Australia's Gillard backs republic after Queen's death

[demoleft]

Source: bbc

Australia should become a republic when Queen Elizabeth II dies, Prime Minister Julia Gillard has said just days ahead of a general election.

Welsh-born Ms Gillard said the Queen's death would be an "appropriate point" for Australia to move away from having a British monarch as head of state.

Australians voted against beoming a republic in a 1999 referendum, but the issue continues to be divisive.
...
The BBC's Nick Bryant in Sydney says even in this strongly patriotic country it is not considered an urgent national priority and Julia Gillard has indicated it won't become one for her Labor government while the Queen is on the throne.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-10995425

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a good idea.

[dkf]

1. Yeesh I thought she died or something.

Okay this is totally rude and insensitive. Is it really necessary?

[dipsydoodle]

2. I doubt it could done without another referendum

and I also doubt that, overall, Aussies would agree.

[aquart]

3. What would be the advantage?