Independence Day
{
Date Posted:
September-2-2010 12:39
3
}
Long live the Queen! That’s exactly what supporters of an Australian republic aren’t saying. Obviously, at
FHM we harbour no ill will towards our monarch, as that could be viewed as seditious.
We do, however, think it’s time Australia flew the Commonwealth coop. It’s doubtful the Queen will suffer empty nest syndrome – she’s got 53 other nations at her disposal, should we split – and it’s a boon for the other countries, who’ll finally be able to bag some swimming medals at future Commonwealth Games.
Jokes aside, here’s the state of play. In 1999, we had a referendum on whether “to alter the Constitution to establish the Commonwealth of Australia as a republic with the Queen and Governor-General being replaced by a President appointed by a two-thirds majority of the members of the Commonwealth Parliament.” Also on the cards was the addition of a preamble to the Constitution.
The majority of Aussies voted no to both proposals.
A
Sun Herald/Nielsen poll taken a fortnight before the 2010 election revealed that support for a republic had hit a 16 year low, although it also showed that many believed the right time to ditch the constitutional monarchy is when the Queen departs.
This is Julia Gillard’s view. Tony Abbott is steadfast that nothing should change. And as for Bob “JR” Katter, he’s virulently againt Australia becoming a “banana republic”. Actually, he’s virulent when it comes to any issue.
We reckon it’s time to break free from the old system. True, given the current political climate, we may need the Governor-General in the near future, but overall the role isn’t crucial to the functioning of Australia. Nor is having a figurehead who lives in a lavish palace thousands of kilometres away.
We’ve had nominal independence for over a century; it’s time for full independence. It’s time to change the flag. It’s time to change the Constitution to reflect modern Australian values. It’s time to put Don Bradman’s mug on the back of shrapnel.
It’s going to cost a pretty penny – the 1999 Referendum cost about $100 million – so we need to be sure. What we are sure of is that, right now, our political future is uncertain. Let’s write the future ourselves by pushing for a republic.
What do you think? Should Australia become a republic?
Related links:
Is it time for a new system?Is Australia ready for a female prime minister?Say it like it is