1.   The issue also is not as simple as replacing the queen of England with an Australian head of state or president.

2.   A constitutional review commission has recommended that the country replace the queen with a local head of state.

3.   A referendum overwhelmingly rejected replacing the queen.

4.   A number of pro-republican figures had urged that a reference to replacing the queen be included.

5.   Instead, voters should be asked simply if they want an Australian citizen to replace the queen as head of state.

6.   Opinion polls show that a majority of Australians favor replacing the queen with a president.

7.   Opinion polls say most Australians still would like to replace the queen, but are divided over the shape of an alternative system.