The ABC's VoteCompass Survey has found that a majority of Australians (53%) disapprove of Prince Charles becoming King of Australia at the end of the Queen's reign, with only a third saying they'll support Charles as King.
The results show a monarchy in crisis, with support for Charles falling to just 35% of the nation. It's simply untenable to retain a Head of State who lacks popular legitimacy and will assume the position without even facing a ballot.
In contrast, the Australian Choice Model proposed by the Australian Republic Movement (ARM) would ensure that our Head of State is someone who is voted in by a majority of Australians, following a robust nomination process that allows each State and Territory Parliament to nominate a candidate, and the Federal Parliament to nominate up to three. ARM research shows almost three-quarters of Australians would be prepared to back that change at a referendum (73%).
In news that will send shockwaves through Buckingham Palace, VoteCompass also found that opposition to Australia becoming a republic has dwindled - now only 29% are opposed.
"How can Charles claim to represent Australians when almost two-thirds of us say they don't want him as King?" said ARM National Director Sandy Biar.
"With the end of the Queen's reign drawing closer, Australians are saying enough is enough - it's time to move on.
"It's time we had an Australian as Head of State chosen democratically through a merit-based election - someone chosen by Australians and accountable to us.
"We wouldn't accept politicians inheriting the job from their parents for life, and we shouldn't accept it for our Head of State.
"Hereditary rule should be consigned to the dustbin of history. It has no place in a modern democracy like Australia.
"This should be on all candidates' agenda this election" said Mr Biar.
