Republicanism in Australia is the movement to change Australia's status as a constitutional monarchy to a republican form of government. Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      A constitutional monarchy is a form of government established under a constitutional system which acknowledges an elected or hereditary monarch as head of state, as opposed to an absolute monarchy, where the monarch is not bound by a... Look up republic in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Arguments for change and the Characteristics of the Debate.

Representing Australia

A central argument made by Australian republicans is that it is inappropriate for Australia as an independent country to have the same person who is the British monarch also be the Australian monarch. This article is about the monarchy of the United Kingdom, one of sixteen that share a common monarch; for information about this constitutional relationship, see Commonwealth realm; for information on the reigning monarch, see Elizabeth II. For information about other Commonwealth realm monarchies, as well as other relevant articles, see... Judicial High Court Lower Courts Constitution State and territory governments Executive Governors and Administrators Premiers and Chief Ministers Legislative Parliaments and Assemblies State electoral systems ACT - NSW - NT - Qld. ...

They argue that a person who is resident primarily in another country cannot adequately represent Australia, neither to itself, nor to the rest of the world. As Australian Republican Movement member, Frank Cassidy put it in a speech on the issue: In short, we want a resident for President.^[1] The Australian Republican Movement was founded in July 1991. ...

Constitutional monarchists, such as those represented by Australians for Constitutional Monarchy and the Australian Monarchist League, respond that Australia's monarch is not a citizen of a foreign nation, acts as Queen of Australia separately to her role as Queen of the United Kingdom, and maintains close ties with Australia. They assert that the Governor-General, who acts as head of state, does an able job of representing Australia domestically and to other nations. Australians for Constitutional Monarchy (ACM) is a group that aims to preserve Australias current constitutional system, with Britains Queen Elizabeth 2 as head of state. ... The Australian Monarchist League was founded in 1943 to support the role of the Crown in the Australias constitutional system. ...

Multiculturalism and Sectarianism

Republicans argue that Australia has changed demographically and culturally, from being "British to our bootstraps", as prime minister Sir Robert Menzies once put it, to being increasingly multicultural. For Australians not of British ancestry, they argue, the idea of one person being both Monarch of Australia and Monarch of Britain is an anomaly. It is also claimed that Aborigines and Australians of Irish origin see the Australian Crown as a symbol of British imperialism. However, monarchists argue that immigrants who left unstable republics and have arrived in Australia since 1945 welcomed the social and political stability that they found in Australia under a constitutional monarchy. Further, Aborigines such as Senator Neville Bonner, denounced the republican movement.^[2] Sir Robert Gordon Menzies, KT, AK, CH, FRS, QC (20 December 1894 – 15 May 1978), Australian politician, was the twelfth and longest-serving Prime Minister of Australia, serving eighteen and a half years. ... The multicultural national representation of the countries of origin at the student union of San Francisco City College. ... Australian Aborigines are the main indigenous people of Australia. ... The British Empire in 1897, marked in pink, the traditional colour for Imperial British dominions on maps. ... Australian Senate chamber Entrance to the Senate The Senate is the upper of the two houses of the Parliament of Australia. ... Neville Bonner (28 March 1922 - 5 February 1999), Australian politician, was the first Indigenous Australian to be elected to the Parliament of Australia. ...

It has also been claimed monarchism and republicanism in Australia delineate historical and persistent sectarian tensions with, broadly speaking, Catholics more likely to be republicans and Protestants more likely to be monarchists^[3]. This developed out of a historical cleavage in nineteenth and twentieth century Australia in which republicans were predominantly of Irish Catholic background and loyalists were predominantly of British Protestant background^[4]. Whilst mass immigration since the Second World War has diluted this conflict ^[5] — according to 2001 census data, 886,914 Australians identified themselves specifically as Catholics of Irish ethnicity^[6] (4.7 per cent of the total population and 17.9 per cent of resident Catholics) — the Catholic-Protestant divide has been cited as a dynamic in the republic debate, particularly in relation to the referendum campaign in 1999^[7][8]. Nonetheless, others have stated that Catholic-Protestant tensions — at least in the sense of an Irish-British conflict — are at least forty years dead,^[9] or simply "not there any more," having been replaced with a general conflict between secular and religious Australians.^[10] Sectarianism refers (usually pejoratively) to a rigid adherence to a particular sect or party or religious denomination. ... Protestantism is a general grouping of denominations within Christianity. ... In general, a loyalist is an individual who is loyal to the powers that be. ... Mushroom cloud from the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki rising 18 km into the air. ... The 1999 Australian referendum was a two question referendum held on 6 November 1999. ...

