Should Australia become a republic?

[mellie]

In conclusion, neither the left or right have any real motivation to change a system that works.
We don't feel we need a republic to forge a sense of identity or autonomy along with international respect, given we already have this
But thanks anyway Charl.

[Chard]

One advantage to being a monarchy is that we can call on our governor general - the Queen's representative, to sack a corrupt prime minister. As far as other benefits go - it's hard to tell what being a republic could do to Australia. I can imagine some extreme capitalist becoming leader and turning the country into a dictatorship.

Considering the Governor-General is chosen by the PM, is a largely ceremonial position, and they rarely act outside of the PM's consent, I find that's like saying "Well, if we appeal to God maybe little Timmy's cancer will go away". In other words, it's possible, but unlikely as fuck.

Seriously, go look at your own history and count the times such an event has occurred.

Also, for the last fucking time, there is absolutely no reason at all you cannot retain the monarchy as a republic. The only change that would happen is as a republic you're hold direct elections for offices like Prime Minister.

[Chard]

In conclusion, neither the left or right have any real motivation to change a system that works.
We don't feel we need a republic to forge a sense of identity or autonomy along with international respect, given we already have this

Yes, and what's it like knowing that at any time a foreign monarch can override your legitimately elected government? Identity my ass, you will always be in England shadow until you people drop this General-Governor bullshit and directly vote for your own leadership at all levels.

Also, that you think a system of government grants you international respect then that pretty much clinches it that you have no goddamn idea what your on about when discussing politics. Be a dear, shut the fuck up, and go make me a sandwich.

[Rorschach]

In conclusion, neither the left or right have any real motivation to change a system that works.
We don't feel we need a republic to forge a sense of identity or autonomy along with international respect, given we already have this

Yes, and what's it like knowing that at any time a foreign monarch can override your legitimately elected government? Identity my ass, you will always be in England shadow until you people drop this General-Governor bullshit and directly vote for your own leadership at all levels.

Also, that you think a system of government grants you international respect then that pretty much clinches it that you have no goddamn idea what your on about when discussing politics. Be a dear, shut the fuck up, and go make me a sandwich.

Can't.... the "Constitution" is in fact made up of several documents; Constitution, the Statute of Westminster and the Australia Acts... (and Letters Patent and various Conventions).
We are a constitutional monarchy... not a monarchy. We have national independence.

[Neferti]

I have no wish to become a Republic with and El Presidente thanks... we've been a constitutional monarchy for a long time and it works very well.

I see no reason why you could not retain the monarchy as a republic. Either way, your government still comes down to a nationalized popularity contest, only with a Republican system you have a direct vote for who the leader of your country is. At the very least you should amend your constitution to make the office of Prime Minister constitutionally recognized with defined limits of powers granted to the office instead of the office being a political custom.

Chard,

Have you read our Constitution? Read it Here It won't take long.

In case you missed it. Link to our Constitution.

[Chard]

In case you missed it. Link to our Constitution.

Already read it. What I have to ask is, have you?

[Neferti]

In case you missed it. Link to our Constitution.

Already read it. What I have to ask is, have you?

Of course I have.

[Rorschach]

In case you missed it. Link to our Constitution.

Already read it. What I have to ask is, have you?

but not all the other acts etc... I'm betting.

[Chard]

In case you missed it. Link to our Constitution.

Already read it. What I have to ask is, have you?

but not all the other acts etc... I'm betting.

What, you talking the handful of constitutional amendments? Commonwealth Act? That silly ass Statute of Westminster Adoption Act?

Fact is, I've read most anything I can find on how your government works mechanically. Fuck, I understand how your system of government works than any of you do probably. Your executive branch itself is almost entirely de facto in nature, with the Governor-General specifically listed, but no mention of a PM under your constitution. You do not have any say in who your PM or who gets to play a living anachronism as General-Governor, as the PM is just whoever the majority party decides on with the Governor-General's approval (Yes, your G-G can refuse the PM appointee or just summarily dismiss a sitting PM at will).

The entire problem is the dumb fucks that wrote your constitution took a look at our constitution, took a look at every edition of the Magna Carta there is, and decided to try and create this bastard hybrid that got little of the good and sane parts of either. Very little in the way of defining powers, and more importantly, defining limitations on government powers. No bill of rights specifically listing the rights of the citizens. One of the few things your constitution's writers got right was things like setting a hard coded freedom of religion by forbidding your government form establishing a state religion.I'm honestly surprised you guys managed to not fuck up right to trial by jury up.

It's like you guys couldn't decide if you wanted to actually be an independent nation, if you wanted to impress England, or if you wanted to be just like America (again), and somehow managed to navigate the exact course to fuck up doing all three.

But yeah, go ahead and try arguing how your government actually works with me and I look forward to you both dragging out incredibly retarded No-True-Scot fallacies like "Oh, you don't understand our system cause you're an American". By all means, point out what I've said that is specifically wrong and then cite your Constitution, the various acts, and the Statute of Westminster to show how I am wrong, otherwise shut the fuck up. Facts kids, what you can prove. And I can prove conclusively that a black guy from America knows more about how your country works than either of you.

[Rorschach]

One advantage to being a monarchy is that we can call on our governor general - the Queen's representative, to sack a corrupt prime minister. As far as other benefits go - it's hard to tell what being a republic could do to Australia. I can imagine some extreme capitalist becoming leader and turning the country into a dictatorship.

Considering the Governor-General is chosen by the PM, is a largely ceremonial position, and they rarely act outside of the PM's consent, I find that's like saying "Well, if we appeal to God maybe little Timmy's cancer will go away". In other words, it's possible, but unlikely as fuck.

Seriously, go look at your own history and count the times such an event has occurred.

Also, for the last fucking time, there is absolutely no reason at all you cannot retain the monarchy as a republic. The only change that would happen is as a republic you're hold direct elections for offices like Prime Minister.

Why?
We already know who will be PM when we vote... just like you guys do.
There is no reason for change at all.
The PM is what most would consider the head of the country anyway.