Is the British Monarchy Still Relevant in Australia?

The British monarchy has a long and complex history with Australia. As a former British colony, Australia has been closely tied to the British monarchy for centuries, with the monarch serving as the head of state. In recent years, there has been growing debate about whether the monarchy is still relevant in Australia’s economy and society, with many calling for Australia to become a republic.

In this article, we will explore:

• The coronation of King Charles III
• The relevance of the British monarchy in Australia
• Australia as a Republic
• Changes to the Australian dollar design
  
  

The coronation of King Charles III

In September 2022, Prince Charles was named King Charles III, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. His ascendancy was a significant event not only for the British monarchy but also for Australia, which has historically had close ties to the Royal Family.

While the coronation on 6 May 2023 was a momentous occasion for the British people, it did not receive the same level of attention in Australia. Australian media before and after the coronation had mixed results. In fact, national broadcaster ABC is already receiving much heat from the Australian Monarchist League over its allegedly biased coverage of the event – and the network’s ombudsman is moving to investigate.

The relevance of the British monarchy in Australia

The British monarchy’s relevance in Australia has been a topic of debate for many years, with some arguing that it is an important part of Australia’s history and culture, while others see it as an institution that no longer has any relevance.

Economy

One argument in favour of the British monarchy is that it has economic benefits for Australia. For example, the monarchy is a significant tourist attraction, and many tourists come to Australia to see historic sites and attractions associated with the monarchy. Additionally, the monarchy is a significant buyer of Australian goods and services, including food, wine, and fashion.

However, critics of the monarchy argue that these economic benefits are overstated and that Australia could still attract tourists and export goods and services without the monarchy’s involvement.

Politics

Another argument in favour of the British monarchy is that it provides political stability and continuity in Australia. As the head of state, the monarch serves as a unifying figure, representing all Australians, regardless of political affiliation.

However, critics of the monarchy argue that this argument is outdated and that Australia’s political stability and continuity are no longer dependent on the British monarchy.

Culture

Proponents of the British monarchy argue that it is an essential part of Australia’s cultural heritage and identity, and that removing it would erase an important part of Australia’s history.

However, opponents argue that Australia’s culture and identity are constantly evolving, and that the monarchy no longer has any meaningful cultural relevance.

Australia as a Republic

While the idea of Australia becoming a republic has been brought up since the pre-Federation era, it is mostly during the past 50 years that it has built up more steam, especially during the 1999 referendum. Some Australians argued that it is time for Australia to cut ties with the British monarchy and become a fully independent nation. Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard even claimed that new discussions should be held after Queen Elizabeth II’s reign ended – but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is not yet keen on setting up a new referendum so soon after the Queen’s passing and Charles’ assumption to the throne. 

Economic benefits

One argument in favour of Australia becoming a republic is that it would have economic benefits. For example, it would allow Australia to establish closer ties with other nations, including those in the Asia-Pacific region, which are becoming increasingly important to Australia’s economy.

Additionally, becoming a republic would allow Australia to develop its own unique brand and image, which could be a significant selling point for Australian goods and services.

Political benefits

Another argument in favour of an Australian republic is that it would provide a more democratic and representative system of government. As a republic, Australia would be able to elect its own head of state, rather than relying on the British monarchy. This would allow Australians to have a more direct say in their own affairs and would provide greater transparency and accountability in government.

Cultural benefits

Advocates of becoming a republic argue that it would provide a better reflection of Australia’s diverse and multicultural society. Australia has a unique history and culture that is distinct from the British monarchy, and becoming a republic would allow Australia to fully embrace and celebrate its own identity.

Changes to the Australian dollar design

One visible sign of the British monarchy’s influence in Australia is the design of the Australian dollar, which features images of the British monarch. However, in recent years, there has been growing pressure to change the design of the Australian dollar to reflect Australia’s identity as an independent nation.

The design debate

The debate over the design of the Australian dollar has been ongoing for many years, with some arguing that it is time for Australia to move away from the British monarchy and establish its own identity.  

One such move was the 2017 implementation of the 50-cent coin honouring Eddie Mabo and his role in the 1967 referendum on First Nations rights. His granddaughter Boneta-Marie joined with the Royal Australian Mint to design the coin. 

With Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, the RBA is already revising the $5 bill to carry images of First Nations culture instead of her likeness, although new coins will carry King Charles’ image. The $5 bill is the last Australian dollar note to carry any royal likeness, as the other notes already have First Nations imagery in their designs

The future of the Australian dollar

While there is no clear consensus on the future of the Australian dollar design, it is clear that the debate over the British monarchy’s relevance in Australia is far from over.

The British monarchy has a long and complex history with Australia, and its relevance in today’s society is a topic of much debate. While the monarchy provides economic benefits and a sense of political stability and continuity, many argue that it is an outdated institution that no longer has any meaningful cultural relevance.

Advocates of becoming a republic argue that it would provide economic, political, and cultural benefits, allowing Australia to fully embrace and celebrate its own unique identity.

Regardless of one’s opinion on the matter, it is clear that the debate over the British monarchy’s relevance in Australia will continue for many years to come, and the future of the Australian dollar design is just one example of the ongoing conversation.

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DISCLAIMER  This article is for informational purposes only and is the opinion of the author. UBOMI has no relationships with any company mentioned in the article.