Australia. A unique country. The planet's biggest island. Full of landmarks. Beaches. A holiday destination for many. But a Republic? apparently not.

The age-old debate has plagued our great land for more than a century. Aligned with the monarchy, Australia has never been alone, abiding by the whims of the Queen (now king).

This debate spans all the way back to 1788, when Australia started as a British colony. Without diving too much into the history of it, essentially the Australian culture inherited much of the British tendencies- including the presence of a monarchy.

Our devotion to this very monarchy has continued to present day, despite much of Australia wishing to shift to an independent Republic.

Our Legislative and judicial decisions are governed by the royal monarch. So, in the recent and saddening news of Queen Elizabeth II's death, the debate is once again reignited within Australian society- Should Australia become a republic?

Removing the monarch as our governing head of state would give our country a renewed sense of independence. It would create a new lifestyle for every Australian.

But would it be beneficial? how would leaving the safety net of the monarch impact upon our nation? Australians are divided over the issue.

The change would require a referendum- something that has not occurred within Australia for over half a century.

Polls have indicated that in the wake of the Queen's passing, 60% of Australians would keep Australia as a monarchy, whilst 40% would look to shift to a republic with an elected president. Australia is divided!

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is adamant that we must maintain our gratitude to the late queen, rather than engage in republic debate.