Kick-starting the Republic debate
A significant shift has occurred in the ALP on the idea of Australia becoming a republic. Under Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, Labor was pro-republican, but lacked the courage of its convictions. Those leaders failed to progress the debate, with Gillard saying in 2010 that Australia should wait until the death or abdication of Queen Elizabeth II. Her call for delay was welcomed by coalition republicans, and for five years the debate has been on hold.