It has also been claimed, however, that the Catholic-Protestant divide is intermingled with class issues.^[11] Certainly, republicanism in Australia has traditionally been supported most strongly by urban working class of Irish Catholic background^[12], whereas monarchism is a core value associated with urban and rural inhabitants of British Protestant heritage and the middle class^[13], to the extent that there were calls in 1999 for 300,000 exceptionally enfranchised^[14] British subjects who were not Australian citizens to be barred from voting on the grounds that they would vote as a loyalist bloc in a tight referendum.^[15]

Social Values and Contemporary Australia

It has been argued that several characteristics of the monarchy are in conflict with modern Australian values. The hereditary nature of the monarchy is said to conflict with egalitarianism and dislike of inherited privilege. The laws of succession are held by some to be sexist and the links between the monarchy and the Church of England inconsistent with Australia's secular character. Under the Act of Settlement, passed by the British Parliament in 1701, the monarch is prohibited from either being Catholic, or from marrying a Catholic. This law is in conflict with Australian anti-discrimination laws which prohibit arrangements under which males have precedence over females, or under which becoming or marrying a Catholic invalidates any legal rights. Egalitarianism (derived from the French word égal, meaning equal or level) is a political doctrine that holds that all people should be treated as equals from birth. ... This box:      The sign of the headquarters of the National Association Opposed To Woman Suffrage Sexism is commonly considered to be discrimination and/or hatred against people based on their sex rather than their individual merits, but can also refer to any and all systemic differentiations based on the sex... The Church of England logo since 1998 The Church of England is the officially established Christian church[1] in England, and acts as the mother and senior branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion, as well as a founding member of the Porvoo Communion. ... This article is about secularism. ... The Act of Settlement (12 & 13 Wm 3 c. ...

Monarchists claim that the succession of an apolitical head of state provides a far more stable constitutional system compared to one involving appointing or electing a president who is likely to have a political agenda. Also, laws surrounding the line of succession, those that stipulate the eldest male is first in line, etc., can be altered without removing the Australian monarchy (although, in practice, such laws would have to have the consent of the Parliaments of all the other Commonwealth Realms).

Proposals for change

A typical proposal for an Australian republic provides for the Queen and Governor General to be replaced by a president. There is much debate on the appointment or election process that would be used and what role such an office would have.

From its foundation until the 1999 referendum, the Australian Republican Movement (ARM) supported the bi-partisan appointment model, which would result in a President elected by the Parliament of Australia, with the powers currently held by the Queen and the Governor-General. It was argued that the requirement of a two-thirds majority in a vote of both houses of parliament would result in a bi-partisan appointment, preventing a party politician from becoming president. The 1999 Australian republic referendum was a two question referendum held on 6 November 1999. ... The Australian Republican Movement was founded in July 1991. ... The Bi-partisan appointment republican model is a proposal for Australian constitutional reform. ... The main entrance to Parliament House in Canberra, with the flag mast visible. ...

Many republicans did not support this model, preferring the President to be directly elected. Of these republicans, there are some who continue to advocate minimal change or codification of the President's powers. Others support extensive constitutional reform and the President having greater discretion in using his or her powers than the Governor-General. A direct election republican model is a proposal for Australian constitutional reform. ...

An alternative, 'minimalist', approach to change provides for the replacement of the Queen alone and retaining the Governor-General. The most notable model of this type is the McGarvie Model while Copernican Models replace the Queen with a directly-elected figurehead.^[16] If this were to happen, it would be a first, as all other former Commonwealth Realms have created presidencies upon becoming republics. The McGarvie Model is a proposition for change to the Australian Constitution to remove references to the monarchy and establish a republic. ... Copernican paradigm is an analysis of Australian constitutional structures in order to develop models establishing Australia as a republic with a directly-elected Head of State. ... A Commonwealth Realm is any one of the 16 sovereign states that recognize Queen Elizabeth II as their Queen and head of state. ...

It has also been proposed to adopt an executive presidency or alternatively abolish the roles of the Governor-General and the monarchy and have their functions exercised by other constitutional officers such as the Speaker. ^[17] An Excutive president is a president who exercises active executive power in a presidential system of government. ... The Speakers chair in the House of Representatives The Speaker of the House of Representatives is the presiding officer of the House of Representatives, the lower house of the Parliament of Australia. ...

Australians for Constitutional Monarchy and the Australian Monarchist League, who reject republicanism, argue that no model is better than the present system and argue that the risk and difficulty of changing the constitution is best demonstrated by inability of republicans to back a definitive design. Australians for Constitutional Monarchy (ACM) is a group that aims to preserve Australias current constitutional system, with Britains Queen Elizabeth 2 as head of state. ... The Australian Monarchist League was founded in 1943 to support the role of the Crown in the Australias constitutional system. ...

