MailOnLine... Australia’s movement to become an independent republic is back in the spotlight on the back of Britain’s shock exit from the European Union.
On Friday Britain voted out of the EU in a historic referendum, fueling speculation that nations such as the Netherlands and France would be the next to follow suit.
On the back of the decision followers of the Australian Republic Movement have said that if Britain can leave the EU, Australia can part ways with Britain.
Scroll down for video The Australian Republican Movement, fronted by Peter Fitzsimons, has gained momentum in the wake of Brexit
The Australian Republican Movement, fronted by Peter Fitzsimons, has gained momentum in the wake of Brexit Many supporters took to Twitter following Brexit to show their support for an Australian republic
Many supporters took to Twitter following Brexit to show their support for an Australian republic
The movement believes that Australia should form an independent republic and replace the Monarch with an Australian head of state.
A referendum on the issue in 1999 found the majority of Australians were not ready to sever ties with Britain and wanted to remain under Monarchy rule.
In the wake of Brexit, republicans are urging Australians to have another look at their own independence and social media has been flooded with support for the so-called 'AusExit'. Mr Fizsimons called on Twitter users to put their weight behind a renewed push for an Australian head of state
Mr Fizsimons called on Twitter users to put their weight behind a renewed push for an Australian head of state
The leader of the Australian Republican Movement and famous sports journalist Peter Fitzsimons changed his Twitter handle to ‘#AusExit Fitzsimons’ on Saturday.
Others followed suit, with one user writing: ‘Time for Australia to exit from Britain and the Queen.
‘Don’t want to be associated with those morons from England.’ Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull led a failed republican campaign during a national referendum on the issue in 1999
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull led a failed republican campaign during a national referendum on the issue in 1999
Although he has no desire to front a second campaign, he has retained his pro-republic stance in the 17 years since the referendum.
He told Fairfax Media earlier this year: ‘If you really are committed to Australia becoming a republic, then you want to be sure that the manner and the timing of the referendum is as such that it is successful and that it unites rather than divides Australians.’