Australian support for republic slips to lowest in 17 years

Canberra, Apr 25 (ANI): Support for making Australia a republic has slipped to it's lowest level in 17 years.

The overall support for a republic is now ten points below a pre-referendum peak of 51 percent, and at it's lowest for 17 years since hitting 39 per cent in March 1994, news.com.au reports.

The latest poll also revealed that 39 percent of Australians are against a republic system of governance.

Support for a republic was highest among those aged 35-49 and men were more likely to be in favour of abolishing Australia's monarchy than women.

The poll of more than 1200 voters has found that 48 percent of respondents would back a republic with Charles on the throne and his wife, Camilla, as princess, while 34 percent opposed it.

Despite Price William's popularity in Australia, 45 percent of those surveyed said they would support abolishing the monarchy if he were king.

Meanwhile, Australians for a Constitutional Monarchy convenor David Flint said there was a lack of passionate support for a republic among people, adding that the support for monarchy would continue to grow even after the death of the 85-year-old Queen.

"They'll call it the second Elizabethan age. It'll be quite astounding. And then the interest will come up about the coronation and the next Prince of Wales and the sons and daughters of the Prince of Wales," Professor Flint said.

Australian Republican Movement chairman, Mike Keating, however, lamented over a lack of political leadership on the issue.

"All sides are looking for some sort of cheap political advantage, preferably next week. That's not the kind of issue the republic is. It's not about scoring cheap political points," he added. (ANI)