Party political positions

Liberal-National Coalition

The Liberal party, a conservative party, has both republicans and supporters of the status quo in its ranks but historically it has always upheld monarchism and links with Britain. Historically it was the party of British imperialism in Australia (see the comment by Liberal Prime Minister Menzies above). This article concerns the modern Australian political party. ... Conservative may refer to: Conservatism, political philosophy A member of a Conservative Party Conservative extension, premise of deductive logic Conservativity theorem, mathematical proof of conservative extension Conservative Judaism britney spears Category: ... This article is about the English rock band. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ...

The National party has few republicans. A conservative party with a rural base, its core constituency has always been strongly loyalist. As such, it remains against change as official policy. The National Party of Australia is an Australian political party. ...

Under Prime Minister Howard, a monarchist, the government initiated a process to settle the republican debate, involving a constitutional convention and a referendum. Howard, who supports the status quo, says the matter was resolved by the failure of the referendum. John Winston Howard (born 26 July 1939) is an Australian politician and the 25th Prime Minister of Australia. ... A Process Model is a proposal to assist parliament make decisions concerning constitutional reform. ...

Treasurer Peter Costello, who is tipped to replace Howard as leader of the federal Liberal Party when the latter retires, does support republicanism but has not hinted if he would initiate a new process. Peter Howard Costello (born 14 August 1957) is an Australian politician. ...

Australian Labor Party

Labor, currently the Federal Opposition, has supported constitutional change to become a republic since 1991 and has incorporated republicanism into its platform. Labor currently proposes a series of plebiscites to restart the republican process. Labor spokesperson, Nicola Roxon says reform will "always fail if we seek to inflict a certain option on the public without their involvement. This time round, the people must shape the debate". ^[18]. A referendum (plural: referendums or referenda) or plebiscite is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. ... A Process Model is a proposal to assist parliament make decisions concerning constitutional reform. ... Nicola Roxon (born 1 April 1967) is an Australian politician. ...

Minor parties

The Australian Democrats and Australian Greens all support a move towards a republic. The Family First party does not have an official stance on the creation of an Australian republic. The Australian Democrats is an Australian political party which was formed in 1977 through a merger of the Australia Party and the Liberal Movement after principals of those minor parties secured the commitment of former Liberal minister Don Chipp as a high-profile leader[1]. The new party was based... The Australian Greens, commonly known as The Greens, is a Green Australian political party. ... The Family First Party is a political party in Australia. ...

History

Early history

The founding of the British penal colony at Sydney Cove in 1788 was in the geopolitical context of the revolution in the American colonies in 1776 and a year before the French revolution of 1789. The Anti-Transportation League, a group founded in 1849 which was opposed to the transportation of convicts to Australia, argued that such a "Fenian" colony could separate from the British Empire^[19], due to its then largely Irish Catholic make up. Sydney Cove is a small bay on the southern shore of Port Jackson (commonly but incorrectly called Sydney Harbour), on the coast of the state of New South Wales, Australia. ... John Trumbulls Declaration of Independence, showing the five-man committee in charge of drafting the Declaration in 1776 as it presents its work to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia The American Revolution refers to the period during the last half of the 18th century in which the Thirteen... Year 1776 (MDCCLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a leap year starting on Thursday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... The French Revolution (1789–1815) was a period of political and social upheaval in the political history of France and Europe as a whole, during which the French governmental structure, previously an absolute monarchy with feudal privileges for the aristocracy and Catholic clergy, underwent radical change to forms based on... Year 1789 (MDCCLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... Fenian is a term used since the 1850s for Irish nationalists (who oppose British rule in Ireland). ... The British Empire in 1897, marked in pink, the traditional colour for Imperial British dominions on maps. ...

See also: Migratory history of Australia

Australian immigration has a chequered history. ...

Prior to Federation

John Dunmore Lang, a Presbyterian cleric and politician, published The Coming Event! Or, the United Provinces of Australia in 1850 and Freedom and Independence for the Golden Lands of Australia in 1852. John Dunmore Lang (25 August 1799 - 8 August 1878), Australian clergyman, writer, politician and activist, was the first prominent advocate of an independent Australian nation and of Australian republicanism. ... Presbyterianism is a tradition shared by a number of Christian denominations which is most prevalent within the Reformed branch of Protestant Western Christianity. ... A cleric is a member of the clergy of a religion, especially one that has trained or ordained priests, preachers, or other religious professionals. ... For the game, see: 1850 (board game) 1850 (MDCCCL) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Sunday [1] of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ... 1852 was a leap year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ...

