Does each state need to abolish its governor in order for Australia to become a republic?
The short answer to this thoughtful question is 'no' but it raises some very interesting possibilities!
Australia is a federation of states governed according to the Australian Constitution. The Constitution provides states certain responsibilities and powers to deal with state matters. Each state has its own constitution, parliament and laws to govern within the state.
Every Australian state is also a constitutional monarchy with a governor who is the King's representative in that state. Unless a state changes its own constitution to become a republic, the existing arrangements remain in place in that state.
The issue then of state republics is distinct to that of the Commonwealth of Australia becoming a republic. Section 128 of the Australian Constitution allows for a direct vote of eligible Australians to change the Constitution and potentially replace the King and Governor-General with, for example, a president.
Should the Australian people vote in a referendum to make this change, it is possible – though unlikely – that Australia would become a republic, while the states and territories remain constitutional monarchies! Each state would ultimately need to decide if it also wanted to become a republic or retain its governor as the King's representative.
Australia's Constitution front cover
Parliamentary Education Office
Australia's Constitution front cover
Parliamentary Education Office
Description
Front cover of the pocket edition of Australia's Constitution. The cover features a map of Australia made up of icons that represent different areas that the Australian Parliament can make laws about under section 51 of the Constitution. These include communication, lighthouses, defence, finance, and other national matters.
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