I like the Queen. I like Wate/Killiam. George has potential.

"If it ain't broke don't fix it"

constitution has been the heart of our nation since federation

The nomination of the President is very confusing. The package suggests that everyone will have a chance to nominate a fellow Australian for the office of President, and these nominations will be considered by a special Nominations Committee made up of representatives "from Australian parliament and all parts of our community". This committee will select a shortlist, from which the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition will select one nominee. This seems an unnecessarily political and extensive way to choose a President. A perfectly stable and effective model is to have the people choose the President, as is the case in the US and numerous other countries. This approach to nomination seems like an attempt to cover all bases, making the process as long-winded and difficult as possible and not allowing the people any significant input.

A prime minister can keep the President in office indefinitely if the parliament cannot agree with a replacement

It would take way too much money and time to completely remove our ties to the Commonwealth. Think changing our money system, flag, our Commonwealth coat of arms...

Under the proposed model, we will have no say in who their President will be.

Australia is already an independent nation.

The proposed model adds nothing to Australia’s independence.

Everyone knows Australia is a proud, strong, independent nation.

The referendum is not just about whether Australia should become a republic, but also the proposed setup of this republic. On this, both the referendum question and accompanying passage are very vague. The proposed model involves a President appointed by the politicians, not the people - who will this person owe allegiance to? Who can they be dismissed by? Will they use their powers more readily than the current Governor-General, who (as dictated by convention) does not use them?

it removes the checks and balances of the current system as PM appoints the president

"There will be no benefits under this republic - only problems."

No benefits to Australians, doesn't create jobs, won't improve trade, won't improve the economy

http://www.quickmeme.com/img/36/36e35ebc1f87d6b5a97e4199db772c042143c3970d549f53a002e2fc15e83d43.jpg

WHO WOULD BE ON OUR COINS IF SHE WAS KICKED OUT OF THIS WONDERFUL NATION!!!????????

it is not worth voting for if it is not an improvement on our current system

Teaching the history of the British Empire links in with that of the world: for better and for worse, the EMPIRE MADE US WHAT WE ARE, FORMING OUR NATIONAL IDENTITY. A country that does not understand its own history is unlikely to respect that of others.

Antony Beever - respected historian