The revolt at the Eureka Stockade in 1854, was not fought to establish a republic. The writings of Raffaello Carboni, who was present at the Stockade, disputes the accusations "that have branded the miners of Ballaarat as disloyal to their QUEEN" (emphasis as in the original) ^[20]. However, the incident has been used to encourage republicanism in subsequent years. The Eureka Flag appears in connection with some republican groups ^[21] The Eureka Stockade was a gold miners revolt in 1854 in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, against the officials supervising the mining of gold in the region of Ballarat. ... 1854 (MDCCCLIV) was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... The Eureka Flag The Eureka Flag is an Australian flag which has no official status, but which is used by a wide range of groups. ...

A scheme proposed at the Imperial Conference of 1887 would have seen colonies taxed for the protection of the Royal Navy. The Australian delegates were highly critical of the proposal, echoing the rallying cry of the American revolution "No taxation without representation"^[22] Imperial Conferences were gatherings of British Empire government leaders in London in 1887, 1897, 1902, 1907, 1911, 1921, 1923, 1926, 1930 and 1937. ... 1887 (MDCCCLXXXVII) is a common year starting on Saturday (click on link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar or a common year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar. ... This article is about the navy of the United Kingdom. ... No taxation without representation was a slogan in the period 1763-1775 that summarized a primary grievance of the American colonists in the Thirteen colonies. ...

The Australian Republican Association (ARA) was founded in response, advocating the abolition of Governors, and their titles; the revision of the penal code; payment of members of Parliament; nationalisation of land; and an independent federal Australian republic outside of the Empire. The League held a number of public meetings. At the same time a movement emerged in favour of a "White Australia" policy; however British authorities in Whitehall were opposed to segregational laws. To circumvent Westminster, those in favour of the discriminatory policies backed the proposed succession from the Empire as a republic; a move advertised and advocated by the journal The Bulletin.^[23] One attendee of the ARA meetings was the Australian-born poet, Henry Lawson. Lawson wrote his first poem, entitled A Song of the Republic in The Republican journal.^[24] This badge from 1906 shows the use of the expression White Australia at that time The White Australia policy is a generic term used to describe a collection of historical legislation and policies, intended to restrict non-white immigration to Australia, and to promote European immigration, from 1901 to 1973. ... Whitehall, London, looking south towards the Houses of Parliament. ... The British Empire in 1897, marked in pink, the traditional colour for Imperial British dominions on maps. ... The Bulletin is an Australian weekly magazine, which has been published in Sydney since 1880. ... Henry Lawson, circa 1902 Henry Lawson[1] (17 June 1867 - 2 September 1922) was an Australian writer and poet. ...

When the Republican League disrupted the Sydney centenary in 1888 Anniversary Day, one visiting British statesman said "Thank God there is an English fleet in harbour"^[25] This article is about the metropolitan area in Australia. ... For the toll-free telephone number see Toll-free telephone number Year 1888 (MDCCCLXXXVIII) was a leap year starting on Sunday (click on link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a leap year starting on Friday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Anniversary Day redirects here. ...

Federation

At the Australian Federation Convention which produced the first draft that was to become the Australian Constitution in Sydney in 1891, a former Premier of New South Wales George Dibbs described as the "inevitable destiny of the people of this great country" the establishment of "the Republic of Australia"^[26]. Sir George Richard Dibbs KCMG (Born Sydney, October 12, 1834; died Hunters Hill, August 5, 1904) was an Australian politician who was Premier of New South Wales on three occasions. ...

However, the fervour of republicanism tailed off in the 1890s as the labour movement became concerned with the Federation of Australia, and which became the focus following federation in 1901. The federation of Australia was the process by which the six separate British colonies of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia formed a federation. ...

Whitlam era

The election of a Labor Government in 1972 marked the end of a period where Australians saw themselves principally as part of the Commonwealth of Nations (formerly the British Commonwealth). Prime Minister Gough Whitlam instituted a number of changes, including removing reference to the United Kingdom in Queen Elizabeth's Australian title on 19 October 1973, when she signed her assent to the Royal Style and Titles Act, and creating a domestic system of conferring civil and military honours. It was also during this time that Australia's preferred economic status with Britain was dropped in favour of Britain joining the European Economic Community. Year 1972 (MCMLXXII) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Commonwealth of Nations as of 2006 Headquarters Marlborough House, London, UK Official languages English Membership 53 sovereign states Leaders  -  Queen Elizabeth II  -  Secretary-General Don McKinnon (since 1 April 2000) Establishment  -  Balfour Declaration 18 November 1926   -  Statute of Westminster 11 December 1931   -  London Declaration 28 April 1949  Area  -  Total... Edward Gough Whitlam, AC, QC (born 11 July 1916), known as Gough Whitlam (, pronounced Goff), is an Australian former politician and 21st Prime Minister of Australia. ... Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor; born 21 April 1926) is Queen of sixteen sovereign states, holding each crown and title equally. ... is the 292nd day of the year (293rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the song by James Blunt, see 1973 (song). ... The Australian honours system until 1975 was part of the British honours system. ... The European Community (EC), most important of three European Communities, was originally founded on March 25, 1957 by the signing of the Treaty of Rome under the name of European Economic Community. ...

