An alternative republic proposal

Abstract

The recent revival of discussion of an Australian republic has not yet addressed the fundamental contradictions at the core of the debate, which stymied success in 1999 and which will continue to divide republicans unless resolved. They are that on the one hand, the people want to directly elect their head of state, but on the other hand they do not want to create political instability or end up with a head of state who is a politician or celebrity. Those who oppose direct election of the head of state express legitimate concerns that it will lead to political conflict between the Prime Minister and a head of state who has a direct mandate from the people. They also note that an election will inevitably give rise to a politician as head of state, with political parties funding and supporting candidates. The well-respected people who have in the past accepted the offices of Governor-General or Governor, such as Sir William Deane and Dame Marie Bashir, would be most unlikely to ever nominate for a direct election.