Why have progressives neglected the republic?

probably because it is meaningless at this stage.

I know this is one of those issues I should care about more, but I don't. So far, most referendum debates seem to centre on whether or not to have a filthy rich ex-politician Australian as our head of state rather than a filthy rich English monarch.

I would much rather have a referendum on a change of flag that gets rid of the Union Jack and uses colours that don't seriously clash with what have now become our national colours of gold and green (which I'd also like to see changed as that particular colour combination always makes me bilious). And while we're at it, why can't we get ourselves a more rousing national anthem than the terminally dull Advance Australia Fair?

I'd also love to see a campaign on naming reforms that get rid of all those Prince This and Royal That and Queen Somebody or Other from every second public building, hospital, park, highway, bridge and whatever.

Also, a campaign to change the names of the states would get me really excited. Tasmania is the only state that has a halfway decent title. The identity of South and Western Australia and the Northern Territory are defined merely as points on a compass. NSW bears absolutely NO resemblance whatsoever to southern Wales. Queensland is not full of queens, and Victoria could just as easily be Matilda.

Killarney,
I fully agree that there are far more important issues to tackle before we should worry about frivolous idealistic stuff. Corruption within the Public service is something that is getting way too ripe. sorting that out will clear the way to a better Australia.

Currently we live in and Oligarchy in which private Corporations control our Govts. That by definition is fascism.

can't speak for progressives, but my opinion it is a trivial issue

This is an issue only for the elites, & I personally am quite glad it gets up their collective noses that real people just aren't interested.

I must admit mac's post is telling in stating this fact so clearly. It must gall the inner city chattering classes that we in the sticks don't immediately recognise their superiority of thought process, & do their bidding.

Stop fretting kids, you'll get your republic eventually, but the way we are going, it will probably be an Islamic one. I wonder how the chattering class will like a republic with no wine, no pot, no feminists, & a requirement to actually work for a living. I reckon they will long for the society they so disparage today.