Quentin Bryce has been sworn in as the 25th, and perhaps last, Governor-General of Australia. The ABC has more. Republic UK blogs that Bryce has already made history once by being Australia's first female Governor-General - can could make history again by being its last.

Reuters explains why the appointment matters to the republic debate:

"The most we hope for is that he might start a more spirited discussion of the republic issue during this term of government," Australian Republican Movement deputy chairman John Warhurst told Reuters on Friday.

"We hope that maybe by the time of the next election, he may have a specific program for his next (three year) term."

Most analysts say Australia will not decide on the issue until the Queen dies and Prince Charles becomes king.

Republicans believe Queen Elizabeth, who is also Queen of Australia, is Australia's actual head of state. Monarchists say the Queen is just the monarch, and that the governor-general, who is appointed by the government of the day, is head of state.

Meanwhile, Australia's Daily Telegraph reports that former Australian Governors-General cost the Aussie taxpayer around $2.5 million a year. Jason Falinski of the ARM said these costs are "reflective of how archaic the office is" and are "...just another example of how silly that job has become".