Daniel Andrews and Mike Baird were among state and territory leaders to sign a declaration calling for the Queen to be replaced by an Australian head of state.

Just 37 per cent of Indi and 34 per cent of Farrer – below the national total of 45 per cent – voted in favour of a republic during the 1999 referendum.

Murray Valley MP Tim McCurdy said a poll has not been conducted in 15 years, but he did not believe the result would change.

“I’m a traditionalist, I’m not in favour of a republic,” he said. “We’re a fairly conservative community in the region. My assumption is that the majority would be in favour of keeping the monarchy.”

But the MP said the introduction of social media meant more people could publicly express opinions and he was happy to have the debate in a new world.

The potential cost of making legislation changes to create a republic was a worry for Benambra MP Bill Tilley.

He said Australia’s arrangement under Great Britain was “the best model in the world” and he would want to be sure before switching to a republic.

Mr Tilley called the premiers’ agreement “white noise” to create momentum.

“It’s convenient for our state premiers to come out the day before Australia Day and say they want it,” he said.

“What exactly is the model the public wants?

“It constantly puts up more questions than answers.”

Albury MP Greg Aplin would also not give his personal opinion about a republican or monarchy, saying it was a federal issue.

“The premier’s put up a personal view there, but I don’t think we’ll see a debate,” he said.

“There’s been no (Albury) comment whatsoever on this.”

Even Euroa MP Steph Ryan, who was not a monarchist, felt the issue should not be prioritised in front of issues like the economy or Indigenous recognition.

“I certainly support the idea of a republic, but I think there are much bigger issues to be tackled at the moment,” Ms Ryan said.