The Australian Republic Movement has welcomed comments from the Chair of Australians for Constitutional Monarchy, Eric Abetz, who asked those advocating for a republic to explain how it would “improve day-to-day life or the standard of our democracy” – no worries, Eric, we’re happy to discuss.
National Director and CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “Eric Abetz rolled out the same old tired lines in defence of the Monarchy in recent media reports, including the stale “if it ain’t broke” trope. The problem with this worn-out idiom is the system is broken. Monarchy is about enshrining the right of one family to rule, enabled by our Constitution which doesn’t protect the rights of the Australian people, but rather protects the rights, wealth and privilege of the Monarch.
“A republic on the other hand, would put the power in the people’s hands. It would improve and strengthen our democracy by giving the Australian people the choice of who leads and represents them on the world stage. Instead of a foreign aristocrat who was literally born to rule, we’d have an Australian elected by Australians with the skills and experience to do the job and to proudly represent who we are as a people and champion our country.
“A republic would codify the powers of both the Head of State and the Head of Government. The current Australian Constitution doesn’t define the role of the Prime Minister, nor does it set out any real rights, including the right to vote – that would change. It would also make our Head of State accountable to the people through elections and institutions, such as the National Anti-Corruption Commission, something unthinkable for a foreign-based Monarch or his outsourced representative. A republic would throw light on the operations of government and increase transparency reminding our leaders that they work for the people – not the other way around.
“I would remind Mr Abetz that democracy is of, by and for the people – we shouldn’t be servants of the Crown, although that might be news to the Monarch who asked us to pledge allegiance to him when he became King. Our parliamentarians and military swear allegiance to the King and his heirs and successors, but not to Australia, the Australian people or their best interests, or even to the laws and Constitution of Australia – and that needs to change too.
“As for improving the day-to-day life of Australians, a republic would put our Head of State to work full time on promoting Australia and representing the Australian people. Recently, King Charles has lobbied for British industry in visits to France and Germany, but hasn’t found time to even visit Australia, let alone promote our country and our industries. His son, Prince William, Australia’s future King actively lobbied against Australia hosting the World Cup in an attempt to secure votes for England to host a future event.
“So I say to Mr Abetz, a republic improves our day-to-day life and our democracy by giving the power to the people and giving them choice. It’s about real accountability and transparency. It’s about having one of our own full time and fully committed to Australia and the Australian people, and working in our best interests. It’s about 21st Century democracy, as opposed to medieval Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses who don’t serve the Australian people.”
