Category: Ugly Duckling Republic Model

The “Ugly Duckling” Model for an Australian Republic proposes a unique approach to democratizing the divisible Crowns of Australia, which are presently monarchical and hereditary in nature. Drawing inspiration from the fairy-tale of the same name, this model likens the Crown of Australia to an “Ugly Duckling” – misunderstood and lacking the democratic image they could embody. The central idea is to retain these Crowns while replacing the monarch with elected Australian representatives who serve fixed terms as heads of State.

In this model, the existing divisible Crowns, representing Australia’s states and the Commonwealth, would undergo a transformation to become truly democratic entities. Currently non-democratic and hard to envision as democratic, these Crowns would be reimagined as symbols of inclusivity and popular choice. By electing Australians to hold ceremonial office under these divisible Crowns, the model seeks to bridge the gap between the existing monarchical structure and a more democratic vision for the future.

The proposal ensures that the Governor-General and State Governors, as representatives of the elected head of State, retain their roles, and the concept of reserve powers continues. This maintains the balance of power and prevents the elected head of State from becoming a political rival to the Prime Minister. The model’s emphasis on short terms and apolitical campaigns further ensures the ceremonial nature of the role.

In essence, the “Ugly Duckling” Model strives to redefine the divisible Crowns of Australia by infusing them with democratic principles. By electing representatives to these Crowns while preserving their ceremonial functions, the model seeks to create a harmonious blend of tradition and modern democracy in the Australian context.

Here is a summarized version of the model for a republic, along with the benefits and objections associated with it:

Model Summary:

• The model proposes an elected head of State, replacing the monarchy while preserving the Crown of Australia.
• Governors-General and State Governors retain reserve powers, appointed by the head of State on the Prime Minister’s and Premier’s advice, respectively.
• The directly elected head of State’s short one-year term ensures no political rivalry with the Prime Minister.
• Conventions prevent the head of State from engaging in politics; election campaigns remain apolitical.
• Candidates and electorate are based on states and Territories, ensuring a focus on regional representation.
• The model maintains the Australian Federation, the Westminster system, and the unity of one head of State.

Benefits:

• Supporters of a direct election republic benefit from having an elected head of State.
• Supporters of a Parliamentary Appointed republic retain a Governor-General with reserve powers and a short, apolitical term for the head of state.
• Conservatives favour maintaining the Crown, Australian Federation, and Westminster system.
• Monarchists find continuity in the model, preserving conventions and stability.
• The model can adapt to a declining monarchy and offers a democratic alternative.

Objections:

• There might be concerns about the one-year term’s stability and perceived inexperience.
• The model counters this objection by focusing on ceremonial roles, community engagement, and symbolizing unity.
• The role of the elected head of State is not intended to be presidential; it complements the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
• The model anticipates a new generation of leaders emerging and emphasizes engagement beyond the term.

Overall:

• States have equal representation in the head of State role, promoting a successful referendum outcome.
• Utilizing the well-established Australian of the Year Awards framework makes the election process accessible.
• The model promotes gender equality by alternating between male and female heads of State.
• It separates the Crown from the monarchy and aligns the democratic process with Australia’s values.
• Voter impact is minimal, with only one head of State election in seven years, alongside federal and state elections.

Here is a summarized version of the path to a republic outlined in the text:

