The 1999 Republican referendum

The question of the 1999 Australian republic referendum asked whether Australia should become a republic with a President appointed by Parliament. Under the referendum proposal, the Governor General and Queen would be replaced by one office, the President of the Commonwealth of Australia. The referendum was held on 6 November 1999, after a national advertising campaign. The question on a republic attracted 45 per cent of the total national vote. 55% voted 'no' to the republican model presented.

Many republic supporters voted 'no' because they disliked the model provided, preferring a directly-elected president.

In the meantime, both the Australian Republican Movement and opponent monarchist groups, such as Australians for Constitutional Monarchy remain active. A January 2006 Newspoll survey shows that 46% favour or partly favour Australia becoming a republic, with 34% opposed and 20% uncommitted.