Tom Elliott says it’s wrong to suggest Australia will be “wonderfully transformed” if the country becomes a republic.

“The idea Australia will be a better place to live is utter nonsense,” the 3AW Drive host said on Friday.

“At best, the move to a republic will be neutral.

“At worst, it could make the way we are governed considerably worse than it currently is.”

He said Australia was already “over-governed” and becoming a republic would add yet another layer.

He said it would cost a fortune and distract from “real” issues impacting the lives of Australians.

Press PLAY below to hear Tom Elliott explain why