This inquiry goes to the heart of what we at the Australian Republic Movement are campaigning for – reform to give more Australians a say and include them in the important decisions affecting them – in particular when it comes to the question of who represents them as Australia’s Head of State. For too long, the most senior role in Australia’s Constitution, our Head of State has been restricted to a family on the other side of the world, with little relevance or meaningful connection to Australia.

Ensuring our Head of State adequately represents Australians, and that Australians feel they are being served by them, should be of paramount interest to any examination of citizenship, civics education, allegiance to Australia and democratic participation.

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We strongly believe that the method for the selection of our Head of State works against the promotion of democratic participation, inclusion and the development of a cohesive national identity. If the most senior role in our national Constitution does not live up to the standards and values that Australians hold deeply, then we cannot expect Australians to feel represented by them and have ownership as citizens over them. Parliamentarians, judges, members of the Australian Defence Force and other such positions that require an oath should swear an allegiance to those they serve: Australians. Until such a time as constitutional and legislative reform to correct these inconsistencies has been achieved, there will be an ongoing democratic deficit in our Constitution and our nation.

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