If Australians are fair dinkum about a republic a referendum on an equal rights republic with governance conducted by agreement between women's and men's legislatures, courts and corporate committees would receive overwhelming support this weekend because there's hardly anyone left in Australia who doesn't support equal rights between women and men. An equal rights republic rebadges the Senate a women's legislature with members elected by women and the House of Representatives a men's legislature with members elected by men, each with exactly the same powers to initiate, review, amend, accept or reject legislation enacted with passage through both. A cabinet of equal numbers of women, appointed by a majority of the women's legislature, and men, appointed by a majority of the men's legislature, reconciles the business of the parliament and provides the republic with leadership, while sovereignty resides with a cabinet nominated council of governors-general comprised of equal numbers of distinguished senior women and men. The States and Territories follow suit, their interests preserved through women's and men's lines of communication, and the courts recognise women's and men's jurisdictions. What greater honour than for Her Majesty to pass sovereignty to senior citizens presiding over the first women's legislature of the modern era.

Ludwig,
If you want a debate or argument with a kiwi, then suggest we amalgamate and if you suggest that NZ become part of Aus then, from my experience, be prepared to put your dukes up, because they see them as fighting words.

They are very nationalistic, even though they come here in droves. I have never seen the figures but I reckon not many would take up citizenship here.

An example, even though our Jessica Watson was born here and lives here, some Kiwis tried to claim her as one of them, because her grandparents are Kiwi, (not sure about her parents). All in good humour of course, but the poor girl had to declare her nationality from the middle of the Indian Ocean. "Sorry Grandpa, but I'm Aussie"

Best not even broach the subject of rugby. Not so 'friendly rivalry'

But you are right, it is off topic, sorta got sidetracked somewhere. My apologies.

I think we should dispense with parliament and install Queen Julia in our very own monarchy, from which she can simply rule by decree based on the latest opinion poll. It'd certainly be cheaper than the current system, where no matter who you vote for you get a government that does exactly that.

I'm with you, CJ....and it appears that Bertrand Russell pondered the issue also. In "Freedom verses Authority in Education" he wrote: "Democracy, as conceived by politicians, is a form of government, that is to say, it is method of making people do what their leaders wish under the impression that they are doing what they themselves wish."

A very convoluted thread, but has anybody asked if we actually have a reasonable candidate for the job (apart from Jeff Kennett of course)?

I am tending to think, changing it all might not be that great. In these troubled times, the head of state would have to be picked from a minority to show how cool we are. So we'd end up with an obese stuttering left-handed lesbian who comes from Africa and speaks no English, which I am sure also has its merits.

I reckon any PM of the day will see themselves as the logical candidate, like a bit of a retirement package to go with all the big time super and airfares.

<< I think we should dispense with parliament and install Queen Julia in our very own monarchy… >>

Mmmmm, interesting!

CJ, I’d give her about three months to prove herself as being genuine about sustainability issues and the concomitant move away from high immigration and continuous growth. Then if she shines, and if she gives an undertaking to maintain that sort of policy direction, yes we should install her as our Queen!!

Once she ascends to the monarchy, she wouldn’t have to worry about opinion polls!

Hey, that really does sound very enticing. Then we wouldn’t have to worry about our stupid political setup where the two major parties, which are essentially identical in their philosophies, are vying for the right to take the country into a totally unsustainable future and down the road to ruin!