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.
Archive for Copernican Models
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.
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.
