King Charles’ Coronation Anniversary: Australia An Afterthought

The Australian Republic Movement has acknowledged the first anniversary of King Charles’ Coronation, noting Australia continues to be just an afterthought for our King.

National Director and CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “The King has announced the results of a review of his Royal Patronages in the UK to coincide with the first anniversary of his coronation. While a much smaller number of organisations with Royal Charters or the word Royal in their titles here in Australia continue to wait on an unknown timeline to see if their patronages will be renewed.

“This is just the latest example of the King of Australia, showing he is in fact King of the United Kingdom first and foremost. Australia is an afterthought and doesn’t share an equal place in the world or even in the mind of our King.

“While the King and his family’s patronages and charitable work is commendable, it’s obvious that the vast majority of their time and attention is focused on the United Kingdom and not on Australia – yet we still call him King of Australia.

“If Australia wants a Head of State who is solely focused on Australia and supports Australian charities, we need an Aussie to do it. We need someone willing to turn up and put in the time and effort for local causes and local groups. We need someone who makes us an equal on the world stage, not just some poor second cousin on the other side of the world.

“An Australian Head of State can immediately takeover the current patronages and start adding more to promote Australian charities and interests. And, they can do it full-time and be fully committed to Australia and Aussies. They can take Australia to the world and market our businesses, trade and tourism – something our King and Governor-General can’t or won’t do.

“No one is denying the King’s charitable commitments. We just need someone here who can do the same thing for us. We need a local, not a man 17,000 kilometres away whose attention is clearly on his own country.

“As a republic, we’ll still be friends and sporting rivals with the Brits, and our economic and defence alliances will remain. We’ll even stay in the Commonwealth. An Australian republic isn’t about Charles or his family, it’s simply about Australia and our place in the world. It’s about celebrating and promoting all things Australia, including our charities and institutions which do such incredible work.

“This is the moment for Australia to experience the positive benefits of an Australian republic, including boosting support for our local charities. This is the moment for us to come out of the shadow of the British King to meet him as an equal on the world stage. This is the moment for an Australian republic.”