Governor-General David Hurley of Australia has been chastised for making ‘disrespectful’ remarks at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
While in England for the celebrations, reporters asked Australia’s representative of the monarch about the likelihood of our country becoming a republic, prompting a backlash.
While the Governor General stated that the Queen received a lot of ’emotional support’ from Australians, he expects this will alter under a new monarch’s reign.
‘I think people are focusing on the Queen at the moment, and when she leaves, when she passes, and the succession comes in, there will be a fresh issue in Australia,’ Mr Hurley responded.
The Governor General’s remarks have triggered a fierce outcry in Australia, with 2GB presenter Ben Fordham leading the charge.
‘What happens when she leaves? On Monday morning, Fordham fumed, “It’s her big celebration.”
‘Imagine going to someone’s birthday or anniversary party and saying, “Now listen, when she’s gone.”
‘We’re not talking about that right now.’
‘You’re representing Australia over there, and I can tell you it hasn’t gone well.’
Several listener comments slammed Governor General Hurley’s “disrespectful” remarks, which Fordham read out.
‘While he may be correct, it was an odd remark to make during such a momentous occasion,’ he continued.
‘We shouldn’t be talking about the Queen’s death while she’s still alive.’
Following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s appointment of Matt Thistlethwaite as the ‘Assistant Minister for the Republic’ last week, the debate over Australia renouncing the Queen and becoming a republic has resurfaced.
Mr Thistlethwaite stated last week that the ‘twilight years’ of Queen Elizabeth’s reign are the right moment to renew debate.
‘I’d like to congratulate the Queen on her jubilee and reign,’ he told Sky News Australia. ‘I think she’s been a tremendous monarch and leader of the Commonwealth.’
But, as she nears the end of her reign, I believe Australians are naturally beginning to wonder what comes next for the country.
‘Do we want King Charles, or are we mature and self-sufficient enough to pick one of our own as our leader?’
‘As the Queen approaches the end of her reign, we should show homage to her for the fantastic work she’s done, but I think Australians are beginning to think about what comes next for our nation,’ Mr Thistlethwaite said on ABC radio.
‘It’s past time for us to have a real discussion about having one of our own as our head of state, to recognize that independence and maturity moving forward.’
Fordham, on the other hand, said that his statements were made at an inopportune time.
‘This is a time to rejoice.’ ‘Focus on the positives, the party, her accomplishments, and her track record,’ he said.
‘The timing is appalling.’
‘As the Queen approaches the end of her reign, we should show tribute to her for the fantastic work she’s done, but I believe Australians are beginning to consider what comes next for our country,’ Mr Thistlethwaite said on ABC radio.
‘It’s past time for us to have a real discussion about having one of our own as our head of state, to recognize our independence and maturity moving forward.’
Fordham, on the other hand, stated his remarks were made at an inopportune time.
‘Now is the moment to rejoice.’ Concentrate on the positive aspects of the situation, such as the party, her accomplishments, and her track record,’ he suggested.
His government plans to hold a new referendum on becoming a republic if the party wins a second term in office in 2025.
Mr Albanese presided over the renaming of Canberra’s Aspen Island to honour the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on Saturday.
The 57-bell Australian National Carillon, erected in 1970 and opened by the monarch as a gift from Great Britain, is now formally known as Queen Elizabeth II Island.
Mr Albanese stated, “The Carillon was an act of creativity, a touchstone of both tradition and progress.”
‘The bells’ harmony will be a reminder of the enduring kindred ties between Britain and Australia,’ Her Majesty stated at the time, and it has been.
He remarked that the bells of London’s Houses of Parliament sound every quarter hour as “an echo of Big Ben.”
Mr Albanese, whose newly established government has informally promised a vote on a republic in the next term if it wins a second election, said the Queen had been a “true and persistent friend” to Australia “during the good times and the bad times.”
To commemorate the Jubilee, landmarks across the country, including Parliament House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, were lighted in royal purple this week.
