GG backs republic, gay marriage

Quentin Bryce has publicly backed gay marriage and Australia becoming a republic in a speech delivered as part of the Boyer Lecture series. Courtesy: ABC

THE Queen's representative in Australia has reignited the republic debate by being the first serving Governor-General to publicly call for an Australian Head of State.

Quentin Bryce, who will retire in March, also supported gay marriage in a landmark speech urging greater respect and care for all Australians.

Delivering the ABC Boyer Lecture in Sydney, Ms Bryce said her vision was for a country "where people are free to love and marry whom they choose and where perhaps my friends, one day, one young girl or boy may even grow up to be our nation's first Head of State".

Greens leader Christine Milne congratulated Ms Bryce "for strong advocacy of marriage equality, a republic and an ethic of care. Real leadership".

Prime Minister Tony Abbott who led the campaign against a republic in 1999 is expected to soon announce Ms Bryce's replacement.

The PM and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten both declined to comment.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce says she supports gay marriage and thinks the nation should become a republic.

Buckingham Palace would last night not comment on Ms Bryce's remarks.

"This is a matter for her, and Buckingham Palace will not comment further," a palace spokesman said.

"In response to any questions about the future of the Monarchy in Australia, Buckingham Palace has always maintained that this is a matter for the people of Australia."

Australian Republican Movement chair Geoff Gallop said it was time to restart the conversation about an Australian head of state.

"The governor-general has served with distinction as the Queen's representative, but imagine what a powerful message it would send about this great country that we all love if we had a head of state who represented the Australian people," Professor Gallop said in a statement released shortly after the speech.

"We will always be friends with Britain, but now we should be equals.

"We need an unambiguous, independent national identity that reflects and celebrates our freedom, our unity, our values of the fair go and our place in the world."

But Victorian Liberal MP Kelly O'Dwyer, a supporter of a republic, said: "It's highly unusual for a currently serving Governor-General to advocate for a republic."

Ms O'Dwyer said she hoped the country would have a mature debate, but a republic was not the number one issue for the community.

New Liberal MP and former Channel Nine executive David Coleman used his maiden speech to Parliament to say it was wrong our Head of State was determined on who one's parents were.

"Imagine if you could only get a job at the local bank if your dad had worked there; or if you could only enter Parliament if your mother had held the seat before you. I see no difference in relation to the Head of State. This job should be opened to Australian applicants," he said.

Australia Republican Movement national director David Morris said Ms Bryce's remarks would open a new conversation about becoming a republic to reflect Australia's identity and values.

"The Queen represents British unity and Britain's values very well. We've outgrown that dependence on Britain and want to be equals," he said.

Same-sex marriage advocates were also quick to praise Ms Bryce's comments.

"The governor-general's dignified support for marriage equality will be welcomed by the many millions of Australians who support the reform," Australian Marriage Equality director Rodney Croome said in a statement.

"In particular, it will send a message to older Australians that this is a reform they can embrace because it strengthens relationships, families and marriage."

The former governor of Queensland was appointed Australia's first woman governor-general in 2008 by then-prime minister Kevin Rudd.

Governors-general serve at the Queen's pleasure but five-year appointments are typical, meaning Ms Bryce is likely nearing the end of her time in the job.

The full lecture is due to be broadcast on the ABC on Sunday.

- with Charles Miranda, wires

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