Having an hereditary Head of State flies in the face of the principles of equity and egalitarianism. The Constitutional Monarchy is an anachronism that was made redundant by the enlightenment. Australia must catch up to 1787 and become a Republic. A majority of the Australian people want it - the time has come for a referendum on a Republic once again.

The Issue That Wont Go Away

Australia's pre-eminent narrowcast political commentator, Bryan Palmer, had an entry in his blog titled; "An Australian Republic" . Where Bryan called for a referendum on the Republic. Another commentator on Saturday, Greg Barns, published an op-ed in The Age titled; The Republic Dream Is Not Dead . This new bubble of interest has come from the five year anniversary of the Republic referendum in 1999.

Barns points out that Republicans have friends in high places. Peter Costello, the Australian Treasurer, is a Republican. Malcolm Turnbull is another. I wondered if Turnbull's entry into politics was specifically to get the Republican Movement back on track. The main obstruction to a Republic has been John Howard, but his time as Prime Minister is ending. It is possible that with Costello or Turnbull taking over the Liberal Party that a bi-partisan referendum on a Republic can be achieved.

The Referendum Questions

The political insight of Robert Menzies was not to force change on the Australian people until they were ready. Paul Keating's political insight was the opposite, people can be ready for change and just not know it. Since a majority of Australians want a Republic, Menzies principle applies. By the same token to catch up to the enlightenment, it will be necessary for Bill of Rights to be added to the Australian Constitution. Keating's principle applies here.

There are three questions that need to be asked, to fully judge the will of the people. These are;

• Should Australia be a Republic?
• Should the Australian Head of State be popularly elected?
• Should Australia have a Bill of Rights?

These three questions should be posed over three referendums with one question in each referendum. The referendums should be at least a year apart so the issues can be fully debated, and sink into the public consciousness. This is the only way to fully give the people time to digest the issues, without rancour, without spin, with time for contemplation and with a deep focus on the issue.

What To Do About It?

Call Peter Costello and let him know you want a referendum on a Republic. Costello's Parliament House contact details are ;

• Ph. (02) 6277 7340
• Fax. (02) 6273 3420

I would suggest ringing Malcolm Turnbull , but when I rang his number I got Parliament House's main telephone system rather than Turnbull's office. Can anyone identify other sympathetic Members of Parliament to the Republican issue?

So what did I say to Peter?

Hi,

I am Cameron Riley from southsearepublic.org. I want to register my voice for a referendum to be held on the issue of an Australian Republic. With the referendum questions being; a. Should Australia be a Republic? b. Should the Australian Head of State be popularly elected? and c. Should Australia have a Bill of Rights? I believe these simple questions should be asked across three referendums - to fully determine the will of the people on this issue.

Thank you.

I left a phone message, as it is Sunday Australian time. But I am hoping these get noticed and add to the weight of Australian voices wanting an Australian Republic.

cam