On Monday, questions about Mr. Albanese’s long-standing intention to conduct a vote on the Voice to Parliament during his first term in office were raised.
If the PM’s Voice vote fails, a reporter questioned if he would still proceed with a republic vote.
‘You previously said you couldn’t envisage a change to a republic without constitutional recognition to First Nations people,’ the journalist said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese blew up at a journalist for asking about a republic referendum when he has made it ‘pretty clear’ an Indigenous Voice to Parliament is his priority this term
‘Could I clarify, is that a commitment to put constitutional recognition to a vote first?
‘Or are you saying, unless and until that is achieved, you wouldn’t even try a republic referendum?’
Mr Albanese responded to the question by scowling and telling the journalist the answer was ‘pretty clear’.
‘I can’t have been clearer before the election, on election night, since the election that my priority for this term is the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our constitution with a constitutionally recognised Voice to Parliament,’ he said.
‘I actually begin every speech with that as part of my acknowledgement of country.
Mr Albanese snapped at a journalist (above) on Monday who was asking for clarification about his republic referendum policy
Queen Elizabeth II’s death has reignited debate for Australia to become independent of British rule (pictured, Sydney protesters advocating for a republic in 1994)
‘I can’t be clearer about it, I’m not quite sure why I’m being asked about it.’
The journalist fired back, saying: ‘It slows it down – the republic will have to wait. that’s the point.’
Mr Albanese laughed and responded: ‘Now you’re getting into hypotheticals over hypotheticals when I have made it very clear that I will not be commenting on those issues at this point in time.
‘I’ve made it clear that my position on our constitutional arrangements have not changed, the Australian Labor Party’s position is clear.
King Charles III (above) became Australia’s sovereign leader last Thursday with the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II
‘This is a time where Australians expect their prime minister to act in accordance with the constitutional arrangements which are there, in place, now.’
Queen Elizabeth II’s death on Friday morning AEST reignited discussion about Australia’s ties to the monarchy.
Australia is a constitutional monarchy and King Charles III has been proclaimed the nation’s head of state.
A referendum on Australia becoming a republic failed in 1999 after controversy over the exact model that would replace the current system.