Zarko

I don't see any real benefit to become a Republic atm tbh. I would vote for it I guess just to get the **** out of the way, but I don't see what would dramatically change with a change in our current state.

The argument of heritage is about as old as MOST of the people who sprout it (no offence meant Lat).

Astronomer

Exactly, I don't see any benefit in becoming a republic at the moment either. Like I said, why try to 'fix' something when it isn't broken? Our political system as worked well for us thus far so why try to change it?

And ha, no offense taken!

I also wonder if Australia became a republic what would happen to New Zealand and if they would follow our decision and become a republic themselves. At the moment Australia has very close ties with New Zealand; as an Australian you are able to reside and work there infinitely without needing a Visa and without having to go through any kind of process at all, and they're in the process of making it possible to travel there without a passport. I wouldn't want anything to jeopardise those ties that we have. (I'm not sure if the changing of our constitution or anything would affect this, but just saying.) I'm happy with the way things are now so I don't see the point in going to such an effort to change them,

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Burning Down

I can only speak for Canada, but I'm pretty sure that the relationship between the UK and Australia is similar. The Queen's only involvement in our government is through the Governor-General, who has the power to suspend and dissolve Parliament, and whose signature is required to permit amendments to any part of the constitution, because the Queen is the head of state. The Prime Minister has very little power - he is only the head of government. The PM needs permission from the GG in order to call an election and send the country to war. I think that it's time that we GROW UP and take care of ourselves. We can still have a government based off of the Westminster model, but we don't need a Governor General or the Queen, whose role is strictly ceremonial. Most people here (and probably in Aus as well) don't really care for the monarchy or what it stands for.

A comedic take on Prince Charles' visit last month:

mr dave

Rick Mercer is awesome, that's where we stop agreeing

i don't want to derail this discussion too much so i'll keep it short, plus Barnard's post is necessary reading for anyone in this thread.

while the PM and GG roles are more or less as you describe 'on paper', they're essentially reversed in practice. the GG role is ceremonial, their actions usually follow the popular vote and their input comes from requests, not from will. the GG can't just step in and declare Parliament dissolved, the acting PM has to approach the GG's office and make the request.

plus any move to ditch the Monarchy will likely result in another rise of secessionist movements in Quebec and Alberta. Quebec for obvious reasons, Alberta so long as they're booming. YAY! the country splits into a half dozen chunks

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Neapolitan

I've always heard concern from Canadians that if Canada splits some of the Eastern Provinces would have to consider the possibility of joining the USA to survive.

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mr dave

absolutely, it's already been discussed at a trade level under the name Atlantica. seems like a sensible option if the maritimes don't join Quebec.

i'm also totally down with everything Vanilla just said in regards to Canada and the Commonwealth too.

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Scarlett O'Hara

This is a relevant thread to New Zealand too. We have also debated over here whether to become a Republic nation. I personally think the ties and relationships with Britain are more favourable than giving it up when there are no current problems that I know being caused because of us being a commonwealth. Everyone knows we are separately run countries, we can still hold onto our national pride, especially during Olympics and world cups. There are more advantages than disadvantages to be associated with Britain. Even though NZ is perfectly capable of supporting itself.

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Astronomer

Exactly, I agree completely in regards to NZ and Australia. I don't think there are any disadvantages of being a part of the British Commonwealth so don't see why we should be trying to change it.

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right-track

I know that. It wasn't the point I was trying to make.

TheBig3

This is concerning to me. It sounds as if your perception is that the President of the United States is declared supreme leader for four years. As a matter of origin, the the President is routinely denied authority on matter based on our separation of powers.

Part of me is concerned this is somehow coloring your view on Republic's in general. Is it?

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