The Whitlam Government ended in 1975 with a dramatic constitutional crisis in which the Queen's representative, the Governor General, dismissed Whitlam and his entire ministry, appointing Opposition Leader Malcolm Fraser in his place. This particular incident raised questions about the value of maintaining a supposedly "symbolic" office that still possessed many key, and potentially dangerous, political powers. It is notable however, that the monarch herself was not consulted in the decision to use the reserve powers and pointedly refused to intervene, claiming that she lacked authority to do so under the Australian constitution. Year 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The secretary of the Governor-General, David Smith, announcing the dissolution of Parliament on November 11th, 1975. ... The Governor-General of Australia is the highest constitutional officer in the Commonwealth of Australia. ... This article is about the former prime minister of Australia; for the Western Australian public servant, see Malcolm Fraser (surveyor). ...

The Australia Act and other changes

In 1986, the Australia Act was enacted with the United Kingdom to eliminate the remaining, mainly theoretical, ties between the legislature and judiciary of the two countries. It was later determined by the High Court in Sue v Hill that this legislation established Britain and Australia as independent nations sharing the same person as their relevant Sovereign. Year 1986 (MCMLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar). ... The Australia Act of 1986 (No. ... High Court entrance The High Court of Australia is the final court of appeal in Australia, the highest court in the Australian court hierarchy. ...

At broadly the same time, references to the monarchy were being removed from various institutions. For example, in 1993, references to the Queen were removed from the Oath of Citizenship sworn by naturalised Australians, who would now swear allegiance to Australia and its people whose democratic beliefs I share and whose laws I will uphold and obey. The state of Queensland deleted all references to the monarchy from its legislation, with new laws being enacted by its Parliament, not the Queen, and 'binding on the State of Queensland', not the Crown. Barristers in New South Wales were no longer appointed 'Queen's Counsel' (QC), but 'Senior Counsel' (SC), as in republics like Ireland and South Africa. Institutions in Australia could no longer apply to have 'Royal' in their title, and British citizens residing in Australia could no longer enrol to vote in state or federal elections. Year 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar). ... An Oath of Citizenship is an oath taken by immigrants that officially naturalizes immigrants into citizens. ... Slogan or Nickname: Sunshine State, Smart State Motto(s): Audax at Fidelis (Bold but Faithful) Other Australian states and territories Capital Brisbane Government Constitutional monarchy Governor Quentin Bryce Premier Anna Bligh (ALP) Federal representation  - House seats 28  - Senate seats 12 Gross State Product (2004-05)  - Product ($m)  $158,506 (3rd... “NSW” redirects here. ...

Nevertheless, all Australian Senators and Members of the House of Representatives swear to be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty before taking their seats in Parliament. Should a change to the allegiance of Senators and members of parliament be desired, it could only be approved by a referendum as the oaths are part of the Constitution.

Many monarchists condemned these changes as moves to a "republic by stealth".

Keating Government proposals

The Australian Labor Party first made republicanism its official policy in 1991, with then Prime Minister Bob Hawke describing a republic as inevitable. His successor Paul Keating actively pursued the republican agenda and established the Republic Advisory Committee to produce an options paper on issues relating to the possible transition to a republic to take effect on the centenary of federation: January 1, 2001. The Committee produced its report in 1993, and argued that "a republic is achievable without threatening Australia’s cherished democratic institutions." This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ... Judicial High Court Lower Courts Constitution State and territory governments Executive Governors and Administrators Premiers and Chief Ministers Legislative Parliaments and Assemblies State electoral systems ACT - NSW - NT - Qld. ... Robert James Lee (Bob) Hawke, AC (born 9 December 1929) was the 23rd Prime Minister of Australia after previously being an Australian trade union leader. ... For other persons named Paul Keating, see Paul Keating (disambiguation). ... The Republic Advisory Committee was a committee established by the then Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating in May 1993 to examine the constitutional and legal issues that would arise were Australia to become a republic. ... is the 1st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 2001 Gregorian calendar). ...

