PM Transcripts

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P. J. KEATINC, MP
AUDIENCE WITH TILE QUEEN
I was received in audience by Her Majesty the Queen a( Balmoral Castle on 18 September.
There is a longstanding convention that the content of these conversations remain confidential
But I am able to say I explained to Her Majesty that, notwithstanding the deep respect and warm
affection felt towards her by the Australian people, there was a growing feeling that Australia
should make the necessary constitutional changes to allow the appointment of an Australian Head
of State. I said such a move was acen as necessary to establish clearly Australia's identity as an
independent nation. I outlined to 1ecr Majesty the various steps that would be involved in such a
process, including the need for a referendum to approve constitutional amendments. The
Australian Governnment's view was that, it approved by the Australian people at a referendum, it
would be appropnriate for Australia to become a republic by the centenary of Federation in 2001. I
told Her Majesty that, in such a situation, Australia would remain a member of the
Commonwealth of Nations, and that the Australian people would warmly welcome visit-to
Australia by Her Majesty as Head of the Commonwealth and as the Queen of the United
Kingdom. Her Majesty authorised me to say that she would, of course, act on the advice of her Australian
Ministers, as she always has, and on any decision made by the Australian people.
LEUCHARS, SCOTLAND
19 September 1993 1907