Re: National Identity: Role of the Governor-General

[broadband01]

yes,get rid of the monarchy,deny your british heritage,take the union jack of the flag,,while your at it,,and replace it with a asian/paciific one,theres progress for you,top ten democracies in the world,seven of which are monarchy democracies

[Amunication]

No-one in Aus or NZ can be "anything" If an Australian or a New Zealander cannot even DREAM of being the Head of State of their OWN country then we cant be "anything" we're not really free if we aren't free to dream.

And we need to change our flags too they're ugly.

[vinnycwalsh]

@Amunication The governor general of NZ is a New Zealander....

[Amunication]

But the governor general is not the head of state, the queen of ENGLAND is the head of state and one day ponce charlse will be king....

[acdcrulz7754]

*Australian/newzealand

[holdenrepublic]

I might do a video on this - but quickly, it's a viable option. It's essentially what we have now.

However, I think it would be better if the position was elected. There have been plenty of "political" Governors-General. The PM's discretion encourages back-room deals; in any case those who do best at the job are generally politically linked (e.g. Holyoake, Tizard, Reeves).

[MustangJay]

We wouldn't even be having this debate today if our ancestors wern't such a bunch of spineless bitches who instead of fighting for their own country opted to take up sides with Great Britain's empire, the Nazis of their day!!

[abhitron]

I'm still sitting on the fence on the issue of republicanism, because I need more knowledge of the issue before I can make a decision.

[abhitron]

I live in Australia and personally I'm satisfied with the current form of government and see no reason to change the style of government we have. It seems than republican sentiment in Australia stems from national pride, rather than trying to overthrow a corrupt dictatorship, which doesnt seem important to me in a realistic sense. Hey life here is way better than where I emigrated from (Fiji).

[abhitron]

Although I understand your sentiment about wanting someone from your country to be head of state, as having the Queen still ruling may showcase some last lingering threads of colonialism. And a governor-general is basically the same role played out by the governors of the current British overseas territories. And here in Aus each state and territory has its own governor, further reinforcing the Queens rule over the nation.

[abhitron]

Theres still time for myself to ponder on this issue, so maybe Ill get back to you in the future ;) . Anyway a nice, well thought out video youve posted here holdenrepublic. Sorry for the amount of comments Ive just posted.

[heidegger89]

What? Satisfied with defference, centralisation? Giving more power to Canberra? Australia must have the best. And the best is giving people the power to overturn their Parliament through citizen initated referenda. So NO to the politicans' monarchy!

[abhitron]

I appreciate your idealism, I really do. Your vision for a more established role for a nation's populace in the running of their country truly embraces the concept of democracy. My satisfaction with Australia's system was made in comparison to the political travesty that makes its presence in Fiji. I'm sure you've now heard about the constituional crisis in Fiji, furthur undermining any chance of political stability in the island nation as long as it is under rule by the present military junta.

[heidegger89]

Well, that's my point. If you get people thinking, educated and involved, they rarely cut people's heads off (I mean, Nazi Germany, is a classic example of people electing 385443285485 different parties and letting representative democracy become about politiking, rather than serving the people). The Swiss have 7 major parties, none control the Parliament, yet they repeal, amend and pass the most legislation in Europe. It's a cultural thing I suppose, the never ending story of the enlightenment.

[abhitron]

LOL, read the rest of my comments, I was still writing it when you just replied.

[abhitron]

Despite that, I admit I didn't really adopt a broader view of this issue, as I was only making comparisons based on the stability of both nations. While I am honoured and proud to be an Australian, if you feel that more can be done to lend more influence to the people of Australia, then that is great and would benefit the populace. Even though I posted those like 5 months ago, I still haven't really made a decision on republicanism in Australia, so I will think about what you have said, and

[heidegger89]

Remember, you judge a *model* of a Republic, not the notion of a Republic. There are wonderful systems out there that show stability and continuity (San Marino 1700 year existence), democracy (Switzerland's direct democracy), pomp and circumstance (changing of the guards in Switzerland and San Marino and Inaugural addresses every year), are not mutually exclusive forces. Amusingly, they are also cheaper than our GG (costing roughly $4m aus, not $11m).

[GodBotherer1]

Switzerland is corrupt, all they are are crooked cash cows, San Marino is just exchanging the reigns every 6 months because they can't make up their mind. San Marino produces nothing, they are a tax haven, they can waive their little flag, but what good is their system when their country is the size of a local council & has less power than a private security force patrolling a shopping centre.

