The Australian people recently defeated Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Voice to Parliament, and while most Australians are moving on, it’s important to consider the referendum in its true context. Many believe that it was nothing but a political stunt, aimed at prompting the Australian people to sign a blank check for constitutional reform through emotional manipulation. The true purpose of the referendum was not about improving the welfare of Aboriginal Australians, but rather, to create an Australian republic. In essence, it was a taxpayer-funded market research experiment to investigate tactics and strategies for a modern-day Australian referendum.
It appears that the prime minister’s heart was never fully invested in the Voice to Parliament, and he poorly articulated his arguments for it. This is evident from the fact that Matt Thistlethwaite continues to focus on “the Republic,” even though his role as Assistant Minister for the Republic was never backed up with substantial work, as evident from the findings of former Member of Parliament Nicolle Flint. Despite clear signs that the Australian people have no appetite for constitutional reform, the prime minister’s refusal to acquiesce indicates his government’s continued commitment to detrimental constitutional change.
There is an urgent need for conservative politicians to challenge the republican Albanese government in opposing the creation of a taxpayer-funded minister whose sole purpose is to abolish the constitutional monarchy and empower the political class. In the absence of explicit support from the Australian people, the continued focus on a republic referendum by the prime minister and his party despite clear opposition signifies an imminent threat, as it is not a question of if but when the referendum will be held.