Republic back on the agenda

Australians may prefer William to his father as their next king, but it may be moot whether the young prince will ever rule the country.

A Newspoll for Britain's ITV News found that 58 per cent of Australians thought he should inherit the throne, rather than Prince Charles.

But they were closely divided on the future of the British monarch as Australian head of state, an issue that may be put to a referendum for the second time if Labor wins another term in this year's election.

The poll found 45 per cent supported the monarchy and 43 opposed it.

In 1999 a referendum called by former conservative Prime Minister John Howard voted against a republic by a 54.8 per cent to 45.1 per cent, although the republican camp was split by disagreement over the way a new head of state should be decided.

As Prince William continued his visit yesterday, the Government indicated the fate of the monarchy in Australia remains in doubt.

Labor policy commits the Government to a republic with an Australian head of state, and to wide community debate ahead of a series of plebiscites to determine support for change.

When that was established, Labor would hold a new referendum.

A change to a republic would require a majority vote in each of the states, as well as a national majority.

The Government has said it remains committed to a referendum, and Attorney-General Robert McClelland said a republic was among a series of questions on constitutional change under consideration.

McClelland told the Australian Financial Review said that four key questions were being considered by his officers and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

As well as a republic, these included constitutional recognition of indigenous Australians, the role of local government and federal-state relations.

"The timing of those things is there will be nothing this electoral term, but ... I certainly wouldn't dismiss the prospect of further examination or a potential referendum question in the next term," he said.