Holy cremola, I haven't heard mention of the republic debate for... ages. When I left for work this morning I hadn't any inkling that the situation would change.

There was a referendum on whether we should become a repubic at the 1999 election: It was defeated by a reasonable margin. Since then, nada. The monarchy certainly wasn't an issue in the 2007 election that bought Rudd to power and now, FOUR DAYS before the 2010 election, we have this:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/17/2985152.htm

Quote :

Queen's death right time for republic move: Gillard

Prime Minister Julia Gillard says the death of the British monarch would be the appropriate time for Australia to become a republic.

Ms Gillard says while Australians have a deep affection for Queen Elizabeth, she would like to see the country work through the debate to decide on an appropriate model for an Australian republic.

"I think that the appropriate time for this nation to move to being a republic is when we see the monarch change," she said.

"Obviously I'm hoping for Queen Elizabeth that she lives a long and happy life, and having watched her mother I think there's every chance that she will a long and happy life, but I think that's probably an appropriate point for a transition."

Federal opposition leader Tony Abbott says he cannot see Australia becoming a republic in his lifetime.

Mr Abbott was executive director of Australians for a Constitutional Monarchy from 1993-94 and was closely involved in the monarchists' campaign during the 1999 republic referendum.

He says Australia's current constitutional system has worked well.

"I see no reason whatsoever why they can't continue to work well in the future," he said.

"So while there may very well be further episodes of republicanism in this country, I am far from certain that, at least in our lifetimes, there's likely to be any significant change."

Admittedly, Gillard's idea is for Australia to become a republic after Queen Elizabeth II dies, but still I'm sure it will ruffle the feathers of staunch monarchists like Abbott.

Whether it will affect the election result, and even in what direction, I honestly couldn't say.

Interesting.

what are your views on it monty? do you wants oz to become a republic and ditch the monarchy?

Peter Gabriel had the right idea about monarchies. The last king in America, King Strang was rightfully murdered in the 1800s.

Tell me my life is about to begin
Tell me that I am a hero,
Promise me all of your violent dreams
Light up your body with anger.
Now, in this ugly world
it is time to destroy all this evil.
Now, when I give the word
get ready to fight for your freedom
Now -

Stand up and fight, for you know we are right
We must strike at the lies
That have spread like disease through our minds.
Soon we'll have power, every soldier will rest
And we'll spread out our kindness
To all who our love now deserve.
Some of you are going to die -
Martyrs of course to the freedom that I shall provide.

I'll give you the names of those you must kill,
All must die with their children.
Carry their heads to the palace of old,
Hang them high, let the blood flow.
Now, in this ugly world
break all the chains around us,
Now, the crusade has begun
give us a land fit for heroes,
Now -

Stand up and fight, for you know we are right
We must strike at the lies
That have spread like disease through our minds.
Soon we'll have power, every soldier will rest
And we'll spread out our kindness
To all who our love now deserve.
Some of you are going to die -
Martyrs of course to the freedom that I shall provide.

I'm pretty ambivalent.

On the one hand the British Monarchy doesn't mean anything -in a practical sense- for Australia, but what about the Commonwealth?

Seeing as how becoming a republic wouldn't mean leaving the Commonwealth then that'd be OK I guess. Does a country good to kick ass six ways to sunday at the Commonwealth Games and flaunt its shit-don't-stink moral high ground at CHOGM; eg wagging our finger and telling Frank Bainimarama he's a very naughty boy.

Personally, I get on well with UK people- quite a number of whom live here in Perth. I don't know what the consequences would be re our constitution; eg it's already possible for us to amend it. I reckon that becoming a republic would be more about symbolic change for its own sake than anything tangible.

I used to think we should become a republic when I thought that would mean something, but now I'm not so sure. The status quo is fine; so Australia should remain a constitutional monarchy.

On the other hand...



Let's get rid of that flag!

Well, when I saw a carbon copy of the article I quoted prominently displayed on BBC news it made my jaw drop... then I had to use search to find the ABC version. Now there's been sufficient time for a bit of momentum to develop, it would appear that very little has. Apart from The Australian and Sky news, the topic seems to have sunk without a trace. I'm not sure if any TV channels covered it.

Maybe something will happen if the papers mention it on wednesday- likely that will be a few boneheaded letters to the editor being posted to arrive thursday morning after the deadline, thus appearing in Friday's edition: The day before the election.

I sense a cunning plan afoot. So cunning you could pin a tail on it and call it a fox.

WHO IS SHE!?!?

i'd be in her for days.

JACKASS2010 wrote:

WHO IS SHE!?!?

i'd be in her for days.

yeah, hawt! Kinda reminds me of Courtney Cox, but a bit fresher.

Meh, she's pretty average for an Aussie chick.

wow
hottie

According to this site, the countries with the hottest women are:

1 USA
2 England
3 Canada
4 Tie: Australia and Brazil
5 Italy



Intriguing.

Lies I tell you.

i didn't know Australia was a constitutional monarchy

Now you do CJ.

Here's something that will blow your mind:

The USA is eligible to join the British Commonwealth.

Monty wrote:

Now you do CJ.

Here's something that will blow your mind:

The USA is eligible to join the British Commonwealth.

We should join so the rest of the countries in the commonwealth make the jump to republics.