Arguments For Change and The Characteristics of The Debate
A central argument made by Australian republicans is that, as Australia is an independent country, it is inappropriate for Britain's monarch to be Australia's Head of State. Some supporters of the monarchy argue that the Governor-General of Australia already is Australia's head of state. Republicans argue that a person who is resident primarily in another country cannot adequately represent Australia, either to itself or to the rest of the world. Former Chief Justice Gerard Brennan stated that "so long as we retain the existing system our head of state is determined for us essentially by the parliament at Westminster." (The UK's laws of succession continue to apply in Australia with the Westminster Accords being the governing accord, and may be changed by the United Kingdom parliament only in conjunction with the consent of the other Commonwealth countries affected.) As Australian Republican Movement member Frank Cassidy put it in a speech on the issue: "In short, we want a resident for President."
Read more about this topic: Republicanism In Australia
Famous quotes containing the words arguments, change and/or debate:
“Nothing requires a greater effort of thought than arguments to justify the rule of non-thought.”
—Milan Kundera (b. 1929)
“Becoming more flexible, open-minded, having a capacity to deal with change is a good thing. But it is far from the whole story. Grandparents, in the absence of the social institutions that once demanded civilized behavior, have their work cut out for them. Our grandchildren are hungry for our love and approval, but also for standards being set.”
—Eda Le Shan (20th century)
“Like man and wife who nightly keep
Inconsequent debate in sleep
As they dream side by side.”
—Robert Graves (18951985)