Australia - Monarchy or Republic?
Sam
effectively replaced the Queen as the ultimate ruler in Australia. From
that perspective, the debate whether Australia should be a Monarchy or
a Republic is rather cosmetic. Nevetheless, even if Australia is only
in name a monarchy, it makes sense to formalize the factual situation.
Arguments in favor of a Republic are:
- Equality.
Monarchy effectively selects one person and that person's family as an
elite, to rule exclusively over one country. This elite extend to all
who marry into this family, who are knighted and given special orders,
or who are otherwise seen as supporters. This can all be formalized in
legislation and in the Constitution, such as by instituting a House of
Lords.
- Religion
The Monarch in Australia is the same as the Monarch of England, who
also heads the Church of England. This is at odds with the idea that is
also reflected in the Australian Constitution, i.e. that government
should NOT to establish a National or State religion.
- Conflict of Interest
There may be situations where the interest of Australia are not in line
with the interests of England or the UK at large. If the Monarch had to
choose between Australian citizenship or England, it's unlikely that
Australia would be the preferred choice. While having the same Monarch
does reflect some historical roots of Australia, it does not reflect
ALL of Australia's roots, in particular Australia's aboriginal history.
Having the same Monarch could negatively influence the Australian
interest and identity, in cases where Australia differs from the
England.
- Geographic proximity
Australia's Monarch doesn't reside in Australia, but lives in the UK,
about as far away as one can get from Australia. Geographically,
Australia is closer to Asia and the Americas, rather than to Europe.
- Commerce and Culture
Commercially and culturally, the UK has over the years integrated more
with continental Europe, while Australia's trade with the UK has
decreased proportionally. The European Union's protectionism tops the
list for hampering Australia's exports. Commerce and cultural relations
with the Americas and Asia have increased, while Australia's foreign
students and new immigrants increasingly come from Asia.
If you like, feel welcome to discuss the above arguments and add more!
Sam
