Australian Republicanism Analysis

The subject of republicanism on its own may not seem intimidating to the wider community. However, when spoken in context with the separation of Australia from its monarchical foundations by amending the Australian constitution it is guaranteed to provoke a response. Such as the response made by Prime Minister John Howard who professed his opposition to Australia becoming a republic and suggested that it would not happen in his lifetime. Firstly, this essay will explore the legal issues involved in transforming Australia to a republic by focusing on such matters as the selection of a Head of State and constitutional amendment. Secondly, it will discuss whether such a transformation is possible during John Howard's lifetime.

Australian republicanism has historically been concerned with asserting Australia's independence from Britain. It is believed that such an assertion may have inaugurated in the early to mid nineteenth century when Australian colonies moved toward responsible government (Stephenson, 1994). In 1901 under the Constitutional Convention of 1890, the colonies of Australia federated (Stephenson, 1994). However, it is suggested that this federation did not generate an independent Australia, rather, that it occurred in 1942 with the adoption of the British Statute of Westminster 1931 where Australia
The question now is whether there exists a future for Australia as a republican nation. According to John Howard it is not foreseeable in Australia's immediate future. However, the Senate inquiry conducted in 1993 appears to believe that it is a plausible scenario for Australia and has explained that the next proposal must not be rushed as was the 1999 referendum. Nevertheless, any future proposal remains unpredictable and as Australia advances towards the year 2007, perhaps it is something for consideration in the subsequent