In response to the report, the Prime Minister proposed a referendum on the establishment of a republic, replacing the Governor-General with a President, and removing references to the Queen. The President was to be nominated by the Prime Minister and appointed by a two-thirds majority in a joint sitting of the Senate and House of Representatives. Elections Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      A referendum (plural: referendums or referenda) or plebiscite (from Latin plebiscita, originally a decree of the Concilium Plebis) is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. ... Governor-General (or Governor General) is a term used both historically and currently to designate the appointed representative of a head of state or their government for a particular territory, historically in a colonial context, but no longer necessarily in that form. ... President is a title held by many leaders of nothing, companies, trade unions, universities, and countries. ... Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, in 1952 and 2002 The title Queen of Australia has existed since 1973, when the Parliament of Australia passed the Royal Style and Titles Act (1973). ... Judicial High Court Lower Courts Constitution State and territory governments Executive Governors and Administrators Premiers and Chief Ministers Legislative Parliaments and Assemblies State electoral systems ACT - NSW - NT - Qld. ... Australian Senate chamber Entrance to the Senate The Senate is the upper of the two houses of the Parliament of Australia. ... Australian House of Representatives chamber Entrance to the House of Representatives The Australian House of Representatives is one of the two houses (chambers) of the Parliament of Australia. ...

1998 Constitutional Convention

Main Article: Constitutional Convention (Australia) In Australian history, the term Constitutional Convention refers to five distinct gatherings. ...

With change in government in 1996, Prime Minister John Howard proceeded with an alternative policy of holding a constitutional convention. This was held over two weeks in February 1998 at Old Parliament House. Half of the 152 delegates were elected and half were appointed by Federal and state governments. Convention delegates were asked whether or not Australia should become a republic and which model for a republic is preferred. At the opening of the Convention, John Howard stated that if the Convention could not decide on a model to be put to a referendum, then plebiscites would be held on the model preferred by the Australian public^[27]. Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ... John Winston Howard (born 26 July 1939) is an Australian politician and the 25th Prime Minister of Australia. ... 1998 is a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International Year of the Ocean. ... Old Parliament House today Opening of Parliament House in May 1927 Old Parliament House, formerly known as the Provisional Parliament House, was the seat of the Parliament of Australia from 1927 to 1988. ...

At the Convention, a republic gained majority support (89 votes to 52 with 11 abstentions), but the issue of what model for a republic should be put to the people at a referendum produced deep divisions among republicans. Four republican models were debated: two involving direct election of the head of state; one involving appointment on the advice of the Prime Minister (the McGarvie Model); and one involving appointment by a two-thirds majority of Parliament (the bi-partisan appointment model). The 1999 Australian republic referendum was a two question referendum held on 6 November 1999. ... A direct election republican model is a proposal for Australian constitutional reform. ... Judicial High Court Lower Courts Constitution State and territory governments Executive Governors and Administrators Premiers and Chief Ministers Legislative Parliaments and Assemblies State electoral systems ACT - NSW - NT - Qld. ... The McGarvie Model is a proposition for change to the Australian Constitution to remove references to the monarchy and establish a republic. ... The main entrance to Parliament House in Canberra, with the flag mast visible. ... The Bi-partisan appointment republican model is a proposal for Australian constitutional reform. ...

The bi-partisan appointment model was eventually successful at the Convention, even though it only obtained a majority because of 22 abstentions in the final vote (57 against delegates voted against the model and 73 voted for, three votes short of an actual majority of delegates)^[28] It was put to referendum the following year. The Convention also made recommendations about a preamble to the Constitution, and a proposed preamble was also put to referendum. The 1999 Australian republic referendum was a two question referendum held on 6 November 1999. ... Look up Preamble in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

According to critics, the two-week timeline and quasi-democratic composition of the convention is evidence of an attempt by John Howard to frustrate the republican cause. Although he admits to being an "unashamed royalist", the claim is one he adamantly rejects.

The 1999 Republican referendum

Main article: 1999 Australian republic referendum

The 1999 Australian republic referendum was a two question referendum held in 1999. The first question asked whether Australia should become a republic with a President appointed by Parliament, a model that had previously been decided at a Constitutional Convention in February 1998. The second question, generally deemed to be far less important politically, asked whether Australia should alter the constitution to insert a preamble. Neither of the amendments passed, with 55% voting 'no' to the republican model presented. The 1999 Australian republic referendum was a two question referendum held on 6 November 1999. ... The 1999 Australian republic referendum was a two question referendum held on 6 November 1999. ... Elections Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      A referendum (plural: referendums or referenda) or plebiscite (from Latin plebiscita, originally a decree of the Concilium Plebis) is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. ... This article is about the year. ... Look up republic in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... President is a title held by many leaders of nothing, companies, trade unions, universities, and countries. ... The main entrance to Parliament House in Canberra, with the flag mast visible. ... In Australian history, the term Constitutional Convention refers to five distinct gatherings. ... Constitution Alteration (Preamble) 1999 proposed the addition of a preamble to the Australian constitution, recognising Indigenous Australians as the traditional land owners before European settlement. ...

