kaya'08
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Australia should become a republic when Queen Elizabeth II dies, Prime Minister Julia Gillard has said just days ahead of a general election.
Welsh-born Ms Gillard said the Queen's death would be an "appropriate point" for Australia to move away from having a British monarch as head of state.
Australians voted against becoming a republic in a 1999 referendum, but the issue continues to be divisive.
Continue reading the main story
Australia Election
Ms Gillard's main opponent, Tony Abbott, is a staunch monarchist.
for once i agree with Abbott, our system works under the monarchy, the Queen never uses her powers, our Governors and the Governor-General have never interfered when it wasn't warranted, it lets us have a pretty picture on the back of our coins, and, as they say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".
I feel the same way about Canada.
for once i agree with Abbott, our system works under the monarchy, the Queen never uses her powers, our Governors and the Governor-General have never interfered when it wasn't warranted, it lets us have a pretty picture on the back of our coins, and, as they say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".
Seriously though, what can the Queen really do?
No one would have to listen to her and it wouldn't be a big deal.
She can dissolve Parliament, but that's about it. She is iconic, i suppose.
Do they have to listen to her and/or does she have anything to back it up (police or military)?
Do they have to listen to her and/or does she have anything to back it up (police or military)?
for once i agree with Abbott, our system works under the monarchy, the Queen never uses her powers, our Governors and the Governor-General have never interfered when it wasn't warranted, it lets us have a pretty picture on the back of our coins, and, as they say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".
Dear Gods and Little Fishes - has the sacking of Whitlam been forgotten already?
Monarchy sucks in principle, The concept of putting someone on a pedestal even if it is only a figure head is fundamentally flawed.
If you think its good enough to put Ms Windsor Mountbatten up there on a pedestal why won't you put me there?
Do they have to listen to her and/or does she have anything to back it up (police or military)?
Canada is a Parliamentary Democracy and a Constitutional Monarchy in one. The Governor General serves as the Queen incarnate when she is not present, and the Queen is constantly apprised of internal politics through the GG. When Canadians vote for a Prime Minister, the Queen must swear him in otherwise he cannot begin office. It's ceremonial and she has never refused, but legally she could. She could also dissolve Parliament if has become defunct, and although she has never done it, I am kind of glad such a power exists. If our Parliament ever became crazy and stopped doing its job, she could clean the slate and start anew, or call a new election.
In other news, here's a good reason why we should be out of the Commonwealth...
Terrorists could hit Delhi at any time, DFAT warns - Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games News
As has been mentioned, the main executive powers of the Queen are vested in the Governor-General. In addition to being able to dissolve Parliament (which does not have to be at the request of the Prime Minister, a la Whitlam), the Governor-General is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and administers oaths/affirmations of office on behalf of the Queen.
Importantly, the Governor-General also has the power to deny assent to any legislation and return it to the Parliament with any proposed amendments that they see fit. I can't recall an instance where this has happened but it is an important power.
The Governor-General is also responsible for appointing Justices of the High Court and is the only one empowered to remove them from office.
If we were to become a republic, these powers would have to be distributed elsewhere. Who becomes Commander-in-Chief? Who signs legislation in to effect? Do we grant the Prime Minister the power of veto as is the case with the U.S. President? Who decides the make up of the High Court and who is granted the power to remove them from office?
These are all important questions which would have to be answered satisfactorily before we could become a republic.
As has been mentioned, the main executive powers of the Queen are vested in the Governor-General. In addition to being able to dissolve Parliament (which does not have to be at the request of the Prime Minister, a la Whitlam), the Governor-General is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and administers oaths/affirmations of office on behalf of the Queen.
Importantly, the Governor-General also has the power to deny assent to any legislation and return it to the Parliament with any proposed amendments that they see fit. I can't recall an instance where this has happened but it is an important power.
The Governor-General is also responsible for appointing Justices of the High Court and is the only one empowered to remove them from office.
If we were to become a republic, these powers would have to be distributed elsewhere. Who becomes Commander-in-Chief? Who signs legislation in to effect? Do we grant the Prime Minister the power of veto as is the case with the U.S. President? Who decides the make up of the High Court and who is granted the power to remove them from office?
These are all important questions which would have to be answered satisfactorily before we could become a republic.
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