Republicans hope spotlight strengthens

The spotlight on an Australian republic could strengthen if leaders on both sides of politics support a move away from the monarchy, republicans hope.

And it's not out of the question that that could be the case sooner rather than later, says Australian Republican Movement national chairman Geoff Gallop.

The former WA Labor premier says Prime Minister Tony Abbott's "aggressive" support for the monarchy and captain's call in knighting Prince Philip have helped the republican cause.

He hopes, if Mr Abbott's days as prime minister are numbered, internal Liberal Party changes may further support the cause.

Prof Gallop said the republic issue needed leadership.

With Opposition Leader Bill Shorten supporting a republic, there was a chance Australia might soon have both sides of politics support a move away from the monarchy, Prof Gallop said.

"Tony Abbott is not of that school of thought, but we don't know what will happen with the Liberal Party," he told AAP before an Australian Republican Movement member and supporters event in Melbourne on Wednesday night.

"It's not beyond the realms of possibility that Malcolm Turnbull will be leader by the end of the year."

But if the movement gained enough traction to proceed to a referendum, it would not be rushed, thanks to lessons learnt in the 1990s, he said.

Prof Gallop said the Australian public must be involved at every step of the process.