Under the referendum proposal, the Governor General and Queen would be replaced by one office, the President of the Commonwealth of Australia. The President could be appointed by the Australian Parliament to a fixed term. The existing powers of the Governor General were to be transferred to the President by reference, meaning that they would continue to be unwritten.

Supporters of the republican model claimed that, contrary to monarchist views, the stability of Australia's liberal democracy would not be imperilled and would in fact be enhanced by such a change, because the Prime Minister, whilst retaining the ability to sack the (effective) head of State, could not alone choose their replacement and would thus have no incentive to do so. Additionally, wider involvement in the choice would ensure that the backgrounds of the appointees would be more thoroughly scrutinised. The Bi-partisan appointment republican model is a proposal for Australian constitutional reform. ... Liberal democracy is a form of government. ...

The referendum was held on 6 November 1999, after a national advertising campaign and the distribution of 12.9 million Yes/No case pamphlets. The question on a republic was defeated. It was not carried in a single state and attracted 45 per cent of the total national vote. The preamble referendum question was also defeated, with a Yes vote of only 39 per cent. is the 310th day of the year (311th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ...

Many opinions were put forward for the defeat, some relating to perceived difficulties with the model, others relating to the lack of public engagement. Many republic supporters voted against the referendum because they disliked the model provided, preferring a directly-elected president. Referendums, particularly on questions of constitutional change, are notoriously difficult to pass in Australia.

The 2004 Senate Inquiry

On 26 June 2003, the Senate referred an Inquiry into an Australian Republic to the Senate Legal and Constitutional References Committee. During 2004, the committee reviewed 730 submissions and conducted hearings in all state capitals. The Committee tabled its report called Road to a Republic on 31 August 2004. is the 177th day of the year (178th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Australian Senate chamber Entrance to the Senate The Senate is the upper of the two houses of the Parliament of Australia. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... In law, a hearing is a proceeding before a court or other decisionmaking body or officer. ... is the 243rd day of the year (244th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The report examined the contest between minimalist and direct-election models and gave attention to hybrid models such as the Electoral College Model, the Constitutional Council Model and models having both an elected President and a Governor-General. A direct election republican model is a proposal for Australian constitutional reform. ...

The bi-partisan recommendations of committee supported educational initiatives and holding a series of plebiscites to allow the public to choose which model they preferred, prior to a final draft and referendum, along the lines of plebiscites proposed by John Howard at the 1998 Constitutional Convention. Elections Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      A referendum (plural: referendums or referenda) or plebiscite (from Latin plebiscita, originally a decree of the Concilium Plebis) is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. ...

Current status

There are no current plans for a second referendum. Republicans expect that a plebiscite process and eventually a referendum will take place when either the Labor Party returns to power or when a pro-republican Liberal, such as Peter Costello becomes the Prime Minister. Some republicans predict the debate will not resurface while Queen Elizabeth II reigns. The current Leader of the Opposition, Kevin Rudd, has stated in an interview that becoming a republic is "an important part of the nation's future", but added that any moves to a republic "would not be a priority in his first term in government."^[29] In the meantime, both the Australian Republican Movement and opponent monarchist groups, such as Australians for Constitutional Monarchy remain active. A January 2007 Newspoll survey shows that 45% of Australians favour or partly favour Australia becoming a republic, with 36% opposed and 19% uncommitted ^[30]. Peter Howard Costello (born 14 August 1957) is an Australian politician. ... Kevin Michael Rudd (born 21 September 1957), is the leader of the federal Australian Labor Party and Leader of the Opposition in the Australian Parliament. ... The Australian Republican Movement was founded in July 1991. ... Australians for Constitutional Monarchy (ACM) is a group that aims to preserve Australias current constitutional system, with Britains Queen Elizabeth 2 as head of state. ... January 2007 is the first month of that year. ... An opinion poll is a survey of opinion from a particular sample. ...

