What's all the fuss about a republic

Many Australians profess their affection for the British Royal family as the reason for their opposition to our nation becoming a republic. Whilst the affection is understandable the insecurity is misguided.

If Australia were to appoint our own head of state our affection for members of the royal family will remain undiminished, as it should with the figureheads of a nation with which we have had an historical relationship and share the same values.

For every Australian their relationship with the British Royal Family will remain the same.

Australian gossip magazines will still continue to splash the trials and tribulations of the royals on their front pages, we will continue to enthrall the birth of a royal baby and Australians will still be greeted with that unique love-hate affection in England.

Members of the British royal family will also continue to visit Australia and receive the usual protocol and affection of the Australian people as they continue to do with other nations that have severed all ties with the Monarchy including the United States.

If practically nothing will change in terms of our relationship with the British Monarch and its people why would we become a republic some ask?

It's a valid question and the answer is simple.

If an Australian is capable of fulfilling the duties of our head of state then why wouldn't we appoint one of our own to this important position?

Why shouldn't the young men and women of Australia be able to aspire to be our nation's head of state?

We should reflect our maturity, and shed our colonial insecurity by appointing an Australian as our Head of State- it's the ultimate act of patriotism and independence.