Overview

• In an ABC interview, Anthony Albanese said he will not pursue a vote on replacing the monarch and confirmed he did not raise the issue during a Balmoral lunch with King Charles.
• The prime minister reiterated his personal support for an Australian head of state but said he respects existing decisions and Australia’s system of government.
• Treasurer Jim Chalmers said a republic referendum is not on Labor’s immediate agenda despite the party’s platform backing a republic, noting the government scrapped a republic portfolio in 2024.
• The Australian Republic Movement urged a roadmap to a vote and criticised the need to fly to Balmoral to see Australia’s head of state, while the Greens accused Labor of inaction.
• Political headwinds persist, with a 2024 Roy Morgan poll showing majority support for the monarchy and the 1999 republic referendum defeated 55% to 45%.