Some have countered the idea of holding plebiscites. Monarchist David Flint described this process as "inviting a vote of no confidence in one of the most successful constitutions in the world" ^[31]. Minimalist republican Greg Craven states "a multi-option plebiscite inevitably will produce a direct election model, precisely for the reason that such a process favours models with shallow surface appeal and multiple flaws. Equally inevitably, such a model would be doomed at referendum." ^[32] Professor David Flint AM is a prominent Australian legal academic, best known for his controversial tenure as head of the Australian Broadcasting Authority and as one of Australias most prominent and enthusiastic monarchists, in opposition to Australian republicanism. ... Professor Gregory Craven (5/2/1958) B.A, LL.B., LL.M.; Barrister and Solicitor (Vic and WA) lectures in constitutional Law at Curtin University of Technology in Fremantle, Western Australia. ...

Issues related to republicanism were raised by the March 2006 visit to Australia by Queen Elizabeth II. Prime Minister John Howard was questioned at the time by British journalists about the future of the monarchy in Australia,^[33][34] and there was debate about playing God save the Queen during the opening of the Commonwealth Games^[35] . A poll taken later that year for The West Australian by Paterson Market Research found that support for a republic amongst Australians 18 to 30 years of age was at 38%^[36]. By 2007 comments in the media were beginning to reflect a declining general interest in the subject; writing in The Australian Financial Review, Lenore Taylor stated that republicanism in Australia was "on life support."^[37] Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor; born 21 April 1926) is Queen of sixteen sovereign states, holding each crown and title equally. ... Judicial High Court Lower Courts Constitution State and territory governments Executive Governors and Administrators Premiers and Chief Ministers Legislative Parliaments and Assemblies State electoral systems ACT - NSW - NT - Qld. ... John Winston Howard (born 26 July 1939) is an Australian politician and the 25th Prime Minister of Australia. ... Publication of an early version in The Gentlemans Magazine, 15 October 1745. ... The 2006 Commonwealth Games were held in Melbourne, Australia between March 15 and March 26, 2006. ... The West Australian (often simply called The West) is Perths only locally edited daily newspaper, and is owned by ASX-listed West Australian Newspapers Limited. ... The Australian Financial Review is the leading business newspaper in Australia. ...

Bibliography

• An Australian republic: The options: the report of the Republic Advisory Committee, Parliamentary paper / Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia (1993)
• Booker, M., A Republic of Australia: What Would it Mean, Left Book Club Co-operative Ltd, Sydney (1992)
• Costella, John P., A Republic For All Australians (2004) online version
• Goot, Murray, "Contingent Inevitability: Reflections on the Prognosis for Republicanism" (1994) in George Winterton (ed), We, the People: Australian Republican Government (1994), pp 63–96
• Hirst, J., A Republican Manifesto, Oxford University Press (1994)
• Keating, P. J., An Australian Republic: The Way Forward, Australian Government Publishing Service (1995)
• McGarvie, Richard E., Democracy: Choosing Australia's Republic (1999)
• McKenna, Mark, The Captive Republic: A History of Republicanism in Australia 1788–1996 (1998)
• McKenna, Mark, The Traditions of Australian Republicanism (1996) online version
• Stephenson, M. and Turner, C. (eds.), Australia Republic or Monarchy? Legal and Constitutional Issues, University of Queensland Press (1994)
• Warden, J., "The Fettered Republic: The Anglo American Commonwealth and the Traditions of Australian Political Thought," Australian Journal of Political Science, Vol. 28, 1993. pp. 84–85.
• Wark, McKenzie, The Virtual Republic: Australia's Culture Wars of the 1990s (1998)
• Winterton, George (ed), We, the People: Australian Republican Government, Allen & Unwin (1994),
• Woldring, Klaas, Australia: Republic or US Colony? (2006)

See also

• Constitution of Australia
• Australian constitutional law
• Australian Constitutional History
• Process model (Australia)

Judicial High Court Lower Courts Constitution State and territory governments Executive Governors and Administrators Premiers and Chief Ministers Legislative Parliaments and Assemblies State electoral systems ACT - NSW - NT - Qld. ... Judicial High Court Lower Courts Constitution State and territory governments Executive Governors and Administrators Premiers and Chief Ministers Legislative Parliaments and Assemblies State electoral systems ACT - NSW - NT - Qld. ... Emergence of the Commonwealth of Australia Main article: Australian federation After European settlement in 1788, Australia was politically organized as a number of separate British colonies, eventually six in all. ... A Process Model is a proposal to assist parliament make decisions concerning constitutional reform. ...

External links

• Senate Inquiry into an Australian Republic
• Souters' Guide to Australian Republican Issues
• The Australian Republican Movement homepage
• The Republican Party of Australia homepage
• The Australian Monarchist League (Opposed to republicanism)
• Australians for Constitutional Monarchy (Opposed to republicanism)
• Res Publica : Australia international anti-monarchy Web directory

References

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