NSW: Teenagers unsure about republic

AAP General News (Australia)
08-18-1999
NSW: Teenagers unsure about republic

SYDNEY, Aug 18 AAP - Teenagers are more unsure about the prospects of a republic than
adults and there has been a decline in support among them for the republic in the past two
years, a report in today's Australian newspaper has said.

Opinions among those in the 13-19 age group appear to be more fluid than among those who
can vote.

According to a Newspoll survey of the age group in Sydney and Melbourne, taken exclusively
for the Australian last weekend, 45 per cent of young people support the republic.

Only 19 per cent were against a republic.

This compares with 51 per cent support for the republic and 35 per cent against for those
over 18.

There is also a much larger percentage of young people who are undecided about
constitutional change.

The survey showed that while only 14 per cent of adults are uncommitted, among teenagers
more than double that - 36 per cent - are uncertain.

There are also fewer teenagers who are either strongly in favour of, or against, a
republic.

Only eight per cent are strongly against and 16 per cent strongly in favour, compared with
adult percentages of 35 per cent and 51 per cent respectively, the Australian said.

AAP smf/cjh

KEYWORD: REPUBLIC NEWSPOLL

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