While the Queen is celebrating her big Platinum Jubilee this week, Australia has appointed its first Assistant Minister for the Republic.  

Matt Thistlethwaite will oversee Australia's transition to a republic and says he's doing the work now so that the country is ready to go when Prime Minister Albanese gets re-elected for a second term.  

Peter Fitzsimons, chairman of the Australian Republic Movement, joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. 

LISTEN ABOVE