Abbott vs. Turnbull: Republic Debate (1993)

The last decade has been an extraordinary (and disappointing) one in Australian politics, with tiresome leadership spills, the rise of the often unpredictable micro parties and forever-shifting policies, particularly when it comes to energy and sustainability.

Things move quickly and we’re already into the post-Turnbull ‘ScoMo’ era (cringe). Before we forget recent events between Turnbull and Abbott too quickly, however, it is important to remember that history has a habit of repeating itself…

I couldn’t help being reminded of this fact when I stumbled upon a video of Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull on the ABC’s 7:30 Report back in 1993, debating the need for Australia to become a republic. Shared on YouTube by ABCLibrarySales, this great video shows that Abbott and Turnbull almost seemed destined to butt heads ideologically for the rest of their political careers.

As a side note, the question of Australia becoming a republic really doesn’t seem to have progressed since the 1999 referendum. The issue of a rebranded royal family with increasing popularity certainly isn’t helping things.