[heidegger89]

Secondly, San Marino has the third highest GDP per capita in the world you moron. Moreover, it produces key industries are banking, electronics, and ceramics. The main agricultural products are wine and cheese. Sure, they are small but wealthier, more stable than any monarchy. It's not that they cannot make up their mind, its just they realise stability comes through contigency, as does symbolism, by having different people are Prez. Their Captain Reagants are all chosen by the people.

[heidegger89]

Switzerland is also the least corrupt nation on earth. Type in "corruption perception index", you philistine. Lower taxes and private banking do not mean corruption (ie exchange money for illegal services), it means freedom of choice, association and the absence of LEGALISED THEFT endemic with the monarchy. More socialism really from the monarchists: "they are are crooked cash cows" - perish the thought INDIVIDUALS should be rich, and not just the welfare fiend that is the Queen.

[abhitron]

it should help on my view of this issue. Anyway, sorry for the amount of words I just wrote. fighting Youtube's character limit once again.

[heidegger89]

And, of course, Australia - a nation whose ideals are inspired by Republican ideals of JS Mills, John Locke etc is different to Fiji, which has a culture of military coups. But, now, compare Aus. to Switzerland - where there are THIRDWAY approaches to things (remember Swiss initatives encouragecountermodels, emanting toward reason). Hence, abortion is 12 weeks BECAUSE *science* says so (thus, overcoming the pro-life or pro-choice divide), gay marriage is left to the common law. Reason prevails

[abhitron]

You really know your stuff ;) , so I really appreciate your comments as they are helping to open my eyes a bit. I completely agree on the Republican ideals that make part of the system of Australia (I'm sure you've heard of the term 'crowned republic', but of course that's just only a label). And for Fiji having a culture of MILITARY coups... you really hit the head of the nail on that one there.

[heidegger89]

Haha, why thank you.

[abhitron]

LOL, your welcome.

[heidegger89]

What a reasonable person you are indeed.

[GodBotherer1]

If you want a republic, are you going to pay for it??????

Just look at all the countries who have become republics, they are all corrupt, corporate states.

If you want to live in a republic, then you can freely migrate to Cuba, India, Iran or Zimbabwe and be the skilled migrant labour for them.

If you change our head of state, it will be an excuse to change our nations.

It costs us nothing to stay a monarchy, and our Monarch is our heritage and our identity. Britain built us, you want to ruin.

[holdenrepublic]

You raise some interesting points - I think I'll post another video to rebut them. But suffice to say I certainly don't want ruin for my country.

[abhitron]

GodBotherer1, I understand listing Cuba, Iran and Zimbabwe, but come on, India? Granted it may not be as democratic as the major Western nations but still it's more democratic than the three other nations you've listed.

[heidegger89]

Those countries you cited are NOT actual Republics. Republicanism ACTUALLY means a) liberty, b) democracy and c) individual. And Fiji isn't corrupt? Jamaica? Pakistan under Liz? A pattern emerges: decentralised and democracy is what makes a country less corrupt. Ireland, Finland, Switzerland and San Marino (the latter 2 three times older than any CM) seem to be doing ok. Hard work and sweat and the millions of immigrants built us, not simply Britian.

[heidegger89]

LOL, you say you have no time for politicans' yet support a system which upholds Parliamentary supremacy. This means even if the Queen has reserve powers, given then are by the virtue of the common law, Parliament can easily overturn them (they are statue). You support the politicans' monarchy. Remember what Bagehot said: the Queen is simply there as a prop (the "dignified" showgirl) to contrast the machinery of government (i.e. the cold efficiency of politicans). She's the politicans' poodle.

[holdenrepublic]

Shucks, thanks :)

[DaveHorse1]

I am an ardent Monarchist but I have to admit you clearly know your stuff. You are spot on when you point out that a Governor General serves by virtue of the Queen's patronage exercised on the advice of her ministers not parliament! It really is surprising that there have not been more crises like 1926 (in Canada) and 1975 (in OZ) and 2004 (in the SI).

[matt83au]

Australia, New Zealand, Canada etc should all become republic's

[Captaintikei]

They will!! Aussie will be first NZ second and canada last!

[kmfw72]

No, republics.