I see Mark Latham (he is the Labour leader and likely next Prime Minister for those not familiar with Australian affairs) has set out a timetable for a vote on an Australian republic.

Simple question; Yes or No?

Is this vote resticted to Australian Citizens, or can any old Tom, Dick & Harry vote in it ?

My guess is the real one will be restricted to Australian Citizens, this one however is "just for fun" and so any Tom, Dick, but probably not Prince Harry, may express an interest.

My own belief is that it is high time that Australia cut the apron strings and moved out into a shared unit with its mates.

When it comes to the vote, if Latham wins, I'll be a citizen and it will be a NO from this republican.

I dread to think what system he will bring in. I cannot stand Howards policies but at least he is vaguely competent. Latham can't even pay his cab fare without breaking the cabbies arm.

Whilst I believe a republic is inevitable I think it is still too soon after the previous botched attempt. It will be a major piece of symbolism for Australia and a turning point away from Britain. My problem is with Australian politicians rather than the republic.

I am all in favour of ditching the monarchy, but not if it means the introduction of layers of beurocracy round a Presidential system. There are far too many bodies already with Local, State, Parliament and the Senate. Can’t see how a country of 20m can justify that many civil servants.

Agreed, I think wholesale constitutional reform should also be on the agenda. Scrap the state governments for a start and have one set of laws implemented by a national government. City councils should be able to manage the rest and should enjoy gretaer autonomy than they currently have.

In the words of Billy Connolly, “the fact that you want to be a politician should automatically exclude you from ever being one� or something like that.

Politicians should be like jury service. You get called up for a year, screw up as much as you can, then go back to your old job. Can’t be any worse than the “career� politicians we get nowadays.

I've been trying to word a repy to this, but I think Bondi sums it up.

I don't like to answer with a simple yes or no



I don't trust Latham at all.. really I don't! He's an idiot. I thought little jonnie took some beating.. but him, he needs to get some diplomacy. If he ever becomes Prime minister - move your money out of Aus pronto! He p*sses off Asian leaders (it's only Aus's bread and butter).. he is all for Aus owned.. someone should tell him if American, British and Japanese companies pulled out of here it this country would collapse, it would be like a third world

I'm all for a republic, I'm very anti- monarchy ( and yes I can vote... I haven't got a choice!)

But what has he come with, can the Australian public choose their own president,, or will it be like last vote - the politicians choose the President - and that is why it failed last time.

I won't be voting for him. Scary thought isn't it , that I have a vote

anyway answer is yes to a republic , no to voting for that idiot for prime minister

I think he is proposing a plebiscite; i.e. let the plebs pick their own President (would s/he be known as the Presso?).

That brings us on to the next issue of course, who would make a suitable president? We need to find an Australian with integrity, diplomacy, tact...Ok lets stick with the current system!

Australians didnt vote to keep the Queen a few short years ago for nothing; they know when they are on to a good thing.
Australia gets a public holiday every year in celebration of the Queens birthday. Australians didnt give it up at the last vote and they are unlikely to in the next. They love their leisure time too much.
Not that I'm calling Aussies fickle.

LOL

The first issue is how will a republic be configured ?

That, and only that, question must be considered and agreed by a majority, before they try pushing too far.

Why is Tom Keneally a former Chairman of the Australian Republican Movement ?
answer: statements in 1996 like: "Mr Howard won't have to answer that question in 20 years for, by a grand historic irony, we will be a republic by 2000 "
To much confidence, not enough planning ! ??

I guess they could be bribed with "presso" day.

Will the presso be symbolic and just sign off laws or will the head of state have full executive powers like Dubya?

I reckon Don Bradman has been cryogenically frozen for the presidency. Even if he was dead I reckon he would win.

I'm still still not going to vote for him for prime minister.

Knowing "the plebs"
they'll probably pick a sports star..lol

How about Dawn Fraser ( she seem to love the camera.. every where there is an event she makes sure that she get's her ugly mug on TV) , or Thorpe if he doesn't fall down.(I swear he's on the booze)