1. Formal Agreement: The Commonwealth and States should agree to consult on the head of State issue to maintain unity during the transition, preserving a single unifying head of State.
2. Harmonization of the Crown: Standardize the terminology and naming convention for the divisible Crowns across states and the Commonwealth to achieve consistency.
3. Avoid Divergence: Prevent the risk of different heads of State for the Commonwealth and States by finding a consensus to avoid division or potential secession.
4. Referendum on Transition: Hold a Constitutional Convention to discuss the shift to a republic, building a consensus among experts and stakeholders.
5. Pre-Referendum Test: Test the process of electing an Australian head of State before the actual referendum, possibly through modified Australian of the Year Awards.
6. Campaign through Australian of the Year Awards: Use the existing Australian of the Year Awards platform for nominating and campaigning for the role of head of State.
7. Rules Formalization: Formalize rules for selecting an Australian head of State as new sections in the Australian Constitution.
8. Referendum: Present the formal rules for selecting a head of State to the public through a referendum under Section 128 of the Australian Constitution.
9. Incorporate Divisible Crown: Ensure that the option of retaining the divisible Crown is included in any vote or plebiscite on an Australian republic.
10. Safeguard Against Secession: Request the United Kingdom and Canada to enact changes in Acts related to the Statute of Westminster to ensure consistent democratic rules for the Crown of Australia.
11. Transition Ceremony: On the specified date, transfer sovereignty from the monarch to the Australian people symbolically through the first elected Australian head of State.
12. Promote Democracy: An independent Australia with an elected head of State can serve as a democratic example within the Commonwealth of Nations and promote liberal democracies globally.
13. Embrace Complexity: Acknowledge the emergence of complex systems, like democratic divisible Crowns, as a natural evolutionary process.
14. Expert Understanding: Ensure that experts advocating for a republic have a basic understanding of Australia’s democratic system and the nature of the Crown of Australia.

In summary, the path to an Australian republic involves consultation, harmonization of terminology, preventing divergence, a Constitutional Convention, testing the election process, using existing platforms for campaigns, formalizing rules, holding a referendum, safeguarding against secession, requesting international changes, and symbolically transferring sovereignty. The goal is to transition to a republic while maintaining unity and preserving Australia’s democratic values and system.

Here’s a summarized version of the proposed model for an Australian republic:

1. Single Head of State: One person will serve as the head of state for all of Australia, unifying the Federation and reflecting the personal unity of the divisible Crowns of Australia.
2. Monarch Replacement: Replace the monarch with an elected Australian head of state while retaining the existing constitutional framework.
3. Values-Based Model: The new head of state represents Australian values of democracy, rule of law, service, fairness, and more, reflecting the nation’s highest ideals.
4. Term and Representation: The elected Australian head of state will serve a fixed term, with existing vice-regal representatives retained to represent the new head of state.
5. Reserve Powers Justification: Maintain reserve powers of the Governor-General and State Governors to preserve the separation of powers in a republic and prevent deadlock situations.
6. Election Process: Head of state elections will take place within each State and within the Territories for the Commonwealth in a round-robin fashion, alternating between the seven divisible Crowns of Australia.
7. Compulsory or Voluntary Voting: Voting for the head of state may be compulsory or voluntary (to be decided). The candidate with the most votes, using a first-past-the-post system, will win the election.
8. Term and Gender: The elected head of state’s term will be one year, alternating genders each term, beginning and ending on September 3rd.
9. Transition Period: The first elected Australian head of state, titled “Australian of the Year,” is targeted for September 3rd, 2032, commemorating the independence of the Commonwealth from the British Crown on September 3rd, 1939.
10. Deputy Roles: The elected head of state will serve as a deputy for six months before and after their term, ensuring a smooth transition.
11. Two-Year Service: Each elected head of state will serve for two years, with a shared duty arrangement, combining periods as a deputy and the head of state.
12. Gender Diversity: Both genders will be represented in the head of state and deputy roles at all times.
13. Role Constraints: The “Australian of the Year” head of state role is ceremonial, adhering to conventions and refraining from political involvement. The elected head of state cannot exercise reserve powers.
14. Replacement Mechanism: In case of misadventure or impeachment, the Governor-General or respective Governors will act as replacements.
15. Misconduct and Removal: Processes for removing an elected head of state due to misconduct will be established.

In essence, this proposed model outlines the transformation from a constitutional monarchy to a republic by electing an Australian head of state while preserving key aspects of the existing constitutional structure.