A clear majority of Australians want to retain the Monarchy rather than become a Republic after King Charles III and Queen Camilla visit Australia for the first time

A clear majority of Australians, 57% (down 3% points since September 2022) believe Australia should remain a Monarchy while only 43% (up 3% points) say Australia should become a Republic with an elected President.

This special Roy Morgan SMS Poll was conducted by SMS on Tuesday October 22, 2024 and Wednesday October 23, 2024, with an Australia-wide cross-section of 1,312 Australians. The survey was conducted as King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s first visit to Australia as reigning monarchs came to an end.

Australians were asked: “In your opinion, should Australia remain a MONARCHY– or become a REPUBLIC with an elected President?”

Support for the Monarchy has decreased slightly from two years ago in the aftermath of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II (September 19, 2022) but support for the Monarchy is still marginally up from November 2012 (55% for the Monarchy cf. 45% for the Republic once the undecided responses are removed).

King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited Australia for the first time as reigning monarchs during the past week from October 18-23 and visited Sydney and Canberra during their time here.

King Charles III was officially proclaimed as the new ‘King of Australia’ on Sunday by Governor-General David Hurley who stated, “Because of the death of our blessed and glorious Queen Elizabeth II, the Crown has solely and rightfully come to Prince Charles Philip Arthur George.

“May King Charles III have long and happy years to reign over us. With hearty and humble affection, we promise him faith and faithfulness.”

Women favour retaining the Monarchy by a greater margin than men

Analysis of the results by gender shows three-fifths of women (60%, down 6%) favour retaining the Monarchy compared to only 40% (up 6%) that favour a Republic with an elected President.

However, the results for men are far more evenly split and are virtually unchanged from two years ago with 53% (down 1%) in favouring the Monarchy compared to 47% (up 1%) that would prefer a Republic.

A majority of Australians aged 35+ support the Monarchy, but those under 35 favour a Republic

Analysis by age shows young Australians under 35 are the most evenly split – and the only age group in favour of a Republic – 52% (up 4%) favour a Republic with an elected President compared to 48% (down 4%) that favour the Monarchy.

Australians aged 35-49 are also fairly evenly split with 54% (down 4%) favouring the Monarchy compared to 46% (up 4%) who want a Republic with an elected President.

In contrast, large majorities of Australians aged 50+ (63%) favour retaining the Monarchy, virtually unchanged from two years ago compared to only 37% that want a Republic with an elected President.

Australians refer to tradition, the cost, concerns about an elected President, and the dangerous examples of other countries overseas as reasons to stick with the Monarch.

As a follow-up question, respondents were then asked: “And why do you say that?”

For those in favour of retaining the Monarchy there were several key themes that emerged:

1. Connection to Heritage and Tradition:
   1. Importance of Historical Ties: Many respondents emphasised the significance of maintaining ties to the UK and the Monarchy as part of Australia's heritage.
      1. Quote: "Because I love having ties to Britain for several reasons."
         
2. Concerns About an Elected President:
   1. Fear of Political Rivalry and Corruption: There is significant concern that an elected president could lead to increased political rivalry and corruption.
      1. Quote: "I worry about how a president would be selected to be elected."Quote: "An elected president can be open to all sorts of political corruption."
   1. Preference for Appointment Over Election: Many prefer a president to be appointed by parliament to avoid rivalries with the Prime Minister.
      1. Quote: "I am against an elected president - prefer that they be appointed by parliament."
         
3. Perception of Other Republics:
   1. Cautionary Observations: Responses highlight concerns over political instability in other republics, particularly the United States.
      1. Quote: "Look at the USA mess."
      1. Quote: "Do you really think we want to experience the Hollywood style of Presidency?"
         
4. Stability and Security:
   1. Monarchy as a Source of Stability: The monarchy is viewed as a stabilising force, especially in a changing global landscape.
      1. Quote: "We are a small and vulnerable country; it assures us and secures allies."
      1. Quote: "Better the devil you know."
         
5. Cost and Complexity of Change:
   1. Financial Implications: Many believe changing to a republic would incur significant costs and logistical challenges.
      1. Quote: "Too expensive to change."
      1. Quote: "Waste of money to change something that works fine now."

1. Scepticism About Current Politicians:
   1. Distrust of Politicians: Respondents express a lack of faith in politicians, doubting their ability to select a suitable president or lead effectively.
      1. Quote: "I do not trust politicians to elect a person to rule a republic."
      1. Quote: "No one I know would be able to fit the role of president."
         
2. Caution Against Change:
   1. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" Sentiment: A strong sentiment exists that the current system is functioning well and does not require change.
      1. Quote: "If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!"
      1. Quote: "The current situation works well."
         
3. Diverse Opinions on Readiness for Change:
   1. Concerns About Public Readiness: Some respondents question whether Australians are prepared to make such significant decisions.
      1. Quote: "Australians don’t seem ready to vote on big decisions yet.”

Australians refer to a desire for independence, an outdated system and symbol of colonialism, basic democratic principles and the lack of representation as reasons to switch to a Republic

1. Desire for Independence
   • Key Sentiment: A strong call for Australia to break away from the monarchy and establish its own identity as a fully independent nation.
   • Recurring Phrases and Quotes: “Time to move on,” “Australia is an independent country,” “We are our own nation,” “Independence.”
   • Trend: Many Australians express that the monarchy is a relic of colonialism and no longer reflects modern values, indicating a collective desire for autonomy and self-determination.
     
