The road to a republic

31 August 2004

ISBN 0 642 71441 X

Download this report as a single file - (PDF format - 850 Kb)

Download this report as individual sections:

Members of the references committee	(PDF format)
Terms of Reference	(PDF format)
Abbreviations	(PDF format)

Chapter 1 - Introduction	(PDF format)
Background Conduct of the inquiry Scope of the report Acknowledgement Note on references

Chapter 2 - Background	(PDF format)
Brief outline of previous moves towards an Australian republic A republic: Yes or No? Views expressed in submissions and evidence In support of a republic Against a republic

Chapter 3 - The process: themes arising in evidence	(PDF format)
Introduction The importance of engagement The need for education Timeframe

Chapter 4 - The process: components and proposals	(PDF format)
Plebiscites The value of plebiscites A threshold plebiscite question? A second plebiscite question with a choice of models? Other plebiscite questions? Separate or concurrent plebiscite questions? Timing of plebiscites: in conjunction with elections or not? Plebiscites: compulsory or voluntary voting? Plebiscites: method of voting? A constitutional convention? A parliamentary committee Section 128 referendum Other proposals The Corowa Conference adopted model

Chapter 5 - Functions and powers of head of state	(PDF format)
Introduction Who is our current head of state? Title of head of state Functions of the head of state Do we need a separate head of state? Role of a republican head of state Powers of a republican head of state Governor-General's current functions and powers Ordinary powers: the convention of acting on the advice of government Reserve powers and associated conventions Powers of the head of state and the judiciary Other specific issues relating to the head of state's powers Relationship between powers and selection method Relationship with executive, parliament and judiciary

Chapter 6 - Selection and removal of head of state	(PDF format)
Introduction Qualifications Qualifications Disqualifications Political or apolitical head of state? Selection of head of state Nomination and short listing Appointment or election processes Tenure Length of term Restrictions on re-appointment or re-election Removal of head of state Process for removal Grounds for removal Casual vacancies

Chapter 7 - The "battle of the models" alternative models for an australian republic	(PDF format)
Introduction General comments on models Minimalist models Prime Minister appoints the head of state Parliament appoints the head of state "McGarvie Model" Direct election models Direct election with parliamentary involvement Direct election Arguments for and against minimalist versus direct election models Executive presidency model Hybrid and other models Electoral college models Variations on a theme

Chapter 8 - The committee's conclusions	(PDF format)
Education, Engagement and Inclusion A process A first plebiscite A second plebiscite A Drafting Convention Other issues

Additional comments by Senator Marise Payne, Deputy chair	(PDF format)
Dissenting report by Senator Nigel Scullion	(PDF format)

Appendix 1 - Organisations and individuals that provided the committee with submissions	(PDF format)

Appendix 2 - Witnesses who appeared before the committee	(PDF format)
Parramatta, Tuesday 13 April 2004 Melbourne, Wednesday 14 April 2004 Perth, Tuesday 18 May 2004 Adelaide, Wednesday 19 May 2004 Hobart, Thursday 20 May 2004 Brisbane, Tuesday 29 June 2004 Canberra, Thursday 29 July 2004