Australia's right wing Republican Party has devised a plan explaining how they would go about electing a new Head of State and effectively removing Queen Elizabeth II from that position.
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The 'Australian Choice'
Similar to developments in Barbados most recently, Peter FitzSimons, head of the Australian Republic Movement (ARM) has voiced his plans to ditch all British influence on Australian politics. In a statement, he explained:
Head of State would have no individual authority in relation to the setting of government policy, day-to-day governance or passing of laws, which remains the responsibility of the parliament, Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The plan, which is being called the 'Australian Choice', would consist in having local, state and federal parliaments be the ones to choose candidates for Head of State. The nominees would be selected on a 'merit-based choice' that is relevant to the Australian nation. Ultimately, the public would be the one to decide the final candidates in a national ballot.
Polling shows Australians to be in favour
Interestingly, according to a survey, 73% of Australians would be in favour of adopting the Australian Choice plan if a referendum were held to make the country a republic. FitzSimons said:
We've consulted, we've listened closely and Australians have told us this approach will give our nation the best chance of success at a referendum, with an overwhelming majority of Australians likely to back the change.
And added:
This will give all Australian voters a merit-based choice about who speaks for them as Head of State. The decision will be in their hands, unlike now, where it is luck of the draw who we get from the British Royal Family.
