Introduction
Australia is on the brink of deciding whether to become a republic or not. Since 1999, the vote has been split down party lines, with Labor and Liberal parties supporting and opposing the issue.
The debate over whether Australia should become a republic is complex, so we’ve broken down the arguments for and against a republican nation-state into sections below.
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Arguments for the Australian Republic
Many Nations are Republics.
The fact is, many nations are republics. The United States, India, and Turkey are just a few countries that have rejected monarchy and become a republic.
It’s time for Australia to catch up with the rest of the world and become a fully independent nation where our government is chosen by us, not royalty.
So, if you’re keen to become an independent nation and have a say in who governs you, then it’s time to get behind the republic movement.
If you believe Australia should be a republic, now is the time to join the Australian Republican Movement and help make this country better for all Australians.
Intolerance for Being Ruled by a Distant, Foreign Monarch.
We’ve already established that a monarch is, by definition, a foreign power. But why should Australians consider that to be such a problem?
A man/woman who lives on the other side of the world without a connection to Australia’s history and culture will not be able to inspire or relate to Australians in any way.
He/she won’t know how Australians think, what they value, and how they see themselves as individuals and as a country.
A republic would give Australia the opportunity for self-determination and an independent future free from foreign influence.
The Australian people must consider what kind of nation they want their children and grandchildren to grow up in.
One ruled by an ancient monarchy where all decisions are made overseas or one which has embraced modernity and democracy?
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Allows for Australia to have a Head of State from Australia.
Admittedly, this is not a popular opinion. Many Australians have great affection for both Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family, and I would never wish to attack them personally. However, it cannot be denied that Britain has ruled Australia since the 19th Century.
The country’s constitution was drafted by Britain and approved by the British Parliament in 1900; its Head of State has traditionally been from Britain (and not even an Australian-born person).
It is almost as if Australia does not exist; it exists only as part of Great Britain’s empire.
It is time for Australia to take control of its destiny: we need our nation with its head of State who can represent us on global stages instead of having a representative from somewhere else ruling over us.
A Republic Would Foster Harmony Among the Various Ethnic Groups.
A republic would be a unifying force. The British wrote the constitution and have many remnants of colonial and imperial law that should have been overturned with the formation of an independent Australia.
An Australian republic would encourage a more inclusive society. Many important figures in our history were excluded from their right to vote because they were not European or male.
This is just one example of how the current constitutional arrangements prevent us from incorporating harmony among the various ethnic groups in Australia.
A republican government would make Australia’s governance more transparent, creating an environment where people feel safe to speak up about their problems before they become worse than they already are today.
Arguments Against an Australian Republic.
The Queen has fulfilled her role as the Australian Head of State.
The Queen has been an excellent Head of State for Australia and has done an outstanding job fulfilling her duties. She is an ideal symbol for the country, and she has been a good leader who cares about the betterment of Australia.
Referendums to Change the Constitution Have Failed Before.
The Australian people have voted for constitutional change in the past. For instance, in 1999, a referendum was held on whether Australia should become a republic with an Australian head of State, which was rejected.
There has been a push for changing the constitution, and none has succeeded. This is because a good number of the Australian people like the current system in which they have a constitutional monarchy and democracy.
Uncertainty About the Methods Used to Appoint a President.
There is too much uncertainty about the methods used to appoint a president and whether that person would be able to act independently.
The main problem with this is that there is no clear definition of what a president should be and how much power he or she would have.
This uncertainty has led to mistrust among the Australian people and has made it difficult for them to agree on whether or not constitutional change is needed.
There are More Important Issues Facing Australians.
Some people say it’s not a priority for Australians in any discussion about the republic. They believe there are more critical issues facing Australians than changing our constitutional arrangements in this way. Education, health, public transport, and infrastructure need attention now.
They should be given priority over the republic issue, and the Government Should Not Be Involved In This Issue.
Others argue that it’s a matter for people to decide for themselves. They don’t want politicians interfering in this debate by pushing one side or another or making decisions on their behalf.
There are plenty of other issues facing Australia right now which require serious consideration before deciding how our country should operate.
Like addressing climate change through renewable energy sources rather than fossil fuels, improving health care by providing better access, reducing poverty by increasing social welfare programs, and the list goes on! These things would benefit everyone.
Push for a Republic Might Be driven by Politicians who want More Power.
It’ll surprise you to learn that many of the people who are pushing for a new form of government are not those who have been elected to represent you.
Instead, they’re politicians who see this as an opportunity for them to gain more power. They know that when you vote in a direct election, there’s no one between you and the person running for office—no party leaders or lobbyists with their own agendas getting in the way.
So if someone wants to run for president, they have to convince enough people (and maybe buy some advertisements) that they should be elected instead of their opponent.
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The Constitutional Changes Implications May Cause Uncertainty.
Many other issues are associated with constitutional change. The recognition of Indigenous Australians, how votes are counted at elections, and whether Parliament should still operate on a fixed three-year term so that elections cannot be called by the Prime Minister when it suits them best.
The critical question is, what form will Indigenous recognition take in our constitution? Some people argue for establishing an indigenous body that can advise the government about policy relating to Aboriginal affairs.
Fear of Losing Australia’s British Heritage.
One of the exciting things about this argument is that it ignores Australia as a British colony. Our heritage is British, so why should we be ashamed of it? Australians should take pride in who we are and where we come from.
Don’t forget that Australia was colonized by many people from many different countries and backgrounds.
No one has a monopoly on being Australian; every person has a unique story to tell,, which also makes them Australian.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the people of Australia are divided on whether they want to stay with the Queen or become a republic. Many believe it is better to maintain sovereignty and continue with the status quo.
However, some feel that this country needs an Australian head of State who can represent us better in international relations and make decisions quickly when required. These things take too long now due to waiting for approval from Buckingham Palace.
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