JAJ

Lots of Australians "want a republic" in general terms but then don't like the particular "model" they are offered.

It's not clear to what extent the change of government will matter as Australians also don't appreciate being told by politicians which way they should vote. Only 8 constitutional amendments since Federation have been accepted, with many more rejected.

This thread though does rather contradict the view of some that all British migrants are die-hard monarchists.

Eastend Girl

Yes, I've seen that too - the Royals don't cost the taxpayer much at all.

I don't see what difference a republic would make either - I wouldn't vote for it!

Wendy

For me it's not about the money. I just think that a head of state should be someone who has been chosen by it's citizens and not because they were born into it.

If the majority voted to keep the Queen, then fine. But I think there should be a choice.

bridie

Does it make much difference though to the ordinary, every day folk?

Either way, we'll end up paying for them...

Wendy

I have no idea - probably not.

True

Vim Fuego

We've got Elton John over at the moment, surely that will suffice?

Swerv-o

Malcolm Turnbull wrote quite an interesting book on this subject, and he outlined the various different approaches to choosing a president/head of state. It's well worth a read. There are some pretty compelling arguments for either choice system - government selection or voting by the masses.

I guess much of the debate will depend on whether any future president will wield executive power, or just be a fancy head of state/ambassadorial role.

I think I would prefer a non-executive president - that would encourage more prominent people who have achieved something for the country to run instead of just another worthless politician.


S

Wendy

Yep, I'd go with that too.

Will look out for the book next time I'm out and about.

JAJ

And if you want a non-executive president, it is far better for such a president to be appointed (like the Governor General) rather than elected.

However, Australians rejected this idea back in 1999.

JoanL

- er - those were mainly Labour pollies - was this a Freudian slip? I'm glad you included Howard though.

I agree with many of the sentiments expressed in this thread, especially that Australia should have an Australian as head of state. I would loathe the American bovine excrement that goes with choosing a Prez though - I reckon it would bankrupt us. Just a normal election process would do - at the same time as a general election. Give us a list of people and we'll tick 1,2,3 etc. I would also want a person of standing, outside of sports and party politics...perhaps a leading academic or ex-diplomat - someone with a brain and good ethics anyway.

Tableland

Blocs change all the time. Traditionally the Irish were Labor/Republican and the WASPs were Liberal/Monarchy, but things look like they're changing. QLD seems still to be most conservative, but generally my reading of polls is that Australia will be a republic around 2010.

The issue is the model selected, and one that allows the direct election of a president will be more popular than the one proposes earlier which basically just gave even more power to the incumbent PM.

I can't see any reason why Australia should not become a republic. The UK will not exist as most know it for much longer, and that is not emotive hyperbole but a stark and accurate reading of the technicalities of government bureaucracy. Sterling will be gone before you know it, and what's left of the independent legidslative process has not long left either. The Queen as an icon will recede into the past.

Why would the Australians continue to be attached to a dissolving state when they can start the 21st century as a new independent republic?

You'd think after WWII and joining the EU in 1973, the Australians would have realised that the Europhile elite of the UK is not interested in them.

why

a president sounds good...but lets hope it isn't like USA and she/he thinks they "rule" the nation

what about an indigenous president who's a women that would be "hip"

Tableland

The US president is getting more power in terms of foreign policy, but the Constitution is pretty clear about limiting the executive branch.

TJUK

Need to review the flag as there would be no point in having it topped by the UJ? What could go in its place?? Was it the UK that decided the flags for Oz & New Zealand?

TJUK

Suppose all the state flags need reviewing too less NT.