Australia's prime minister today confirmed his commitment to removing the Queen as head of state and making his country a republic, but said it was not a major priority. Speaking ahead of meeting Queen Elizabeth II during an official visit to Britain, Kevin Rudd said he was "once a republican, always a republican" but was in no rush to call a referendum.Rudd said: "We have other fish to fry right now in terms of priorities back home. But once a republican, always a republican."
The Australian Labor leader is due to have an audience with the Queen at Windsor Castle later today. He said that the two countries had a "first-class" working relationship and believed the nations could be a "force for good" in the world. Australia last held a referendum on removing the Queen as its head of state in 1999.
| "Depart, I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go!” |