Immigrants are not particularly republican, says leading republican Bob Carr

Strong republican, former NSW Premier the Hon Bob Carr, does not see any significant support for a republic among those with migrant backgrounds. He was supported by leading monarchist Senator Nick Minchin.

The following is an extract from the ABC programme, "Q&A" on 29 April, 2011

KELLY XIAO: Australia is made up migrants and increasingly from countries other than Britain. Does the panel think that a nation's governance model should reflect a country's changing demographics? And if yes, why is there no pressing need within the Labor Party for republic reform?

TONY JONES: Well, actually I should got to Bob Carr on that first because it is reflecting the Labor Party's lack of interest in this subject.

BOB CARR: Yeah, I don't think there's strong evidence that people with migrant backgrounds are particularly committed to a republic or particularly disaffected with the constitutional monarchy. That's how I see it. There was a generation a few decades ago that invoked this rhetoric but these days I find no sense that people with non-English speaking backgrounds are at all disaffected with these arrangements. I mean it's one of the strengths of the dynasty that's got the monarchy. They've built their support with Australians of all backgrounds.

TONY JONES: Nick Minchin?

NICK MINCHIN: Well, can I just say most migrants come to this country because we have such an outstanding system of government. We've provided peace, order and good government to the people of Australia for 100 years. We are one of the most stable, continuous democracies in the world. That is why migrants come to this country. I mean I meet so many migrants who say whatever you do, Nick, never let that republic come in. This constitutional monarchy is one of the reasons I came here. Do what you can to defend it and preserve it, so I don't agree with your premises at all.

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