Hoping to build support among younger voters aged under 35, the Australian Republican Movement (ARM) has announced that it will hold a two year consultation to work out what kind of republic model will work in Australia. Would the President of Australia be popularly elected, or chosen by the Parliament?
If this interview with Sandy Blair, National Director of the ARM is any indication, they have not yet put forward a compelling reason why Australia's current system of government needs to be replaced. Nor have they adequately thought through the implications. The have not explained the powers the president would have. Would the president be able to refuse to sign legislation passed by the Federal Parliament?
Also, whereas the office of Governor General is ceremonial and apolitical, a a popularly elected president could claim their own mandate from the people to disagree with the government on policy matters.
A tougher shock jock interviewer could have grilled them further on the timing of this announcement, asking them if they are capitalising on the advanced age of the Queen, to put it politely, and recent controversies involving the royal family.
https://www.3aw.com.au/the-republican-movement-has-relaunched-and-tom-elliott-is-underwhelmed-heres-why/
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