The question of an Australian Republic
From time to time people seek to mount a case for Australia to become a republic their reasoning rarely has anything to do with effective government. As it seems the current model has served us well in the provision of relatively stable government since federation. The Australian people have rejected this question in several referendums for various reasons the last in 1999.
Points of argument
To sever remaining ties with Britain and become an independent country?
The Constitution of Australia (PDF) The Constitution of Australian (HTML)
Time line
Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 (UK)
Royal Commission of Assent 1900 (UK)
Royal and Parliamentary Titles Act 1927 (UK)
Statute of Westminster 1931 (UK)
Statute of Westminster Adoption Act 1942 (Cth)
Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 (Cth)
Australia Act 1986 (UK) Australia Act 1986 (Cth)
This has already happened
Calls for an Australian Head of State
The role of head of state of Australia is divided between two people, the Queen of Australia and the Governor-General of Australia, who is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister of Australia. Though in many respects the Governor-General is the Queen’s representative, and exercises various constitutional powers in her name, the office is independently vested with many important constitutional powers by the Constitution.
Confusion about appointment of Head of State
Direct – elected by popular vote – political mandate – separation of executive branch – another lay of government – with separate mandate – powers of PM – would a politician really cede power?
Indirect – parliamentary appointment – political puppet?
If the system works, why fix it?
Keep up the good work on this blog!
I never thought of it that way, well put!