Someone might ask the Quebecoise what they think of this Canukanz stuff before anyone gets too excited about it.

We actually had one, remember? It was called the empire. It tottered on the central government's inability to take responsibility for the well being of those on the periphery. And it got shot to pieces when incompetent British Generals sent young colonial boys into a hail of machine gun fire. Lest we, indeed, forget.

Perseus,

The opinions of the Quebecois will certainly be an important factor. At present, more than half of them seem to want no part of Canada, so all manner of different outcomes are possible.

Needless to say, the Empire was not a federation. A global British federation was, in fact, first proposed in the 1880s, and would have involved a federal parliament with members from the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, South Africa and the West Indies. Attempts were still being made to get the idea off the ground after the First World War, and failed largely because of the limitations of the transportation and communication technology then available. After the Second World War, of course, Britain went into decline, we hitched our wagon to the USA, and the idea was not raised again. Now seems like a good time to think again: I can see no better way to find our place in the world.

Whatever the reasons for the end of the Empire, what we are suggesting is not a return to the model you refer to, with a “central government” and a “periphery”, but rather a federation, just like Australia’s or Canada’s. Given that we currently look after our own defence, we would clearly not be in a position of being taken care of by those at the “centre”. Working together can only make us stronger, as it has made the Australian states and the Canadian provinces stronger.

And Perseus, I certainly have no objection to the creation of more states in Australia, if there are regions that have the desire to make that move.

The Republican Gathering went very well. For the first time in many years, republicans were talking and sharing their ideas from groups with very different views of constitutional reform. The weekend's work focused on points in common - in particular popular soveriegnty. Lots of jets flying over Canberra for the VP celebrations. We will be repeating the forum in 6 months.

Ian, it is insufficient to say that given New South Welshpeople don't complain about having a Victorian Governor-General that New Zealanders would do the same. NZ and NSW are different entities.

You seem to be saying that its possible for CANZUK federation to occur. Anything is possible. Do you have any polling information about how many Australians would like to federate with Canada, UK and/or New Zealand? I cannot imagine a reform like this to be enacted without popular consent.

David,

Yes, I do think a CANZUK federation is plausible, which is not the same as saying it is likely. Clearly, like Australia’s federation of a century ago, it could only come about if our populations were to want it and recognise that it would be advantageous for all sides. We would obviously not leap straight to a federation: what we could start doing with little risk is establish reciprocal citizenship rights and improve trade links.

No, we have no polling information, because the idea really hasn’t really got out into the public domain yet. It’s early days. The connections, however, are certainly there. Of the million or so Australians currently living overseas, somewhere around a quarter are in the UK, with over a third in the UK, New Zealand and Canada combined. With reciprocal rights, they could work and study without visa restrictions, as could the large numbers of New Zealanders, Brits and Canadians who visit Australia.

If ancient enemies like France and Germany can share a currency and contemplate federation, I see no reason why four countries with virtually identical institutions and profound cultural similarities could not get even further.

David L & Ian - I really like the idea of a CANZUK federation, we have similar cultures, colonial history and politics. But will it actually happen? Highly unlikely. Too many want to ride on the coattails of the USA for one.

But keep the discussion going - really learning alot and enjoying a true debate.

Cheers

T