JAKARTA - The plan to change the shape of Australia's country to a republic was once a fierce debate in 1999. Kangaroo Country had to make a referendum to replace Queen Elizabeth II as head of state with a president.
Apparently, 54.87 percent answered they did not agree. As a result, Australia remains a parliamentary democracy. The Prime Minister is the head of the Australian government. Working under the direction of the Governor-General appointed by Queen Elizabeth II on the advice of the elected government to represent her.
Now, after the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of Charles III as King of England, the discourse of realizing a republical government has re-emerged. However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who previously voiced support for the formation of the republic, confirmed that the discussion had not yet become a priority.
The current priority is to hold a referendum on the political rights of indigenous peoples, not to remove the king as head of state. I want Australians to concentrate on Voice to Parliament," Albanese said on September 15, 2022, as reported by Kompas.com.
The Labor Party government will not hold a referendum on the discourse during its first reign.
Now is not a time to talk about constitutional changes. What should be done now is to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's life and service," Albanese said.
Not only Australia, the issue of republic formation is also intensively in other British Commonwealth countries. New Zealand, for example, but Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern immediately dismissed him.
"I don't feel there is urgency. So many challenges we face. This is an important big debate. I don't think this is something that will or should happen in the near future," Ardern told the press, on September 12, 2022.
Ardern also did not deny that the issue of the formation of the republic continued to be heard even though it was just a conversation.
"I believe New Zealand will go there. I believe it will likely happen in my life, but I don't see it on the agenda any time soon," Ardern said.
Media information, the number of countries wishing to leave the UK Commonwealth continues to grow. Previously it was Grenada, Saint Kitts, and Nevis, the Bahamas, totaling, and Jamaican. Most recently, Antigua and Barbuda.
Shortly after Charles III was declared king of Britain, the countries announced they would carry out a referendum as a republic no later than three years.
However, according to an international political observer from the National University, Hendra Maujana, this is just an issue. The discourse of the Commonwealth state to become a republic has always existed since the era of Queen Elizabeth II still leads, but it is only about the system of government and the status of independence in a jure manner.
After all, in the end, they still joined as Commonwealth countries. However, they have their own president and recognize King Charles III only as chairman of the Commonwealth, not head of state. For example, India, Singapore, Malaysia, and several other countries.
In fact, there are countries that have become republics, again following the British monarchy. Such as Barbados, Zimbabwe, and several other countries.
Its name alone Commmonwealth, Commonwealth, provides a promise to prosper. Commonwealth countries certainly realize that the UK has a variety of qualified strengths, both in terms of diplomacy, intellectuals, and the military. This power will support to realize prosperity for its citizens," Hendra told VOI, Tuesday (20/9).
Hendra also believes that there will be no significant changes to the fate of Commonwealth countries later after the change in the structure of the monarchy leader in England. Despite the turmoil, King Charles III will definitely be able to overcome it.
King Charles has experience, has always served the queen while still alive. Charles has been subscribing to himself as king since he was 28 years old. Now 73 years old, meaning that he has applied as king and accepted his recent proposal. The sign is, he is ready or prepared to be king, he explained.
However, it's still not perfect. The incident of forgetting the date and the leaked pen ink is a separate note for Charles to change his attitude, no longer as a prince, but already as king.
"Not reckless, no longer doing a scandal that damages the kingdom's image because he has become the king of all Commonwealth countries. Royal counsel and those closest to him must make sure that Charles is already king," explained Hendra.
Instead, added Hendra, the biggest challenge will arise from within the kingdom. Perhaps, Charles will change the royal traditions, anyone funded by the state or anything else.
"This is going to be a serious debate between them," he said.
Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022, aged 96 at the Balmoral Palace, Scotland. When appointed as a substitute for the queen, King Charles III not only inherited the monarchy's power, but also the position of leader of the British Commonwealth.
Charles will become head of state for members of the Commonwealth Nature (Commonwealth Realms) as well as chairman of the Commonwealth for Commonwealth Countries (Commonwealth Nations).
Currently, there are 56 countries that are British Commonwealth countries, 15 of whom are members of the Commonwealth Nature, namely:
While the other 41 countries are countries that already have heads of state and recognize King Charles III only as Commonwealth Chair.
Launching from Britannica, the initial concept of Commonwealth is only the former British colony. Through the Wesminster Law in 1931, England softened and provided freedom for its colonized countries to be freeer and equal in controlling governance independently.
The concept of independence is getting stronger through the London Declaration in 1949.
British member countries unite and work together to develop the economy, social and human rights. Members of the Commonwealth nation also agreed that environmental issues and the impact of climate change are important to tackle together, is written in Britannica.
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