‘Republic’ on the hustings in Townsville

Late in the election campaign, the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, says in Townsville that the best time for change to a Republic would be following a change of monarch.  She also said that the QEII should be the final queen of Australia despite “deep affection” for her. Other quotes from Townsville were: “What I would like to see as Prime Minister is that we work our way through to an agreement on a model for the republic” and “Obviously, I am hoping for Queen Elizabeth that she lives a long and happy life, and having watched her mother, I think there’s every chance that she will.”  Anyone for a citizens’ assembly?  Meanwhile, Opposition Leader and PM contender, Tony Abbott commented, “I am far from certain that, at least in our lifetimes, there’s likely to be any significant change” having said previously that a Republic would be created over his dead body.  Meanwhile Victorian Liberal Opposition Leader and republican, Ted Baillieu, described the PM’s references to the Queen’s longevity as “unfortunate”.   [Julia Gillard says Queen Elizabeth should be Australia’s last monarch by Matt Johnson AAP]