2. Outdated Monarchy
   • Key Sentiment: The monarchy is seen as outdated, with many viewing the royal family as irrelevant to contemporary Australian society.
   • Recurring Phrases and Quotes: “Monarchy is outdated,” “old-fashioned and not relevant,” “archaic and not representative,” “freeloaders with no substantive functions.”
   • Trend: There is a pervasive belief that the monarchy does not align with the values of a modern, multicultural society, prompting calls for reform.
     
3. Symbol of Colonial Legacy
   • Key Sentiment: The monarchy is associated with a troubled colonial past, particularly regarding Indigenous rights.
   • Recurring Phrases and Quotes: “Colonial roots,” “not a fan of the Royals,” “shameful part of Australian history,” “not enough recognition of Indigenous peoples.”
   • Trend: Many Australians express that continuing to recognize the monarchy perpetuates colonial legacies and hinders reconciliation efforts with Indigenous communities.
     
4. Lack of Representation
   • Key Sentiment: There is a strong belief that an Australian head of state would better represent the nation's diversity and interests.
   • Recurring Phrases and Quotes: “Australian head of state should be Australian,” “reflect modern Australian society,” “the monarchy doesn’t represent modern Australia.”
   • Trend: The desire for an elected head of state indicates a call for greater representation and inclusivity in governance.
     
5. Distrust in the Royal Family
   • Key Sentiment: Many Australians express disillusionment with the royal family, citing scandals and a disconnect from everyday life.
   • Recurring Phrases and Quotes: “Too many scandals in the Royal family,” “King Charles III should not be the Australian head of state,” “The royals are irrelevant.”
   • Trend: Distrust in the monarchy is evident, with many citizens questioning the legitimacy and effectiveness of a foreign head of state.
     
6. Democratic Principles
   • Key Sentiment: Advocates for a republic emphasize the importance of democratic governance and accountability.
   • Recurring Phrases and Quotes: “We, the people, have more say,” “an elected head of state would keep politicians under control,” “time to break away and be more independent.”
   • Trend: There is a strong desire for a governance system that reflects democratic values, where leaders are chosen by the electorate rather than through hereditary privilege.

Michele Levine, CEO of Roy Morgan, says:

“Australians have given the recently departed King Charles III a vote of confidence with 57% saying Australia should remain as a Monarchy, down only 3% points from two year’s ago after the passing of his much-loved mother, Queen Elizabeth II. In contrast, 43% of respondents say Australia should become a Republic with an elected President.

“Women’s support for the Monarchy remains crucial with 60% supporting the retention of the Monarchy compared to a slim majority of only 53% of men. Women’s support for the Monarchy has dropped by 6% points from two years ago while men’s support is virtually unchanged.

“There are some stark differences by age group with clear majorities of Australians aged 50-64 (60%) and 65+ (60%) in favour of retaining the Monarchy. However, for Australians aged under are more evenly split. A slim majority of 54% of Australians aged 35-49 favour retaining the Monarchy, while younger Australians under 35 favour the Republic (52% cf. 48%).

“The results in favour of retaining the Monarchy today are similar to those of surveys stretching back over the last 15 years – which encompassed the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

“In fact, the last time more Australians favoured a Republic (45%) over retaining the Monarchy (42%) was way back in May 2008 – early in the Prime Ministership of Kevin Rudd.

“The main reasons provided by people for why Australia should remain as a Monarchy are:

‘Tradition and the connection to heritage, the cost and complexity of changing a system that works, concerns about an elected President and the perception of issues seen in other Republics – especially the United States as well as the old sentiment ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

“Those Australians advocating for a change and to move towards a Republic with a directly elected President mentioned:

‘The Monarchy is an outdated anachronism in the modern world, it’s an enduring symbol of colonialism, a desire for true independence for Australians, lack of representation and general democratic principles as well as distrust in the Royal Family.

“The results of this latest Roy Morgan SMS Poll on attitudes towards Australia becoming a Republic or remaining as a Monarchy shows that despite the many challenges faced by the modern Royal Family, there is a continuing desire by a majority of Australians to retain a system that has served the country exceptionally well for over a century.”

This special Roy Morgan SMS Poll was conducted by SMS from Tuesday October 22, 2024 – Thursday October 24, 2024, with an Australia-wide cross-section of 1,313 Australians aged 18+.

Australians were asked: “In your opinion, should Australia remain a MONARCHY – or become a REPUBLIC with an elected President?”

Respondents were then asked: “And why do you say that?”

To purchase full demographic breakdowns by Gender, Age, City/Country including Voting Intention and detailed quantitative and qualitative verbatim responses to the open-ended questions relating to how Australians view the Monarchy or a potential Republic for $9,800 contact Morgan Poll Manager Julian McCrann. By Email: julian.mccrann@roymorgan.com. By Phone: 9224 5365.

For further comment or more information contact:
Michele Levine 0411 129 093 or Gary Morgan 0411 129 094 or email: askroymorgan@roymorgan.com.