Australian voters have rejected a proposal that their country should become a republic, replacing Queen Elizabeth as head of state with a president.

Supporters of a constitutional monarchy won fifty-five per cent of the vote; only one of Australia's six states, Victoria, backed a republic.

The Australian prime minister, John Howard, who'd campaigned against constitutional change, said the government could now get on with things that mattered.

The Queen herself said she would have retained her deep affection for Australia whatever the referendum result.

Observers said despite the vote, there's clear evidence that most Australians do indeed want a republic -- but one elected by the people, not chosen by politicians.