Premiers join forces in support of republic
THE leaders of Australia's states and territories have united on the eve of the nation's biggest celebration to reject the Queen as head of state and call for a republic. 
In a historic move, the premiers and chief ministers, including Mike Baird (pictured), have penned an Australia Day declaration pledging their belief the nation needs to be governed by an Australian at the highest level of office.
It comes exactly one year after former prime minister Tony Abbott, who last night confirmed he would stand again for parliament, shocked the nation with his bizarre decision to knight the Queen's husband, Prince Philip, in the Australia Day honours list.FULL REPORTS PAGES 6-7