LETTER: No republic for an Australia free of dictators

THE passing of Australia Day was celebrated once again by the Australian people in celebration of our nation.

NO CHANGE: We’re better off having a monarchy than being a republic, says one reader.

THE passing of Australia Day was celebrated once again by the Australian people in celebration of our nation.

At the same time, we have the same complaint that it should be a day of shame because of what happened to the Aboriginal people, and that we are shackled to the British monarchy, and that we should become a republic, have our own head of state, and change the flag. First off, leave the flag as is.

Whether people like it or not, it was Britain that initially settled Australia, followed by mainland European people. Before that, the French, Dutch and Japan, were interested in colonising Australia. Would that have been better?

We already have our own Australian-born head of state in the office of the governor-general. Contrary to what many people believe, the Prime Minister appoints the governor-general.

If we are shackled to anything or anyone, it is our own governments and international agreements.

At least with our present system of government, we do have the chance of getting rid of dictators - less chance with a republic.

M CHAIMERS

Bundaberg