IT MUST almost be Australia Day.
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Sure we’ve still got Christmas, Boxing Day and the festivities of the New Year to get to.
However, Australia Day must be near because news outlets are trotting out the old “should Australia become a republic” debate.
Sure, this time there is some context.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull spoke at an event over the weekend for the Australian Republican Movement’s 25th anniversary.
Mr Turnbull, a known supporter of a republican state, distanced himself from the idea, saying until the current Queen’s reign comes to an end it was basically off limits.
An interesting stance from the Prime Minister, who has had a long association with the movement.
He has been taken to task in the media about his comments over the weekend, which were seen to be a softened stance on the issue.
Perhaps in this instance, Mr Turnbull is correct.
He wants more consultation with the community on their thoughts and where they believe Australia should be headed.
Many out there probably don't even care either way.
Mr Turnbull could quite possibly be also thinking and, here’s hoping, that there are more pressing items that need his attention.
No, Christmas and the festive season isn’t one of them.
However, Australia can probably cope for a little while yet on whether it remains as is or chooses to become a republic.
We need the government to be handling the real issues at stake.
For one there’s same-sex marriage legalisation, which continues to be a slow process and the refugee saga. Also, don’t forget the inauguration of Donald Trump as president of the United States of America.
Surely, the Prime Minister needs to be working on that situation and what it will mean for Australia.
As well as that, let’s not forget about the war in Syria, global terrorism, increased homelessness on our own shores and much more.
Whether or not Australia becomes a republic is probably something that can stay at the bottom of the “to-do” list pile for some time to come.
It will be an expensive exercise to undertake and surely that money can be spent elsewhere in the mean time.