My point is its harder to convince the electorate to vote for it.
Politics Should Australia become a Republic?
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The problem with the original Republic referendum was that it missed the point. The whole premise was 'It's a republic, Yay Aussie head of state, but everything else stays the same'.
The purpose of shifting to a Republic would ultimately be the chance to re-evaluate the reimagine the constitution for the 21st century, considering a wide range of things such as:
- the role of the executive (President/Head of State)
- the role of states/territories vs national governments (and the judiciary etc). At present we are a Federation of states - most core laws and responsibilities (criminal law, education and health, etc) sit with states, while the capacity to tax and raise revenue (in particular) is held centrally. This... is a problem.
- The composition of government and its capacity to 'represent' the people. We seem locked into a lower house based on arbitrary geographic locations and an upper house based on states. Do we need a bicameral system? Is there a better division than electorates?
- Should we have a Bill of Rights, and if so, what goes in it?
- Clarification of some of the 'conventions' that are unwritten in the constitution (for example the concept of a 'Prime Minister' isn't in the constitution). These conventions work until they don't (a la the dismissal).
- the process for future amendments. Historically, it has been very hard for referenda to pass. Do we tweak this system slightly?
All of those would have very tangible impacts for the future. I'm not arguing for change to the things above specifically, but that should ideally be part of a Republic debate. By its very nature a Republic is a different entity.
IMO the Voice referendum was rushed and should have been one part of a process of consitutional reform. We're long past due for a constitutional convention IMO. Change often happens when times are bad... but that's often the worst time. Better to recognise the differences in the country and think about these issues from a position of relative strength.
mcgarnacle
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If it's symbolism, change the flag first. It appears that's as far as we'll get.
Not Important
never test the depth of water with both feet.
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the flag is small beer. we need a gov't that says we don't need/want british patronage anymore.
mcgarnacle
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But it's a start. Start small, build up. We'll all be carbon atoms by the time Australia is a republic.
schneebly111
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New Zealand tried to but failed. Mostly as the new design was crap (should’ve remained with a simple black and white fern instead of the multi coloured one)
Gethelred
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I'm actually completely on board there.
It's not as though we got the pint through. Let's start with the shot glass if it gets the ball rolling.
I agree, but it's not me you have to convince.
If small beer gets things done, let's have a Centurion.
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Yeah but the flag resonates for different people m so given time we all cross paths and we link Arms and
retire gracefully
Change the national anthem to The Seekers "We are One, We are Australian" it is so much more relevant than that stupid one we have now. This song never fails to move people emotionally and gives a sense of such pride in this great and diverse country of ours. We really are One (if left to the everyday people, not politicians or activists stirring up trouble)
I would like to have a referendum on that tbh.
...but I don't want a republic, we are already independent in our way of life. The monarchy is just symbolism and doesn't effect our day to day life or how we run things in this country.
I'm not a monarchist, but I see no reason to change things. They are name only and that means nothing to me at all so I don't give it a second thought. More important things happening here than worrying about a name attached..
..anyhow, like it or not, they are part of our history.
I would like to have a referendum on that tbh.
...but I don't want a republic, we are already independent in our way of life. The monarchy is just symbolism and doesn't effect our day to day life or how we run things in this country.
I'm not a monarchist, but I see no reason to change things. They are name only and that means nothing to me at all so I don't give it a second thought. More important things happening here than worrying about a name attached..
..anyhow, like it or not, they are part of our history.
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mcgarnacle
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Agree re the anthem. Sounds like a nursery rhyme. Players in Rugby League, Cricket, and other sports are getting blasted not singing it at the moment. To be honest, I wouldn't sing it too. I don't look at the flag with too much pride either.
There are many wonderful things about Australia, but many of our symbols are lame in my opinion. Divisive even. Changing one word in the anthem doesn't suddenly unite us. The union jack on the flag will always remind us of our colonial past rather than our multicultural future.
I do like our coat of arms though.
- Jul 27, 2013
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Sorry - all that makes you a monarchist.
- Jul 27, 2013
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That'll do me. It also rids us of any allegiance to some inbred, paedophile-protecting Poms who have done nothing more to earn their status than come out of the right chute.
Listened to Craig Foster's on the topic , looks like the plan is a couple of years getting in front of people to get a better idea of what framework people want and only get the referendum considered when they know they have the numbers
- Jul 27, 2013
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In the chat he was having it mentioned a good proportion of people they spoke to didn't even know the Royals were our head of State.
It was even noted the Royals (how I don't know) voted against Australia holding the women's world cup, stuff like that needs to be highlighted
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Because most normal people DGAF who the 'head of state' is. It is meaningless. Fugazzi. Nothing. Zilch.
If this is the reason to go republic, have fun losing. All the 'No' vote will need to do is show how much it'll cost to change (likely billions) and it's over.
Show HOW it will change people's lives. Many would argue it won't; at this stage I definitely lean with them given none of you have been able to coherently say ANYTHING other than 'HeAd Of StAtE sHoUlD bE LoCaL"
- Jul 27, 2013
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because that ****en excuse is used by conservatives to avoid changing anything they want to hang on to. Being subjects of a british monarch in 2023 is just plain humiliating.
Yeah. My faith in the Australian electorate is zero too. Wouldn't surprise me if Dutton wins the next election and becomes PM.
Awaiting "like it or leave" comments...
Then it shouldn't go to the electorate at all. Change it unilaterally. Australia is a Republic now. Done. Draw up a new Constitution for a new Nation. All previous Constitutions are now null and void.
Most normal people wouldn't give a f*ck, as you say. Let's call that bluff, shall we?
Why can't that be the thing ?
They should be Australian.
Given you don't care, why wouldn't you support the change if it means more to others? (Don't worry, that's rhetorical)
- Jul 27, 2013
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What would change? Nothing. You're possibly right. I think there would be implications on travel/passports, foreign trade, tax, and the overall cost would be huge.
So, given it will be a very expensive exercise. What benefit will that create other than HeAd Of StAtE nuffies being happy?
Quantify something, anything?!
