kaya'08
DP Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2008
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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 becoming a republic in a 1999 referendum, but the issue continues to be divisive.
Continue reading the main story
Australia Election
Ms Gillard's main opponent, Tony Abbott, is a staunch monarchist.
Up until now the question of an Australian republic has hardly featured in this election campaign.
BBC News - Australia's Gillard backs republic after Queen's death