Voters in Australia have given their clearest indication yet that they want to become a republic.

An overwhelming majority of the people elected to a new group to discuss constitutional reform want to get rid of the Queen as Australia's head of state.

The Queen may not be welcome in Australia much longer

Hundreds of candidates were chosen in a postal ballot using proportional representation. The votes took almost a fortnight to count.

"The Australian people have now spoken," said Peter Grogan of the Australian Republican Movement.

Monarchists are still flying the flag

"It is clear that there is broad support for an Australian head of state, and the monarchists must now recognise that they are in the minority in this discussion."

Monarchists insist the argument is not lost. Less than half the population voted and they claim the low turnout invalidates the republicans' argument.

"When you put that with the 55% who've said they are happy with the current arrangements you start to realise that we really are likely in a real referendum to get some 70% of the total vote," said Kerry Jones of Pro Constitutional Monarchy.

The convention will be held in Canberra

The Pople's Convention on the constitution will be held in Canberra in February and now seems bound to offer a full referendum.

Buckingham Palace has always vowed to keep out of the debate. It may now have to stand by and watch as Australia cuts off all ties with the British monarchy.

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