Changing to a republic would require a referendum, to change the Constitution.

While we're at it, at the same time, let's also have a referendum about a separate State for Aboriginal people: and also have one about an Indigenous representative body overseeing any new proposed legislation, chosen only by Indigenous people (or their representatives).

We could have all of these three issues decided on the same day, and the up-coming royal marriage would be the ideal time, since it will focus everybody's attention on the relationship between the British Crown and Australia, i.e. between Britain and 'Australia'.

Having them all on the same day would save perhaps hundreds of millions too.

Joe

Dear Joe,

As I understand it, all the Prime Minister is suggesting
is for Australians to debate the issue of becoming a
Republic - he's not pushing for a plebiscite or a
Referendum. I think he's learned from his past experience
that the timing has to be right - hence his suggestion
of a debate first. As far as I can remember
it seems that more than 50% of Australians are against
changing to a Republic. So the timing is currently not
right.

However your "tongue-in-cheek" posts and sarcasm are
appreciated. Keep it up!

leoj,

I stopped reading your post after the second sentence.

Conspiracy theories don't really appeal.

Try again - this time with more substance and sticking
to the subject.

Thanks.

Foxy,

In your opening post you led readers to believe that PM Turnbull was seeking to start the debate on a republic. But obviously you were suffering from false memory syndrome or something, because it was very quickly proved he was responding to a media question and dismissed the suggestion - that didn't come from him but from Bill 'Whatever She Says' Shorten and months before. I did post a link and of course you had not. See here,

leoj, Tuesday, 9 January 2018 10:27:10 AM
http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?discussion=8088&page=1

Unabashed by correction of your misleading first post (and on the same page), you are now claiming that, "all the Prime Minister is suggesting is for Australians to debate the issue of becoming a Republic". But all he ever did was respond to a question and pour water on the idea, indicating to the impertinent hack that at least while QE11 was still in her role (and performing it impeccably as usual) Australians strongly supported the status quo. Simply, 'Where things are not broke, why be fixing them?'.

What right do you have to be speaking for the PM, especially where you appear to be putting words into his mouth and motivations too?

That is false news.

Now, what about some attention from you and your Mr Bill Shorten to those 'Wicked Problems' that plague Australia? Mind you, all realise that it will be a very long wait before Bill Shorten ever demonstrates any interest in those 'Struggle Streets' and other problems.

leoj,

Try again.

This time sticking to the subject.

Paul, all those aspiring to become politicians and all those who are currently politicians have one thing in common. They are lying, scheming thieves.

The only reason they are there is to 'feather their own nest', and I'm not talking feathers or nests. The money that these bastards steal by way of hidden transactions are in the millions.

The idea of taking a moronic con-man and elevating him to the position of President is insane and totally un-acceptable.

Think of all the clowns we've had supposedly, running this place. What idiots, not one statesman between them. Menzies was the last that comes to mind. All the labour PM's were an obvious wrong choice and a bunch of morons.

You can't have a communist running a democratic country. Labour should have been destroyed years ago after their treasonous acts during world war II.