Australia republic move: Leaders begin push

Almost all of Australia's state and territory leaders have signed a document in support of the country becoming a republic.  

The only leader who has declined to sign, Western Australia's Colin Barnett, says he is supportive of a republic but believes the time is not right now.  

Australians voted against becoming a republic in a 1999 referendum.  

Current Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was leader of the republican movement at that time.  

But after coming to power, Mr Turnbull says no change should occur until the reign of Queen Elizabeth ends.  

The State Premiers of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, and the Chief Ministers of the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory, signed the document in favour of replacing the Queen as head of state.  

The move comes a day before Australia Day, anniversary of the arrival in Australia of the first British colonists.


BBC