Big Nana,

It wouldn't and it would be a complete waste of time and money as only a referendum can settle the matter, as Turnbull well knows, but wasting public money comes easily to the 'privileged'.

It was a slow news day and consequently the Oz 'meeja' had to make a few more headlines than usual.

It is going to be tough for some, thinking of the ABC especially, now that gay marriage is no longer the easy go to.

Dear Big Nana,

I would imagine that the cost of changing to a
Republic would cost conservatively between
2-3 billion dollars pending more precise calculations.
Think of all the costs involved such as the removal
of Royal symbols and a new flag - just to mention
a few. I think our Prime Minister must have got a
bit carried away - either that or he was misquoted.
As I stated earlier I was unable to access The Herald
Sun article because I'm not a subscriber. But here's
one I found:

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/xx-20180104-h0dss1.html

And here's one on the costs:

http://www.australianconstitution.com.au/pdf/008.pdf

In another thread, angst is being expressed at the over-the-top pronouncements and behaviour of an American President.

Similar or more outrageous and 'dangerous' behaviour is alleged against his opponent and against past US Presidents. For example the Clintons, Bill and Hillary.

What arrogance would assert that Australia would not suffer similar dangerous fools as the US?

Bill Shorten and the Left want Australians to have a simple Yes or No vote without understanding the model and the ramifications. Shorten and his mates would take it from there.

Trust Bill Shorten? Of course NOT! :(

David Marr sums things up rather well when he tells us

"So here are the hurdles they have to overcome: a
movement without a charismatic politician at its lead;
a nation with no great passion to become a Republic, a
Constitution that is extra-ordinarily difficult to change;
and history is showing few, if any, monarchies are ever
felled by a vote. It takes lost wars, and spectacular
bungling to unseat a royal house. Anything is possible,
of course, but no time soon."

http://www.smh.com.au/national-long-live-the-queen-20111022-1mdlh.html

I'm going to go a bit off topic here (somewhat).
Can anybody tell me how does one go about getting
a letter from the Queen for a person when they
celebrate their 100th Birthday?

I know of somebody who won't be 100 for another four
years, but I was wondering how does one go about this?
This person has been a staunch Monarchist for the
greater part of their lives and it would mean a great
deal to receive a Birthday Greeting from Buckingham
Palace.

Any one know what is involved? And what the correct
procedures to be followed are?