Should Australia become a republic?
No. Australia is already an independent nation. Becoming a republic does nothing to Australia’s independence. All legal connections with Britain were cut in 1986 with the passage of the Australia Act through both Australian and British parliaments. A prime minister can keep the president in office for as long as they wish. The president can stay in office indefinitely if the Parliament can’t agree on a replacement, or if a prime minister refuses to nominate a replacement president. Australia is a strong, fortunate nation. The current constitution was drafted by Australians for Australians and voted for by Australians. It has endured for 100 years during the war, depression and political instability. Our Governor General is an Australian citizen and has been since 1965. I don’t want a republic that gives power solely to politicians. We need to protect our current constitutional rights.
