an australian republic?

Australia as a Republic?
Before I start, I would like to clarify that this is just one person's opinion; and not meant to offend anyone in anyway what-so-ever.

In my opinion, I feel that Australia is finally prepared to switch to becoming a Republic. It is clearly about time they forgo the Monarchy and stand on their own two feet. It is about time that Australia look forward and do away with the Monarchy which clearly reflects it's Colonial past. The switch will indeed reflect the Democracy among the Australian citizens. Australia definitely MUST have it's own Head of State to stress and reflect it's National Identity (which it is clearly lacking). Albeit the fact that the Commandments need to be amended and that it will take some time and money, it is definitely WORTH IT; every penny and every second.

Of course we should!
Should've done it long ago!

Hello, david & sof welcome to A2K.
Are you both from Oz?

What changes to the electoral system would this entail? What powers would the president have assuming you'd get one?

I'm guessing way more important issues are at stake here then the mere symbolism of the english crown.

Einherjar

I'm hoping someone with more knowledge comes along to answer your question, as I'm by no means an expert in this area. My hunch is that changes to the electoral system wouldn't be necessary, or expected even, as a result of Australia gaining it's own head of state. Let's see what others have to say on this, though ... (Apologies, but much too late in the evening here to do the necessary internet searching to give you a definite answer.)

Australian Republican Movement website:
http://www.republic.org.au/ARM-2001/whoweare/who_aboutus.htm

Not a problem, I can wait.

I'm just figuring that the proposed republic will entail some change in the power structures of the australian government, and think the english crown a rather unimportant triviality. I certainly wouldn't cast a vote on this based on the symbolism of english royalty.

I expect some australian poster will come along with information at some point, and I shall read up on it then.

EDIT: Or now (didn't see the second post untill just now)

That site lead me to this:

Models for an Australian republic

It seems the symbolism of the english crown is all there is to this for now.

What powers do the Governor General have by the way, and how is he presently s/elected?

Nah; Malaysians. Helping David with his assignment.

Hey..no.Im a Malaysian. Most probably going to pursue my studies in Australia though. Been there once..really like it. I'm actually doing a research for about this Australian republic issue under the South Australian Matriculation. Anyways, great that you guys are responding. Keep em coming in. I personally support an Australian republic. Give me reasons for and against an Australian republic.

Since the machinations of such a republic have not been nalied down, I can not really come up with arguments concerning it. I might have offered an oppinion on a distinct proposition, but the symbolism of the english crown alone seem to me entirely a non issue.

<Ahem>.......I would like to point out, that just the mere discussion regarding the forming of a Republic, by one of her Majesty's subjects, can be interpreted as Treason.

I have notified Her Majesty, and this has resulted in a full regiment of Beefeaters being put on full alert.

The situation will now be monitored closely, and if necessary, this Regiment will be immediately despatched to Australia, so that they can eat all of your beef.

They'll be kept busy...

I strongly disagree with you, Einherjar. Symbolism is not to be sneezed at! An acknowledgement of finally growing up & being confident about our place in the world! As Lord Ellpus (cheeky devil!) well knows! :wink:
(Gosh, I sound like a rampant, flag waving nationalist, don't I? )

Ah, an assignment!
And you're both Malaysian!
I'll see what else I can find later. Not much time now, sorry.
And how about the other Aussies helping David out here? I believe we have a librarian in Sydney. <nudge nudge, wink wink>

David, could you post a copy of the topic question?

Einherjar

It was the "details" of a potential republic that cause the referendum, a few years ago, to be lost. Voters didn't like the "official" Republican Movement position & were confused. (I know this from direct experience, too, from handing out how to vote cards on polling day. Like, huh? ) A divisive media debate occurred over whether we should vote for our head of state or whether s/he should be appointed by the government of the day. A shemozzle & a lost opportunity, that poll.

Don't Australia have its own head of state besides the queen?

Here in Canada, the topmost position is supposedly the queen, but the Prime Minister is the actual head of state. The monarch has no control over the country except for picking a Governor General and that's on the "recommendation" of the Prime Minister (if I remember correctly). The Governor General does little except give out awards and spend taxpayers money on travel etc anyways.

I think that not having the monarchy would mean that Australia would have moved on from the history of the Monarchy and the colony, but I agree with Einherjar that it's not a pressing issue, as the monarchy of today are different than back then anyhow and there are more important things to consider.

Still having a queen in Britain might help to not strain relations between the two country...

No, we don't have our own head of state, Ray. Most Australians, in various polls, appear to want one.

Regarding our relationship with the UK, the monarchy: We (Australians) are increasing irrelevant to the British. The "Commonwealth" is of far less importance to the British these days than the EU. It's a very different world & I suspect the British EXPECT us to to become a republic. I fact, they're probably surprised that we aren't already!

... also, the composition of the Australian population is very multicultural these days. (I'll see if I can find details later, David). The British Queen doesn't have the same relevance to many Australians now than say, the 1950s & 60s, when we were a much a white, anglo/European outpost in the south Pacific.