The Prime Minister of Australia has said the country will not hold a referendum on whether to abandon the monarchy and remove King Charles as head of state for at least two years, as a sign of respect for the late Queen Elizabeth II. Speaking to Sky News, Anthony Albanese said he will not hold a referendum on whether to remove King Charles as head of state during his first term as Prime Minister, which will end in 2025.
Mr Albanese has previously said the monarchy should be removed from the Australian constitution, and a new Australian head of state installed.
He said: "I think the Queen was with Australians during times of celebration - the opening of this house, Parliament House, in 1988, the opening of the Sydney Opera House during our great historic events, but was also with Australia at times of difficulties.
"This is a land of cyclones, of floods, of natural disasters, and Queen Elizabeth always reached out to give that comfort to Australians at our time of need.
"She was such a respected figure, regardless of where people stand on the political spectrum. That 70 years of public service, that devotion to duty, is something that holds her in such high regard."
He added: "The bigger questions about our constitution are not ones for this current period. This is a period in which we are sharing the grief that so many Australians are feeling at the moment, showing our deep respect and admiration for the contribution of the Queen to Australia."
Antigua and Barbuda has said it will hold a referendum on removing King Charles as head of state within three years.
