What Could an Australian Republic Look Like?

National conversations have started on a future republic referendum, so we wanted to join the debate to discuss what an Australian republic could look like and how the people can shape it.

National Director and CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “People are at the heart of a republic. It’s about putting choice in their hands. The model and timing of a referendum should be co-designed with the Australian people. It should be the People’s Model – not ARM’s, not the politicians’.  

“ARM will help facilitate the development of the People’s Model throughout 2024. We will be hosting events throughout Australia this year to genuinely debate the idea of an Australian republic and everything that entails. These events will take place from the beaches to the bush, the city to the country, online and in-person around Australia. They’ll be open to all Australians regardless of whether you support, are unsure or currently oppose a republic.

“We want to make sure we get it right and consider all views, because we are all in this together and we all want a happy, healthy, stable and secure country for our children’s future.

“So where do we start? ARM has already consulted over 60,000 Australians to help develop some key thoughts on what a future Australian republic could look like. Here’s what Australians have told us:

·              An Australian should be our Head of State.

·              The Australian people should choose who becomes Head of State through an election using the compulsory preferential voting system like the House of Representatives.

·              The Head of State should be accountable to the people and serve five-year fixed terms with a maximum of two terms.

·              The Prime Minister should be written into the Constitution as Head of Government and charged with the role of administering the nation and setting the policy agenda – codifying what they already do now, but isn’t covered by our founding document.  

·              The Head of State should act on advice of the Government.

·              The Head of State shouldn’t be an Executive President, like the United States, where the functions of Head of State and Head of Government are merged together.

·              The Head of State should hold limited powers to ensure the smooth functioning of Government and Parliament, like appointing ministers and judges, and calling elections.

·              The Head of State shouldn’t have a political mandate, because they shouldn’t hold powers to set policy.

·              Candidates for Head of State could be nominated with non-partisan support by the Federal, State and Territory Parliaments, before that shortlist is put to the people for a vote.

·              Oaths and Affirmations of our military and elected officials should be sworn to Australia, its people and the Constitution and laws of our nation, not to a foreign King as they are now.

·              Our Head of State should work full time, be fully committed and loyal, and have their undivided attention focused on Australia and our best interests.

·              They should be commander-in-chief of the Australian Defence Force.

·              The model should be uniquely Australian to cater for our unique circumstances.

“In addition, we’ve heard support for:

·              Australia remaining part of the Commonwealth – like the 41 other republics of the 56 nations in the Commonwealth.

·              Keeping and strengthening our defence and economic alliances with the British and Americans.

·              Maintaining the Cabinet, Parliament, election processes, rule of law, responsible government, Westminster system unchanged, but for the removal of the King.

·              Having an Aussie Head of State who can sit among equals at global forums to promote Australia and champion our industry, trade and people – like King Charles and his family do for the Brits.

·              Having the Head of State attend official functions and lead delegations overseas, leaving the Prime Minister primarily focused on domestic policy, like fixing the cost of living.

“This is our starting point and we’re asking all Australians to let us know what they think. What have we got right, what needs a tweak and what have we missed? We’ll then collate these results and develop the People’s Model to present to the Parliament and to a future referendum.

“As these initial conversations have shown, Australians don’t want to wreck what we’ve already got, they want to celebrate and strengthen it. They don’t want to forget our past, they want to embrace our future as a united nation. 

“Australians know they are no longer best served by a British Monarch and that that is not a reflection on Charles or his family. We simply need our own Head of State to represent our nation and our people. To live by our beliefs in merit, having a go, integrity and accountability. To be an equal on the world stage, not the little sibling. To start a new chapter which brings together our nation united by the pride we have in being Australian – unique, one of a kind and equal. To see one of our own sons or daughters representing our proud and independent nation on the world stage, having got there on their abilities and through democratic processes, not by birthright.

“Australia is a unique place. From our pristine beaches to our red desert soils, our characteristic personality to our captivating way of life, our distinctive flora and fauna to our medley of people – regardless of our differences across this wide brown land we have one thing in common – we are all Australian.

“An Australian republic is the chance for our nation to unite and take pride in being Australian, and to finally be an equal on the world stage.

“I encourage all Australians who want to have a say on the future republic to visit www.republic.org.au and to come along to our national engagement sessions to be part of the conversation.”