Preserving our system of governance
Ron Walker put this submission to the Australia 2020 Summit. He argues why we should remove the Queen, but preserve our constitutional separation of powers between the Head of State and the Governor General.
Copernican Model Overview
Robert Vose has submitted the following summary of Copernican Models for a republic to the Australia 2020 Summit. The opinions expressed are his.
The Republic and Trans-Tasman Relations
H. K. Farmer put this submission to the 2020 summit, arguing that since New Zealand and Australia already share a common Head of State, why not consider continuing the arrangement under a republic.
Spectrum of Presidental Powers
A spectrum of presidental powers is often used to compare republican models. The failed bi-partisan appointment model attempted to find a centrist compromise and now plebicites are to resolve the question of direct-election vs appointment. But using a spectrum of powers hides certain assumptions and it’s only in breaking these assumptions can we envisage Australia’s republican future.
Becoming Sovereign
David O’Brien explains how a directly-elected Head of State to replace the Queen alone yet keeping our current constitutional system would separate Australia from the Monarchy in the simplest and safest manner possible.
State Constitutions
The view of the Copernican Group is that the States have an important role in the Australian federation and models developed by the group readily address the issue of how a State should break its ties with the monarchy.
The following background speech was given to the Third Republican Gathering in Brisbane on 5th November 2006 by David Latimer, in response to the session on ”Should the States play a role in moving towards a republic and if so, what steps can be taken.”
President’s Day
If a republic is established, what will happen to the Queen’s Birthday long weekend? Even though ancillary to republicanism, it is important that republicans have an answer.
At the Third Republican Gathering in Brisbane on 5th November 2006, leading the session on ”National Day of Celebration”, David Latimer provided background and various approaches. The following is based upon his notes and preparation for that session.
Integrity and Assurance
In the very heart of our constitutional system, John Power proposes a Council of State, chaired by an elected President who provides integrity and assurance that our state and federal governments are working for the people under the rule of law.
The Copernican Constitution
Be taken on a journey from the start of the modern age to current efforts to forge a better constitution. On the way meet the New Copernicans and their constitutional paradigm that is redefining the republican debate and will remake our nation.
The Copernican Model and the states
Peter Carden investigates the implications of republicanism for the States and discovers how the Copernican paradigm is not only respectful of state independence; it could give states a major role in defining the Presidency.
Honorary President - above politics
The Honorary President Republican Model makes the claim that Australia could have directly-elected, yet apolitical Head of State. In comments posted at South Sea Republic, this claim was sceptically received. If a president were elected, who would run the campaigns? Wouldn’t there be just party candidates? Surely then the Honorary President would then become political.
This article shows how the Honorary President’s power is codified so that none exists. It then explains how the mechanisms of election and tenure are tailored so the Honorary President rises above politics, rather than embroiled within it.
Senate submission by Stephen Atkinson
This is an edited version of submission 523 to the Senate Republican Inquiry 2004 by Stephen Atkinson
This submission is based on the premise that the Queen and Governor General are separate offices. One is a symbolic figurehead and the other is a politically appointed executive function of the constitution.
Introducing the Honorary President
The Honorary President would be a directly-elected, non-executive, apolitical and Australian Head of State. They would be an ambassador for Australian goodwill, our national representative above politics and independent of the Prime Minister.
Many will say this is impossible, however under this model the Governors and Governor-General would still be there as constitutional umpires, impartial yet able to exercise reserve powers.
Nomination and Selection Questions
From the 2004 Senate Inquiry into an Australian Republic Discussion paper:
One of the most critical and complex issues is the method for selecting the head of state. One view is that direct election of a head of state would give the people a say in who would represent them as head of state.
Term, Removal and Vacancy
The following points and questions about the term of office, removal and casual vacancy of a republican Head of State are taken from the 2004 Senate Inquiry into an Australian Republic Discussion paper: