Mixed poll results for republican movement, but Prince Charles is ‘good for business’

The head of the Australia Republican Movement says membership has soared since Prince Charles landed in Australia.

Newspoll figures in The Australian today produced mixed figures for the movement, with high opposition to a switch from the monarchy (41 per cent), but 55 per cent suggesting they would support a republic if Prince Charles becomes king.

Peter Fitzsimons told Ross and John that Prince Charles’s visit to Australia had been “good for business”.

“I cant help but notice that when Prince Charles landed on Australian soil our membership numbers started to kick upwards, and started to go fast,” he said.

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The Newspoll shows 50 per cent of voters back Australia becoming a republic, with 41 per cent wanting to retain a constitutional monarchy and nine per cent uncommitted.

Those in favour of a republic if Prince Charles takes the throne is higher, with 55 per cent in favour, 35 per cent against and 10 per cent uncommitted.

The poll, taken between April 5-8 compares to the previous poll in August 2017 when 51 per cent were in favour of the republic, 38 per cent were against and 11 per cent were uncommitted.

Image: The Prince of Wales wears a mulka string, a feather stringed headband, as he takes part in a traditional welcome ceremony during a visit to Mount Nhulun in Nhulunbuy, in the Northern Territory.