Australian PM says he will not hold republic referendum during his first term out of ‘deep respect’ for Queen

In his first international interview since the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has told Sky News that he will not hold a referendum on whether Australia should become a republic in his first term and that this was a moment to show gratitude for the Queen’s “service to Australia, the Commonwealth and the world”.

The Queen‘s death has reignited a debate about Australia’s relationship with the monarchy and the Australian leader has previously stated that the country needs an Australian head of state.

But Mr Albanese said in his opinion this period was a “time to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II” and to show “deep respect and admiration”, not to pursue “questions about our constitution”.

The prime minister paid tribute to the Queen who he said “always reached out to give comfort to Australians at our time of need”, be it in cyclones, floods or natural disasters.

Watch Sky News live from 10am as a cortege takes the Queen’s coffin from Balmoral to Edinburgh

Australians have said part of the success of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign was in her ability to stay politically neutral about Australia.

Mr Albanese said he was sure King Charles III was also “very conscious of the need to stay above politics”.

Today marked the formal proclamation of the accession of King Charles as King of Australia in a ceremony in the country’s capital, Canberra.

Mr Albanese will travel to London to attend the Queen’s funeral and meet with the new King.