In the wake of the Queens funeral, the Australian republic debate is beginning to kick off.

Meanwhile, the passage of the proposed referendum on a Voice to Parliament could be a necessary, albeit not sufficient, condition for Australia to become a republic.

Amid the discussion, Assistant Minister for the Republic Matt Thistlethwaite told Liam Bartlett on 6PR Mornings there was some psychology involved in getting Australians used to debating and discussing the constitution, admitting it will be tough for the nation to become a republic if the Voice referendum is defeated.

Tap PLAY below to hear their full chat on the importance of referendums

“We really need to see referendum opportunities as nation building and opportunities to unite Australians, and I think it would be a great tragedy and it would divide the nation if we weren’t successful with the ‘voice’,” he said.