Is it time for Australia to do a "Megxit" and break away from the British monarchy?
Two decades have passed since the 1999 referendum and the Australian Republican Movement is launching a new campaign for a homegrown head of state.
"It's now time we draw a line under the differences of the past and work together to build consensus around a proposal for change," ARM chairman Peter FitzSimons said on Tuesday.
The organisation will take the next 18-to-24 months developing a model for independence.
It will then campaign for the model to be put directly to a national vote.
"This is long overdue. This is a decision that we as Australians must make for ourselves. Do we want to be independent? Then let's work together to make it happen," Mr FitzSimons said.
"People are sick and tired of seeing our national leaders fight rather than sitting down and working constructively towards an agreement that benefits everyone."
Mr FitzSimons said substantial common ground already existed between supporters of a republic.
He said there was near unanimous agreement an Australian head of state should be a ceremonial role and play no part in setting national policy.
They should be independent and swear exclusive allegiance to Australia and its interests, Mr FitzSimons said.
David Flint, the national convenor of Australians for Constitutional Monarchy, said the republicans had failed to achieve any sense of unity since the referendum was voted down.
"What is likely is that the republicans will still be arguing for a politicians' republic to replace our oldest legal and constitutional institution, the crown, in our crowned republic," Prof Flint told AAP.
"We are already a republic with an Australian as head of state - the governor general. And we are not only independent, we have been independent for coming on to a century."
Labor, which went to last year's federal election promising to hold a plebiscite on Australia becoming a republic, has welcomed the ARM's new campaign.
"Labor believes each and every Australian, no matter their background, birthplace, gender or religion should be able to aspire to be our nation's head of state," shadow attorney-general Mark Dreyfus said.
"An Australian republic is about celebrating our independence and our unique culture and identity."
Australian Associated Press
