Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will touch down in London for the Queen’s funeral as debate about the future of the monarchy in Australia continues.
Mr Albanese has said it is not the right time to address the matter and is not expected to entertain the proposal until a referendum has been held to enshrine an Indigenous voice in the constitution.
But former prime minister Julia Gillard said following a symbolic end of an era with the Queen’s death it was natural for Australians to reflect on the wider significance.
“I’ve always thought inevitably when the reign of Queen Elizabeth came to the end that people would reflect, but people will do that in a very measured and unhurried way,” she told BBC Radio on Thursday.
Ms Gillard, a self-described “lifelong republican”, said Australians could expect to have a discussion on constitutional change in the coming years but agreed now was not the time.
“The last time the nation considered becoming a republic that did not succeed largely because there was disputation about the model,” she said.
“There are things that need to be worked through and discussed and that can be done in a very measured way over time.”
Meanwhile, discussions are also underway about the future of the Queen’s image on the five-dollar note.
Protocol dictates a photo of King Charles III would feature, but former Liberal minister Christopher Pyne said he was in favour of a notable Australian woman replacing the late monarch.
“I can think of some fabulous Australian women who would make very worthy people to be on the five-dollar note … this is a good opportunity to celebrate a great Australian woman,” he told ABC News on Thursday.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the monarch should remain on Australia’s currency.
“If we’re a republic at some stage that’s a decision for the Australian people to make,” he said on Thursday.
“But we’re with our current arrangements at the moment and we should honour those arrangements and that includes in relation to the five-dollar note.”
Mr Albanese left Australia for London on Thursday night alongside Governor-General David Hurley, their partners and a delegation of 10 Australian representatives.
While in London, the prime minister will meet with British Prime Minister Liz Truss and his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau.
Mr Albanese is expected to view the Queen’s lying in state at Westminster Hall and sign the official book of condolences.
A day of mourning will be held in Australia after Mr Albanese returns, with a public holiday to mark the occasion.
Parliament will also meet on September 23 to allow the prime minister, opposition leader and MPs and senators to speak on a condolence motion.
© AAP 2022
