Overview

• Anthony Albanese told the ABC he will not hold a referendum on becoming a republic during his tenure and said he did not raise the issue in his meeting with King Charles at Balmoral.
• He said the government is concentrating on easing cost-of-living pressures and delivering practical reforms, a stance echoed by Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
• Labor’s platform backs working toward a republic, yet the government scrapped the assistant minister for the republic portfolio in July 2024.
• The Australian Republic Movement urged the government to set out a path to a future vote, while the Greens criticized the retreat from the issue.
• Analysts argue a referendum would likely fail without bipartisan support, noting the 2023 Voice defeat and recent polling that shows a majority favor retaining the monarchy.