In the fourth survey of EMRS’ exciting new TasTalks series on topical issues that are relevant to Tasmanians, we explore attitudes towards Australia becoming a Republic or remaining as a Monarchy.

The EMRS TasTalks survey found that Tasmanians are broadly content to maintain the status quo following the accession of King Charles III to the British throne and Australia’s head of state.

Tasmanians range from impartial to moderately optimistic regarding their new Head of State, with 36% in each case holding a neutral or a positive view.

Respondents were divided almost equally between those who were accepting of the concept of Australia now becoming a republic (45%), and those who were not (43%).

However, when pressed further if Australia should become a republic anytime soon, the largest group of all respondents (44%) favoured adhering to the monarchy for now, while only 38% supported breaking away.

In other key findings:

• Older Tasmanians aged 55 years or over (40% “positive”) and Liberal Party supporters (57% “positive”) were most likely to back the new Monarch, while those aligned with The Greens were significantly more likely to harbour a negative opinion (50% “negative”);

• Interest in the idea of a republic was far higher among supporters of The Greens (70% “yes”), while Liberal Party supporters tended to be not as receptive (59% “no”);

• And likewise, enthusiasm for Australia becoming a republic soon was significantly higher among Greens voters (65% “yes”), as compared to Liberal voters (67% “no”).

Queen Elizabeth II’s passing has also sparked discussion regarding a potential redesign of the Australian $5 bank note, which currently depicts a portrait of Her Majesty. If it were to be changed, “native flora or fauna” at 26% was the most favoured alternative image, followed by “King Charles III” (18%) and “Queen Elizabeth II – keeping the design the same” (16%).

EMRS Managing Director Paul Jamrozik said, “In this time of change prompting a re-examination of Australia’s historical ties with the United Kingdom and its institutions, Tasmanians have not expressed a clear preference for the alternative of a republic. It may indicate ongoing respect for the positive legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. It may also be that in a time of change and uncertainty in other areas of life, people are for now seeking the consistency and stability of maintaining our traditional system of government.

“King Charles III also has the assurance that the majority of Tasmanians currently have no resistance to accepting him as the new Monarch.

“Where change was more likely to be under consideration was in regard to the redesign of the $5 banknote,” said Mr Jamrozik. “Rather than the image of an individual – whether the current or previous Monarch, or a prominent Australian – the more neutral, yet distinctly Australian motif of native flora and fauna emerged as the strongest preference.”  

The TasTalks online survey was completed by 840 Tasmanians aged 18 years and over, with the results weighted to the state’s population statistics (ABS Census 2021).

The survey took place from 12 to 14 October 2022 using EMRS’ Online Community Panel of Tasmanians, along with promoting the survey via social media platforms.