The republic debate has come to the fore this Australia Day amid a renewed push by Labor leader Bill Shorten, republican leader Peter FitzSimons and Australian of the Year David Morrison.
However the Prime Minister, who led the republican cause to the failed referendum of 1999, said his successors must bide their time until the issue becomes a front of house issue with grassroots support.
The timing of that referendum has to be right. I cant stress enough. I have led a yes case for a Republic into a heroic defeat once. Ive got no desire to do so again.
Mr Shorten argued the 1999 referendum failed because the republican movement was divided over the constitutional model and the then prime minister, John Howard, was a monarchist.
The stars are aligning for a debate about Australia becoming a republic, he said in Melbourne.
Australian of the Year David Morrison has added his voice to the republic debate, saying he firmly believes it is one the nation should revisit.
But the former chief of army rejects suggestions he intends to pursue the issue politically during his year as an honoured Australian, saying its one only the federal government can take the lead on.
