Following his initial speech welcoming the Queen of Australia and the Duke of Edinburgh on the 24th of February 1992, Keating sparked incredible controversy over his remarks on Australia’s independence from the monarchy. He defined this in terms of “regional realities” which had lead Australia to seek partnerships with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, in turn leading to political and economic independence. Several days later, Keating expanded upon his previous remarks in what has often been described as an outburst in parliament in which he divulges the extent and severity of his stance on Australian independence and identity, criticising the role of the British and their action or lack thereof in some of the darkest defeats in Australian history. He constructs a grand narrative of betrayal, accusing the British of willingly using Australian forces in European campaigns but of having little concern for Australian safety and security in the Pacific theatre of war, namely the fall of Singapore.…show more content… Whilst the majority of responses reflected intense criticism over his anti-British sentiments, some responses did believe his remarks held some merit. MP Tim Fischer agreed with Keating that it is imperative from an economic standpoint for Australia to seek and maintain links with Asia, he also recognised that for “practical reasons, rather than sentimental reasons that the Constitutional Monarchy be retained”. The Sunday Age noted that whilst “his decision to exploit nationalist sentiment” seemed like a “hazardous expedition into the unknown”, “Keating’s acknowledgment of Australia’s place in the world is a frank statement of the country’s future…it is time for this nation to stand alone, with pride and
