DOES AUSTRALIA NEED A HEAD OF STATE?
Against this background, the Committee has considered whether Australia really needs a head of state. To a certain extent, the answer to this question will depend on the value which is given to each of the functions carried out by the Governor-General described above. The issues to be considered are: • whether it is considered necessary that these functions continue to be performed; • if so, whether it is necessary or desirable that they continue to be carried out by the occupant of a separate office established for that purpose; or • whether they could be carried out by someone else, or in some other manner. It is argued by some that there is no need to incur the expense (about $11 million a year) of a ceremonial head of state: the community role could be performed by other public officials, such as the Speaker of the House of Representatives or the President of the Senate; and the ordinary governmental role could be performed by those persons responsible for giving the advice in acco
