IssueThis issue has recently come back into focus due to an interview with the current Australian of the Year, Simon McKeon. In the interview, he urged Australians to raise the republican debate by suggesting that now is the time to become a republic. This has prompted many people to come forward and discuss the issue. Introduction Australia is currently a constitutional monarchy, meaning the Queen is our current head of state. We also have a written constitution, which limits the power of the Queen and other authorities. The Governor General, appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister, represents the Queen. In 1931, Britain approved the Statue of Westminster which gave independence to the Australian Parliament. Australia, however, only ratified this law in 1942. Since this law only applied to the federal parliament, Great Britain passed the Australia Act, which also gave independence to the states. The High Court of Australia is now the final court to decide constitutional issues and the final court of appeal. Thanks to these laws, Australia became an independent nation. However, it is believed that we are not truly independent due to our connection to the British Crown. Some Australians believe the time is right for Australia to become a republic. There are many arguments, both for and against, regarding this issue. Arguments for a republic The main argument for a republic is that for Australia to be truly independent, it is essential to sever ties with the British monarch. Currently the only person who can officially become head of state is the eldest male heir to the British throne. A republic would allow equality in this respect, as any Australian would be entitled to positi...... middle of paper ......ferendum_Reports_Statistics/1999.htm. Last accessed: June 2, 2011. Liddelow, L. (2011). Republicans are fiercely independent. Available: http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/republic/republicans-are-fiercely-democratic-a-model-suggestion/. Last accessed 18 June 2011. no authors. (2008). Poll shows Republican majority. Available: http://www.republic.org.au/blog/poll-shows-republican-majority. Last accessed 19 June 2010.right, J. (2010). Australia is not ready for a republic. Available: http://www.smh.com.au/national/not-ready-for-a-republic-well-we-are-amused-20100828-13wv7.html. Last accessed 19 June 2010. no authors. (2011). The New Australian of the Year wants to argue for an Australian republic. Available: http://www.republic.org.au/story/new-australian-year-wants-australians-debate-australian-republic-courier-mail-26111. Last access June 20th 2011.