Prince Harry’s presence at the International Fleet Review only shows we have come full circle since 1988 when the current republican campaign kicked off as Malcolm Turnbull observed Charles and Diana officially overseeing the Bicentennary celebrations. Harry stood alongside the Governor-General who already does the job representing the Queen of Australia. PM Abbott dared to say that we all felt like monarchists before he swooshed Harry off on a VIP Fleet jet to Perth. No, we don’t. And when are we going to stop fawning over the British royal family? Pointless regal visits initiated by the Federal Government, paid for by Australian taxes, are a reminder of where we stand in our quest to become The Great Republic of the Southern Seas as is the fact that we now get No 4 in line to our throne to do the business.
Woman for an Australian Republic, Adelaide Ironside, republican poet and artist 1831-1867
Self portrait 1855, Newcastle Art Gallery NSW
