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Anna Bligh
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Prof. Noam Chomsky, Deakin University
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The Australian Republic
Some say an Australian Republic is the final step in a journey towards independence and nationhood for our country. It will have a resident Australian citizen as Head of State, chosen through a process that reflects Australian values such as equality, fairness and democracy.
If you are interested in the role of a future Australian Head of State, OurSay is offering you the opportunity to ask the big questions about what it means for Australia to one day become a Republic.
Working with the Australian Republican Movement (ARM) the top 5 questions on OurSay will be discussed by the featured panelists at the ARM Victorian Republican Conference held at Deakin University (Melbourne Campus) on Saturday 4th February 2012. You can download a flyer for the event here.
Questions
Australia has the best of both worlds. Our Constitution is great and we DO NOT need to become a Republic. What would we gain from becoming a Republic except potential instability?
Australia has the best of both worlds. Our Constitution is great and we DO NOT need to become a Republic. What would we gain from becoming a Republic except potential instability?
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Australian voters have a history of saying NO. How do we ensure that the next Republic referendum does not fail just because of the kind of pervasive negativity and division currently being experienced in our political culture?
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In recent years, the powers exercised by the monarchy have been rare and warranted, why bother sending citizens out to the polls to elect somebody that will simply open gardens and kiss babies?
In recent years, the powers exercised by the monarchy have been rare and warranted, why bother sending citizens out to the polls to elect somebody that will simply open gardens and kiss babies?
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Why not adopt my model for an Australian Republic, submitted to the official review called by Paul Keating in 1993? I say that the Prime Minister must be the Head of State, that is there should not be a separate "president" - elected or selected. This overcomes a barrier in the minds of many to a Republic. The Head of State is elected by constituents and chosen by Caucus, keeping the position as long as she/he maintains confidence of peers. In our Republic we should elect one female and one male representative for each seat, guaranteeing gender equality for all time. The unrepresentative swill, the Senate, should be abolished. Why allow Tasmanians 20 times the voting power of NSW electors?
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What is the simplest model of Republic? Instead of a President, can we keep the Governor-General as a Head of State? How do we assess which model best suits our governance needs, keeps total costs of government down, and gives our nation the symbols, rituals and practices that best reflect and honour us as a people? How do the different models of republic objectively compare?
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If Australia does become a republic what is the panel's view on which 'model' the new head of State should follow? e.g. A ceremonial role such as in Ireland or Italy, or active along the lines of the United States or French president? Also, does the panel agree that the head of state must be elected by the voting public, and not appointed by politicians?
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In the next referendum on the question of a republic why not have a cascade of questions that would permit a fairer response than that allowed by Howard’s previous offering: Q1 Do you favor Australia becoming a Republic? Q2 Was Australia to become a republic do you want the Head of State (President) elected by the people? Q3 Was Australia to become a republic do you support changing the national flag?
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An Australian Republic is singularly the greatest Constitutional Reform since Federation. My question is; why stop there?
Anyone with any knowledge of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia knows that it is extremely hard to amend, it is achiac and badly in need of repair. That it was written at a time that is worlds apart from the modern, progressive Australia in the technical age.
Why not initiate a whole swathe of badly needed Constitutional Reform? Why not introduce a Preamble, introduce a 'Bill of Rights' instrument and introduce greater inclusivity of the citizens within our framework of Government?
This is our greatest opportunity to not only assert our full independence but also reinforce and preserve our democracy. We need fully inclusive Constitutional Convensions that engages every citizen across Australia; let's start from there.
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Effective decision making is dependant on acceptance as well as the quality of the solution. This often causes good what needs to be done to be discarded due to lack of popularity. How will you address this fundamental flaw with our political system that public perception plays a larger role in decision making than how well something works.
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Real discussion about "Republic" involves consideration of checks and balances, and separation of powers. A well designed republic has a parliament, a separate executive, a separate judiciary and an acknowledge role for the press (the fourth estate). Australia is currently very weak on these matters. When can we expect a mature discussion about these vital issues?
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