The Conservative Mythology of Monarchy: Impacts upon Australian Republicanism.

This paper addresses the continuing existence of monarchy in Australian politics. The argument is put forward that one of the key reasons for the continuation of the monarchy in the Australian context is its inseparable links with English conservatism. Certain loose principles or myths are discussed at some length which, it is argued, are the defining ideology of conservatism, symbolised most purely in the power of the monarch. This conservative mythology is extremely potent in Australian culture, as conservatives occupy central and often more permanent positions of power than elected officials. Each of these central tenets of conservatism is discussed in the Australian context, and suggestions are made as to their negative and constraining impact upon the potential of an Australian democratic republic. The final task of this paper lists ways in which dominant mythology is inculcated into the minds of the masses: mainly through popular literature and rituals; the latter actually playing out, as it were, the lessons derived from the mythology. The concluding argument emphasises the extent to which the monarchy remains a powerful force, and that to believe otherwise is to ignore the pervasiveness of conservative mythology in Australian society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]