of aboriginals, are dubious about postmodernism, and are proud of the nation's British heritage.