Since the time of federation, Australia has been a constitutional monarchy with the Queen of the United Kingdom as its head of state. However, today many Australians are questioning whether this form of government is still relevant or appropriate and are suggesting that we move towards the establishment of a republic. The question of whether we maintain the monarchy is not merely a legal detail but is intrinsically linked to the way we perceive ourselves as a distinct nation of people with its own identity and culture. As a result, the issue is a very controversial one and has attracted a lot of debate. This essay will consider some of the arguments for maintaining the monarch as head of state and will outline some of the problems with this position. It will then put forward a number of reasons why Australia should change to a republican form of government.