Re: Abbott must go, arise Sir Malcolm!
Reply #9 –
I oppose the idea of a republic for a variety of reasons. One being the historical aspect but another being the cost involved. Just try and think of all the paraphernalia that would need to be changes. Starting from every button on every policeman's uniform, crested paper, etc, etc. right up to a total re-write of the constution. (something that would take over a decade these days.) Then we have the problem of who becomes the president and how are they to be selected. It needs to be in a way in which they can be ousted quickly (today's G/G can have their commission withdrawn reasonably easy and quickly) How about State Gov's? All state government rules need to be re-written. No you cannot just white-out G.G. or State G. and type in another name, it would be a far wider ranging task. All of these things would require a huge number of inputs from volunteer self-professed academics not to mention the huge number of paid jobs that would have to be old. Think of the court battles to challenge each and every process/statement/idea. The task would be enormous. Currently the process works well. Why change it?
The defeat of the republic debate was a well orchestrated con job by Howard. The fact is that there was and is no reason to elect a president. The current system is a testament to that. There would not be a requirement to restructure other than reference to president in place of reference to Governor General in Constitution. Celestial rule contradicts the very notion of democratic equality.
Bring on a republic I say.