What is a republic?

According to the Macquarie Dictionary, a republic is a state in which "the supreme power resides in the body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives chosen directly or indirectly by them."

In particular, a republic refers to a system of government that has no hereditary monarch — a person who holds political or constitutional office purely as a birthright.

In a monarchy, the Head of State is an hereditary monarch who is the symbolic personification of the nation and the source of all constitutional and democratic authority.

Many people believe that this arrangement is no longer either appropriate or suitable for Australia. We believe that the office of Head of State should be attained on merit, not birthright. We believe that our Head of State should be an Australian Citizen. We believe that our Head of State should live in Australia and know what it means to be Australian.

Australia can reach this goal by becoming a republic, with our own Head of State who is chosen on merit rather than on birthright and who unquestionably represents Australia both at home and abroad. Our own Head of State will meet the Queen and other Heads of State as an equal.

Discuss this issue