Australians don’t want to chase the dream of a republic

Tom Keneally has lost none of his literary craft in his call to arms (“ ‘Romeos’ of the republic must keep the faith”, 11/1). But it’s likely that a transition to an Australian head of state will remain a pipe dream for its advocates. They will always be up against the reasoned argument that, “If it ain’t broke why fix it?”. Further, the proposition that we will walk taller if our main man or woman is a resident of Yarralumla rather than Buckingham Palace has little currency in the minds of most Australians. If the matter comes to their attention again at a referendum it’s likely that with global uncertainty set to continue they will defer to the system they trust. Even if the rules for constitutional change required a simple majority it is hard to imagine Australians rushing to abandon the surety and certainty of the status quo.

Kim Keogh, Claremont, WA

Tom Keneally is almost correct. There is no logical reason for Australia to have a king, spades, hearts or clubs? And now is the time for us to grasp whatever is needed to make the change. We also have the outstanding example of a presidency in the US. How has it become so bad? Nobody could have devised a situation where Joe Biden or Donald Trump are the likely next president. Democracy has become hidden behind a political system that no longer seems to serve the people. We have an Australian example where we have a model that has a person called a governor-general, appointed by our parliament, who can and does perform various ceremonial duties, and signs documents and appoints elected politicians, all on advice from our elected parliament. All that is necessary is for us to cut the apron strings with the UK. We are a sovereign nation. We do not need permission except from ourselves. Our parliament. It is why we elected them. We can stop welcoming to country. We are one.

David Tiller, East Jindabyne, NSW

Amusing read by Tom Keneally who would like to see a republic in Australia sooner rather than later. Yet when we look at the proposals put forward by ARM for transitioning from monarchy to republic, one realises it’s just emotional fulfilment for the supporters of ARM rather then a beneficial move for our country. In fact, it could be a disaster! We could in fact get to a point where individual states declare independence and form their own national state once that invisible royal hand of government is extinguished. ARM should first come up with a list of real economic benefits to us all, before pushing its emotional republican inspirations on to the rest of us.

Kon Parris, Parramatta, NSW

Tom Keneally is right. We are a secondary entity. Our head of state is a foreigner. A foreign flag is in the most powerful position on our flag. Our Constitution is a mere schedule to an Act of a foreign government. And our government doesn’t seem to care a hoot. Arise Australia.

Roy McKeen, Coombabah, Qld

When are republicans going to realise that a majority of Australians are “relaxed and comfortable” with Australia being a constitutional monarchy? Australia is a strong, vibrant nation battling to overcome societal division with race relations and external conflicts highlighted in the media and permeating through the community. The last thing the country needs is another divisive issue to fracture society. The ties Australia has with Britain are integral to who we are as a nation and should be retained. In other words, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”.

Riley Brown, Bondi Beach, NSW

Perhaps it is unfortunate that fiction writer Tom Keneally chose the tale of the legendary star-crossed lovers from the wilfully hating families of Montague and Capulet as his analogy for the progress of the republic, for in the end they both were dead. However, his fictional account is well placed, beside the Treasurer’s fictional account of economic plan and progress (“We’re winning the inflation battle but challenges lie ahead”, 11/1) and beneath the brilliant Johannes Leak cartoon that tells it as it is, but more sharply and more succinctly with no unnecessary adornment.

At least, unlike the Treasurer, Keneally reveals genuine concern for the present state of the nation when he writes that we’re left to worry about prices and the cost of living, adding “and dear heaven there’s lots to worry about out there”.

Ian Dunlop, Hawks Nest, NSW