Oh no, not this again.
Couldn't they have chosen some other country to visit.
What does his lordship want now?
Why is he really here?

Dear Banjo,

Thank you for the information.

I also hope that this visit won't be his last.
And that it will an enjoyable visit.

Hi AC,

King Charles has always had a great affection for Australia.
And we can only assume that due to his health he's wanting
to visit - in case it may be his last.

I hope not.

.

Dear ttbn,

.

The total annual cost in 2024 of employing the Governor General and the six State Governors is about $AUS 4 million. That includes salaries, office expenses and motor vehicles. The two Territories don’t have Governors. They get along fine without them.

If we didn’t have a part-time monarch who lives on the other side of the world and whom we have to share with the UK and the 14 other Commonwealth realms (Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu) I can’t help thinking we could do without them at the federal level and in the six States as well.
.

You indicated :

« The one-off cost of the 90s republic referendum (failed) cost us $133 million. »
.

That’s odd. The Australian Electoral Commission’s 1999 referendum report indicates a total cost of $66 233 682. Here are the details :

http://www.aec.gov.au/Elections/referendums/1999_Referendum_Reports_Statistics/Appendices.htm#b

Maybe they’re missing something. Please check and let me know where the difference of $67 million comes from.
.

Your estimate of $450 million for the Voice referendum seems realistic.
.

I agree that the way we run our referendums is a waste of money. It’s a labyrinthine system in which the question almost inevitably gets lost.

Our old Colonial Constitution is beyond repair. We need a new one.

.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are due to arrive in
Sydney this evening for their Australian visit.

We certainly could use some happy news.

Hi Foxy,

I have no objection to a visit by King Charlie and Queen Godzilla to our friendly shores. I believe they are flying economy on 'Nostar' Airlines. They are being put up at the "Matthew Talbot", gratus for a couple of nights whilst in Sydney. Besides taking in the usual sights, Kings Cross, Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Kings Cross for a second times, Charlie thinks its a very regal place, the name and all, etc, Charlie is very keen on a day out at Luna Park, he loves the dodgems and the roller coaster, but he's forbidden from putting the balls in the clowns mouth anymore, last time a ball got stuck in Godzilla's throat, and it took a week for her to cough it up! Tonight its palatial dining down at Harry's Cafe De Wheels, at Woolloomooloo, the young couple will be enjoying Harry's signature dish, 'Pie And Peas', unfortunately Charlie will not be partaking of his favourite, a foot long 'Dogwood Dog', watching his weight and all, but a creamy waffle or two after will be okay. Then its up up and away, off to spent a mouth in sunny Antarctica with other loyal subjects, the penguins, or some such place.... who knows.... who cares.

"Please check and let me know where the difference of $67 million comes from."

The estimated costs of the various Yes/No campaigns.

"they are being put up at the "Matthew Talbot","

I hear there's a rather luxurious place in Copacabana that's not currently occupied although I gather the PM would rather not talk about it right now.

AS to BJ's estimates as the royal fortunes, its all smoke and mirrors. While on paper the numbers might stack up (although I don't think they do), this wealth is illusory since its not fungible. Comparing Charles III's wealth to Rinehart's is invalid. While all of Gina's assets are saleable if she so desired, much of the royal wealth isn't. Things like Windsor or Buck Palace might be impressively valuable and add to the apparent royal wealth, but they aren't and never will be for sale. So their true market value is zero.

Given the right question, I'd vote for a republic. But I find all this anti-royal rhetoric to be just a tad childish with a large dollop of virtue signalling.