Diver Dan, do you feel safe in your own neighbourhood ? I do in mine & as you say there are not enough plods on the beat at any given time (a bit like taxis when you need one). There have been instances when I lived in inner Darwin that gave me cause for fear, likewise when I lived in Geraldton, WA... It can happen anywhere I suppose.

What I fear today though is the way the ALP/LNP governments erode at personal freedoms and liberties with the likes of Anti Terrorism laws, the formation of agencies like Border Farce (black uniforms) and the more recent formation of Mr Potato Heads new Homeland Security portfolio. Their powers have not been challenged in court, so it will be interesting to see where this does end up in the scheme of things. It does though have precedent in history with the likes of Mosley, Hitler, Mussolini, Pinochet and Mugabe.

I don't know how anyone can be jealous of the "rank & privilege" of the British royalty.

To my mind, being born into British royalty is more a life sentence than a privilege, all responsibility & not too much care.

PS. It appears to me that those who most want a republic are the very ones with the irrational hate of Trump.

Have a care lefties, you may get what you wish for, & hate the result more than you could imagine.

The Governor General, an Australian citizen since 1965, already fills the role of Old Man's president and, Pete, while Charles is a tree-hugging, Muslim loving idiot, his presence on the throne will not make any difference to Australia. Things will be just like they are now: stable, dignified and part of our heritage.

Yep!...part of our heritage....whatever that may be

I believe the advantages to us of the Monachy is greater than the disadvantage.
However if we are foolish enough to go for a republic an elected president
would be a disaster.
Elect a President and you get a politician. You make a new power base.
It cannot be any other way.

Fancy President Malcolm, Pres Bill, Pres Kevin, Pres Julia ?
Appointed Presidents are where you push unwanted politicians.