AS Malcolm Turnbull was sworn in as prime minister yesterday, Bathurst people were speculating about whether he would confirm his support for marriage equality and the desire to see Australia become a republic.
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Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan, lecturer in political science at Charles Sturt University, said Mr Turnbull was one of the leading proponents of an Australian republic when it went to a referendum in the 1990s, and that is a view he still holds strongly.
However, Assoc Prof O’Sullivan said he doubts Mr Turnbull would allow this to define his prime ministership.
“I also think he would be very conscious that this view would be sharply contested in the Liberal and National parties,” he said.
“He certainly wouldn’t want to be creating unnecessary division at this point.”
Local antiques dealer Martin King, a proud royalist, said Mr Turnbull will probably push the idea of Australia as a republic, but it must be driven by the people and not the politicians.
Mr King said he would personally like to see things stay as they are.
“The Queen is a damn good head of state. If there was a republic, who would you want in that role?” he asked.
“Is that Malcolm Turnbull’s next step? After all, he’s a very clever man, a very successful man and he has a lot of money.”
Bathurst same-sex marriage advocate Andy Wheeler was more cautious.
“I think while some people are seeing a bit of a light shining, I would like to see what comes out in the wash,” Mr Wheeler said. “At least we now have a leader who is not dead set against it.”
He said Mr Turnbull has some very complex problems to deal with, including climate change and the refugees crisis, and they will probably be foremost on his mind – at least for now.
However, he also believes the marriage equality issue could be settled with a minimum of fuss.