The bulk of Australia’s population wants the nation to remain under the Commonwealth, as new data shows support for the Monarchy has grown in the last 10 years.
In a poll conducted by Roy Morgan, 60 per cent of Australians are in support of remaining a Monarchy, up 5 per cent since the last poll on the matter in November 2012, while support for a Republic dropped 5 per cent to 40 per cent.
The independent researcher sent out 1,012 texts across the country on September 12 and asked: “In your opinion, should Australia remain a MONARCHY – or become a REPUBLIC with an elected President?”
While both genders and all ages support the Commonwealth, the results showed more women than men were in favour of Australia remaining.
“Analysis of the results by gender shows that nearly two-thirds of women (66 per cent) favour the Monarchy compared to only 34 per cent that favour a Republic with an elected President. However, the results for men are far evenly split with 54 per cent in favour of the Monarchy compared to 46 per cent that would prefer a Republic,” a statement by Roy Morgan said.
“A look at the results by age shows young Australians under 35 are the most evenly split – 52 per cent favour the Monarchy compared to 48 per cent that favour a Republic with an elected President.
“Support for the Monarchy is higher among older age groups with 58 per cent of people aged 35-49, 67 per cent of those aged 50-64 and 61 per cent of Australians aged 65+ in favour of remaining with the Monarchy.”
The increasing support comes after King Charles’ ascension to the throne following the death of his mother on September 8, Queen Elizabeth II.
Despite being a republic supporter himself, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has shut down “disgraceful” and “disrespectful” calls for Australia to leave the Monarchy following Her Majesty’s death.
Having appointed an Assistant Minister for the Republic, Matt Thistlethwaite, at the start of his term, Albanese told Sky News now is not the time for a discussion on the referendum.
The Prime Minister reiterated that now is a time for mourning and to show “deep respect and admiration” for the Queen’s service to the country.
“Her Majesty was the only reigning monarch to ever visit Australia and it was clear from her first trip that she had a special place in our hearts,” Albanese said in a statement.
“Over the coming weeks, Australia will continue to commemorate our late Queen.
“I encourage all Australians, wherever you may be, to take time to pause and reflect on Her Majesty’s extraordinary life of service.”