IT MAY be the biggest political decision Australians have ever had to make but some ex-pats in Southampton couldn't give much about last night's referendum Down Under.

To many Aussies today's crunch Rugby World cup final when the mighty Wallabies take on the French underdogs is more important than voting on their country's future.

But to others the compulsory election on becoming a republic was vital in shaping their homeland's identity and independence.

A total of 12.3m people went to the polls yesterday to decide whether to replace the Queen as the official head of state with a politically-appointed president for the first time since 1788.

If the "yes" vote is the majority the historical tie with Britain will be severed but if "no" triumphs it could be another generation before locals get given the choice again.

The "Yes" campaign has been backed by a string of celebrities, including Hampshire's new cricket signing and the world's greatest spin bowler Shane Warne.

In Southampton the scores of Australians who have made the city their temporary home have mixed reactions.

Postgraduate student at Southampton University Jacob Mackenzie, 26, who originates from Adelaide, has sent his "yes" vote by post.

He said: "It seems to be a good idea to assert our independence. We've been hanging off the skirt of England for quite a long while and it doesn't do much for us.

"It is all historical and things won't change much except that we get more say in who gets the post. The number of people voting against it will be quite high as there is still a feeling towards England."'

Darren Jones, 24, bar supervisor at Australian theme pub Walkabout in Southampton High Street, said: "If we become a republic it might affect bilateral working visas which will affect a lot of young Australians. If it happens I hope we can still compete in the Commonwealth Games because we always do well in that."

Nurse Katie Sullivan, from Shirley, who is on a two-year working visa, did not vote because she could not get to the polling station at Australia House in London.

She said: "More people will be more worried about the rugby final than the outcome of the vote. It will probably be a majority of no because people prefer to stay how they are rather than not know what changes there will be."

University research fellow Tanya Monro, from Sydney, has voted for a republic but she thinks if it happens the changes will be minimal. Tim Carey, manager at Walkabout said he would vote for the monarchy because the changes would not benefit the country.

Assistant manager at the bar Tony Aviel said: "It will be good for Australia to stand alone. Britain is on the opposite side of the world and we have a lot of influences from Asian markets and the United States."

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