Quote:
Originally Posted by Iluvbertie
As next year is an election year in Australia any timing would have to be very carefully thought out so that it can't be seen as the British royals trying to influence the vote e.g. by showing support for the incumbent government for instance.
As there is also the possibility (at the moment it isn't on the agenda for that time but that doesn't mean that it won't be) that there could be a plebiscite attached to the election about Australia becoming a republic it would be very difficult to have a royal visit in the lead up to such an event.
I am not saying the visit won't happen just that there are considerations that may mean it won't.
Note that the article says that the PM's of both countries haven't been informed of this decision yet and it is possible that the PM won't extend an invitation.
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If the republic is not on the immediate agenda, then it shouldn't matter whether a royal visit is made and if one is, it shouldn't be seen as an attempt to influence voters to swing to the monarchist side as the republicans will be parading all of their high-profile supporters, no doubt.