.

(continued …)

.

It will also be the occasion to establish a new Constitution :

• recognizing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people as first inhabitants,

• eliminating the racist clauses in the existing Constitution,

• providing us with the protection of a Bill of Rights which we do not have at present, and

• establishing the absolute neutrality of the State on all matters relating to religion.

This would not affect the excellent relations we currently enjoy with the UK or any other country in the world. It would be in our best interests both at home and abroad.

Putting the final touch to our “house” should be a simple formality, but a long history of natural aversion to change, demonstrated by a significant portion of the population on previous referendums, has been causing complications.

Despite their pre-electoral promises, timorous political leaders have hesitated to take the initiative of launching a new referendum on a republic for fear of exposing themselves to political failure, thus putting their legislature in danger and prompting the wrath of party members who would not fail to oust them from the leadership.

It will require a strong and confident leader, of exceptional courage and vision, invested in the superior interest of the nation, in other words, a true statesman, to take Australia over the final hurdle.

.

Banjo Paterson,
I note you want a Bill of Rights, but more importantly is a Bill of responsibility, as people insist on rights while shirking responsibility to the State and other citizens.

What do you mean by "establishing the absolute neutrality of the State on all matters relating to religion'. Does that mean imposing an exclusive secular philosophy in all matters of State, similar to China or the former USSR?

"Does that mean imposing an exclusive secular philosophy in all matters of State"

In my opinion Josephus, yes.

Banjo your last post, I couldn't agree more.

Dear Josephus,

From what I know about Banjo, even while I disagree with him regarding the desirability of a "republic", he is an honest and straight-forward person and I think that when he says "neutrality" he means just that, "neutrality".

(as for myself, I want neither a bill of rights nor a bill of responsibility)

Banjo Paterson & Paul1405,

Thank you both for your civil explanations.

.

Dear Josephus,

.

You wrote :

« I note you want a Bill of Rights, but more importantly is a Bill of responsibility, as people insist on rights while shirking responsibility to the State and other citizens. »
.

As you are probably aware, the first Bill of Rights has its genetic origin in the Magna Carter of 1215 in the UK. It was established when a group of barons revolted against the abuse of power by the king.

Abuse of power by governments is still prevalent in the world today. The UN estimates that 60% of people in the world do not have access to justice.

In 2012, Amnesty International found that I0l of the l96 countries in the world repress their people's right to freedom of expression; 80 countries systematically conduct unfair trials denying their citizens justice and 112 countries torture their citizens.

By the end of 2013, according to the United Nations, 5l.2 million individuals were forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, generalised violence, or human rights violations.

Even democracy can be manipulated and subjugated, as was demonstrated by the rise to power of' Adolf Hitler in Germany. He won the approval of the Reichstag, on 23 March 1933, by 441 votes to 84, despite his party's lack of parliamentary majority, for it to "temporarily" delegate, (and subsequently renew), its powers to him, under what became known as the “Enabling Act”, granting him dictatorial rule, free from all legislative and constitutional constraints.

Also, the human rights war against the so-called Islamic State has caught Australia on the wrong foot as the only democratic country in the Western world without a bill of rights. Riding on a wave of revulsion for the atrocities committed, public support for human rights has never been so strong.

.

« What do you mean by "establishing the absolute neutrality of the State on all matters relating to religion'. Does that mean imposing an exclusive secular philosophy in all matters of State, … »
.

Paul1405 and Yuyutsu have replied for me on that.

.