In brief
Australians are selling "farewell tour" merchandise ahead of King Charles' visit, as the Australian Republican Movement (ARM) promotes the tour as part of a humorous campaign to question the monarchy's role in modern Australia.
The Australian Republican Movement has labeled King Charles’ visit as the "farewell tour" of the British monarchy, rolling out satirical merchandise to coincide with the royal tour from October 18 to 26. The monarch's trip is his longest since his cancer diagnosis and the first to Australia in over a decade. Through humorous merchandise like t-shirts and beer coasters, ARM intends to critique the relevance of the monarchy, urging all Australians to embrace a republic. ARM's campaign comes after a stalled momentum for another referendum, following Australia's rejection of the Voice to Parliament vote. While the 1999 referendum against becoming a republic failed, public support for constitutional change has reportedly increased, with ARM citing research that 92% of Australians either support or are open to a republic. However, independent polls show only 35% want to remain a constitutional monarchy. The Prime Minister, a known republican, has shelved plans for another referendum, considering it a low-priority issue. King Charles, in communication with ARM, reiterated that the choice lies with Australians. Constitutional votes are rare and challenging, requiring a 'double majority' to pass, and the recent Voice referendum, which aimed to recognize First Nations people, failed due to lack of bipartisan support.
