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Originally posted by WishForWings
First of all, I'd like to apologize if I placed this thread in the wrong section.
Someone in another thread regarding the Queens retirement suggested that I started a thread about the possible Australian republic in the not so distant future. So here I am.
I would like anyone who has a opinion to post, from anywhere in the world.
I would like to discuss the Pro's and Con's of a Australian republic.
1. Do YOU want a Australian republic?
2. Would you be happy to change the flag?
3. Would you like a president?
4. What other changes do you think there would be?
5. Would the world's opinion of Australia change, if so would it be positive?
I'm sure there's quite a lot of things involved with such a change.
Originally posted by SvenTheBerserK
I would like to see Australian's create there own legitimate constitution as the freedoms we think we have are actually false.
No single government in the Commonwealth, British or otherwise, exercises power over the others, as in a political union. Rather, the relationship is one of an international organisation through which countries with diverse social, political, and economic backgrounds are regarded as equal in status, and co-operate within a framework of common values and goals, as outlined in the Singapore Declaration.
Wiki
Beneath our radiant Southern Cross
We’ll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands;
For those who’ve come across the seas
We’ve boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia Fair.
In contrast, the Australian flag is governed by an Act of Parliament, the Flags Act 1953. This Act requires that a national vote or plebiscite be held before the Government could change the flag. This Act also requires that the current Australian flag must be one of the options at the plebiscite should such a vote ever be held.
Hence to change the flag, the Australian people would have to vote explicity for a new design in preference to the current flag.
World experience proves that a change to a republic does not mean a new flag is inevitable, or vice versa. Canada changed its flag from a British red ensign to the red maple leaf design in 1965, but remains a monarchy with the British Queen as Head of State. Fiji became a republic in 1987, but chose to keep its light blue British ensign flag.