The "only" thing that's been mentioned that's bound to get through is- - - - - - - - Peter Costello to lead the Liberal Party to victory, after the next election which will be EASILY won by Labour. Peter's comeback will be the biggest of all time, as long as he can control the "smirk". My dear departed wife hated that "smirk". But he's been the smartest person in Federal Parliament since Paul Keating. Mr Keating set the agenda for serious economic change, and Mr Costello successfully carried on with a very similar agenda. Peter Costello will one day make a GREAT Prime Minister.

One thing we DON'T need is to get rid of local government. It would be a nightmare trying to deal with "local" issues via a non localised government. If you think bureaucracy is a nightmare now, wait till they do away with local government. You'll then know what a "real" nightmare is like.

I would vote against all of them, particularly the removal of local councils.

The greater centralisation of power is the path to despotism.

Conversely the devolution of authority, combined with local knowledge and accountability (as in local councils) is the better social approach to governmental administration and it always will be.

To AnSymeonakis “We speak for a political system you speak for a race! Do you represent the Australia's Anglo-Saxon?”

I find comments like that leave me rolling on the floor in fits laughter, where the writer obviously fails to understand the origin of the words he uses in protest to some fatuous notion of “racial exclusivity”

I of course am taking him to task over his criticism of someone who he claims represents “Anglo-Saxons”

And anyone with any education knows the very term refers to two (one-time) separate ethnic sub-groups or “Races”:

Being “Angles” on the one hand

and “Saxons” on the other.

AS sorry but it just must be said.
Do you understand what you write?
Or are you fond of telling lies?
Sorry some thing is very wrong
Your posts go from well written well thought out.
To ones like your last here in this thread.
Do you truly think 75% of this country's population is not Anglo Saxon?
Yes 25% of us are not born in Australia.
Sorry but I tried truly to forgive your statements about my country and its people.
I am finding it hard, truly hard, to understand why you written words have an accent?
Why do they, mimic how some talk who do do understand English?
Surely you do not have to write that way in one post and then word perfect in others?
In reply to others, Aussie do indeed love the bush, but spare me the rubbish about flags and mother England.
We would not need to change the flag to become a republic, we will however do both.
Rubbish that this flag, not the one that flew on foundation, is the only one we will ever have, England?
Well we can never forget out history but while I am convict stock I am republican and proud Aussie.

I tend to think the whole monarchy thing will be a thing of the past when the queen retires or passes. I see little and have little respect for charles, so it’s a big yes for me, always has been.

As for local governments, I have been of the opinion for some time that we should have one government for the entire country, do away with state and local and replace them with offices with fed gov reps.

One of the biggest issues with local governments is the fact that decisions are often made on emotion, or ones personal beliefs, rather than what is best for the region.

Tall poppies are also common within local governments. Ones who hate to see someone get ahead in life.

“Peter Costello will one day make a GREAT Prime Minister.”

Aaaaaaaah hahaahahahhaaaaaha haaaaaaaa

Master, you are hiiiiilarious!

I can understand Peter Costello's frustration when no-one believes he is retiring from politics.

Other issues for the referendum might include food imports, euthanasia, same sex marriages.

Australia has too many layers of bureaucracy, two tiers of government would surely be enough in a country with almost 22 million people.

The problem with health is too much bureacracy and administration. Better in my view to give overall policy management and oversight to the Commonwealth government and reduce administrative costs in favour of delivery of medical services (more staff and more beds).

BUT and this is important, devolve budgetary responsibility and purchasing power to the hospitals themselves. This cuts red tape and allows better flowing faster administrative processes which are not bogged down in the current system of large Area Health Services.